There is just one contested election for the Macomb City Council. Two candidates are running to replace Fifth Ward Alderwoman Gayle Carper, who is stepping down.
Ashley Katz and Caren Bordowitz both participated in the online candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of McDonough County. You can watch the forum here.
The event also included remarks from Macomb City Council, Macomb School Board, and Macomb Park District candidates who are running unopposed. Candidates for the Spoon River College Board of Trustees also participated.
Ashley Katz
Katz is the Interim Director of the University Union at Western Illinois University.
During the forum, Katz was asked about racial issues in the city.
“These issues are critical. They’re something that we need to pay attention to and think about. I think the main thing when it comes to these issues - as a city council member - would be to listen and to be transparent in decision-making,” Katz said.
She said she already has good working relationships with the next police chief, Jerel Jones, and with NAACP branch president Byron Oden-Shabazz.
Katz also said Macomb residents are concerned about economic development.
She thinks her experience working with budgets, facility management, and relationship building would serve her well on the city council.
Caren Bordowitz
Bordowitz also works at WIU, where she is a graphic designer for University Relations.
During the LWV forum, Bordowitz was also asked about racial issues.
“I am very sensitive to the racial attitudes in this town. I think that having our new police chief is going to be a good step forward to building better relationships,” Bordowitz said.
Bordowitz added she would listen to the people and work with them as much as possible.
Bordowitz also said Macomb residents are concerned about the condition of the city’s roads.
She said she’s running because she wants to give back to the community and that she has the time and interest to devote to the position.
Voting Times
Early voting is being held at the McDonough County Courthouse from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. weekdays.
The courthouse will also be open for early voting this Saturday, April 3, from 9:00 a.m. – Noon.
Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, April 6, from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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