Angela Churchill: 2025 candidate for St. Charles City Council Ward 2

Bio

Office Sought: St. Charles City Council Ward 2

City: St. Charles

Age: 54

Occupation: Senior executive administrator

Previous offices held: None

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

Funding the upgrade and maintenance of the city’s utility infrastructure will be a key challenge for future city councils. It is essential that all feasible cost-saving measures be explored and implemented when planning these necessary improvements, which will enhance the quality of life for all St. Charles residents.

Additionally, the city council should proactively evaluate reasonable revenue-generating options that do not impose an undue financial burden on residents.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Although the city carries some debt, its overall financial position remains strong. Our reserves are stable, and we maintain an Aa1 bond rating from Moody’s.

Mall: Collaboration with the mall developer stalled after a split vote allowed annexation for a separate 350-unit apartment complex, The Springs. The developer warned how this would impact the mall’s revitalization (letter on my website). The mall remains an eyesore and public safety concern with no progress or collaboration. Redeveloping this site must be a priority, and I am eager to work with the developer to bring substantial revenue to St. Charles.

IMEA: St. Charles receives energy from Prairie State/IMEA, which relies heavily on coal. IMEA is pushing for a 20-year contract renewal 10 years early, locking us in until 2055. This is financially irresponsible given evolving energy technologies and unknown risks. We should not sign this contract but instead explore cleaner, cost-effective alternatives over the next decade.

Police station: I support repurposing this building while preserving riverfront greenspace and historic structures. Large-scale development should be avoided to maintain the area's charm and public accessibility.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

The most critical infrastructure priorities for the city are road maintenance and replacement, along with enhancements to the water distribution system.

To address these needs effectively, the city must explore additional revenue sources and identify cost-saving measures that can be implemented without placing a financial burden on residents.

Given the city’s strong financial position and anticipated growth in sales tax revenue, I am confident that we can continue progressing with our planned infrastructure projects. All projects that are essential would take priority while carefully monitoring the budget throughout each step to completion.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

As a senior executive administrator, I have experience collaborating, strategizing, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders to determine legal policies. I have facilitated discussions, provided data-driven insights, and ensured that policy decisions align with the organization’s best interests while remaining fiscally responsible and legally sound.

An effective leadership style for managing local government emphasizes collaboration and transparency. City councils must engage in open discussions, consider diverse perspectives, and balance priorities to find common ground among board members, staff, and residents.

Presenting well-researched information and making practical compromises that align with community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility are essential.

This approach ensures that the city council operates efficiently and effectively for taxpayers. Well-informed, community-focused decisions create a productive environment where policies are both achievable and sustainable. I am confident this method will foster effective governance and meaningful community improvements.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I take being fiscally responsible and accountability with a strong focus on transparency and integrity quite seriously. I care about what constituents are concerned about and that their voices are being heard. I am exceptionally confident about my dedication, problem solving abilities and decision making and will have the best interests of the community. Collaborating with council members to get matters resolved with smart and efficient spending will be a top priority.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

I would like to repurpose the old police station to potentially house the history museum, given its pressing need for additional space. This solution would provide the museum with the necessary room to expand while making efficient use of an existing city facility and, in turn, preserve the open space and charm.