On April 1, several elections will take place across Vermilion County, including those for alderperson, mayor of Hoopeston and Georgetown, school boards, DACC college board, and village trustees.
As part of this year’s local election coverage, the Commercial-News is running a series of question and answer stories, giving each candidate a chance to share their vision for their community so voters can make a more informed decision when they head to the polls.
In this part of the series, we learn more about Andrew Atchie and Toby McElhaney — two candidates for Ward 1 Alderman in Hoopeston.
Candidates were limited to three sentences each in their answers.
How will you engage with your constituents if elected?
Andrew Atchie: “I will respond to constituent questions and issues in a timely manner and encourage feedback. Being retired and coaching gives me the ability to be available and in contact with more people on a daily basis.”
Toby McElhaney: “I was appointed to the council in October after I started going to the meetings, raising concerns about dilapidated homes in my neighborhood. There was a vacancy open in my ward, and I was asked to step in and serve. Since then, I’ve been working to address the concerns of both myself and my neighbors.”
What is the top issue facing the City of Hoopeston?
Atchie: “I believe not enough people are involved in the various club groups and committees in our area. It seems like the majority of people that are currently involved are part of numerous different groups. I feel if more people got involved it would prevent the overload that I have seen happen, as well as increase the number of citizens that feel like they can have an impact on our city.
McElhaney: “We need to develop our downtown and make it a destination anyone would want to go to, as well as a place for small businesses to flourish, helping to strengthen our community’s economy.”
What is the biggest issue facing the constituents in your ward, and if elected, what will you do to improve the situation?
Atchie: “Recently, my ward has had a lack of representatives; I believe one Ward seat has been unfilled for some time. If elected, I will ensure that the inquires of my ward will be addressed and I will always be committed to finding solutions that will benefit my ward and the City of Hoopeston.”
McElhaney: “Routes 1 and 9 intersect in my ward, giving us a chance to make a strong impression on visitors and travelers. We need to clean up the area, remove the eyesores, and bring in new businesses. I plan to work with current owners and potential developers to revitalize these spaces and create new opportunities.”