Salem Mayor Nic Farley has announced he will be a candidate for re-election in the April municipal election. Appointed City Councilwoman Amy Troutt has announced she will not seek election.
Farley has been mayor the past year and a half since winning election to a two year term to replace Rex Barbee when he was appointed city manager. Troutt had been appointed to replace Farley on the city council.
Farley noted in his announcement he has been blessed with the trust he has been given and feel there is more he can still do.
“If you look at our industrial park, we are seeing growth. All of our manufacturing facilities are seeing growth. People are wanting to move to Salem. We have challenges that we need to address. I’ve been in on the ground floor of seeing what those challenges are so I want to push forward and make sure we can fix them in the future. I think housing has to be at the key of what we do moving forward. So I would be grateful to the city if they trusted me with their vote.”
Farley says housing is key because there are not enough residents in town for all the new jobs he is anticipating from new companies looking at the city and current businesses looking to expand. He feels if more housing cannot be added the city will have to develop a plan to recruit workers from other cities.
Farley is also pleased with how the council and staff have been able to work together in completing projects and in key staffing decisions. He feels the conservative budgeting practiced by the council will also pay off, including the increased funding being placed in the police pension fund.
Meanwhile, Troutt cites her new position as Vice President of Student Services at Kaskaskia College for her decision.
“I am not likely going to be seeking the opportunity again primarily because of my role at my day job at Kaskaskia College has evolved significantly since I have been in this role. I have enjoyed the opportunity and learned a lot. I think it has helped me be more invested in my community but don’t think I can give it the justice it deserves and balance with the commitment I feel I owe the college as well.”
Councilman Craig Morton is also up for election for a four year term. He has not yet indicated his plans.
While the election may seem a long way off, packets containing nominating petitions that need to be filed in November are currently available from City Clerk Bev Quinn.
