Data centers, Flock license-plate-reading cameras, transparency, a dwindling population, and a 2024 Woodford County Board decision to declare Woodford a “non-sanctuary county” for migrants are some of the issues that drew an unprecedented challenge by a slate of Democratic candidates running in the Nov. 3 election.
The Woodford County Board has been an all-Republican elected body for years. But now, five challengers are running in three districts in an attempt to broaden voices on the board.
Five Democrats are running for the all-Republican Woodford County Board. From left to right, Jeff Bailey, Bruce Everett, Joe Albright and Noah Dwyer. Gee Altaee not pictured.
STEVE STEIN
Five board members represent each district, and three of the five Democrats — Joe Albright, Noah Dwyer and Bruce Everett — are competing in District 2 in a six-candidate race for three open seats against members Denise Durst and Zachary Ferris and Republican challenger Dylan Steffen.
In District 1, Jeff Bailey is running against board members James Bauman and Randy Barth. Two seats are open. Gee Altaee is running against board members Blake Parsons and Ryan Knapp in District 3. Two seats are open.
Albright and Everett are Spring Bay Township trustees. This is the first time Altaee, Bailey, and Dwyer have run for public office.
Albright is a professor and consultant who lives in a( part of East Peoria that’s in Woodford County: “I’m running to use my experience in business, education, law enforcement and public service,” he said, “to help strengthen our communities and leave Woodford County a safer and more prosperous place for current and future residents.”
Issues facing the board are “responsible use of taxpayer dollars, retaining and attracting residents and businesses, maintaining our infrastructure, and encouraging economic growth while preserving the rural character and quality of life that make Woodford County a great place to live,” he continued, noting that, according to the Census Bureau, Woodford County has lost almost 1% of its population since 2020. “If that trend continues, we need to be concerned about what a shrinking population means for our workforce, local businesses, tax base and cost of providing county services.”
Dwyer is a lawyer specializing in business and estate planning who teaches at Bradley University: “I believe I have the skills and experience to do a good job,” he said. “The last time I voted, I saw almost no Democrats on the ballot. It was disheartening to feel like no one in my local government reflected my values.
“This was especially true after learning of the board’s vote to be an anti-sanctuary county, a move I strongly opposed. I decided to try to be the change I wanted to see.”
Dwyer also opposes data centers and Flock cameras, he said, adding that he’s concerned about board transparency, citizen involvement, budgets and zoning. He believes his legal background would make him an asset in zoning and budgetary matters.
Everett is retired: “I’m running to use my vast experience (as a former project manager, chemist and small-business owner),” he said, “to bring all residents together and use our tax dollars more efficiently.”
Everett also is concerned about a falling population, jobs and farms in the county and “increased prices due to inefficient spending, which the board can fix through better fiscal oversight and prioritized budgeting.”
Bailey, an organizational change advisor and coach, said he wants to give back to his community by sharing his 20-plus years of experience working with state and local governments, and he wants to see “property tax relief, greater economic development (not data centers), streamlined operations to get the most value out of each tax dollar, and more engagement between the board and citizens.”
Republican Chuck Nagel (District 2) is not running for re-election after eight years on the board, the past four as chairman. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he commented. “The board has made great strides and improvements for the citizens. Woodford County will be in great hands after I leave. The people in the board seats will continue to work towards the common goal of improving everyone’s quality of life in the county.”
Altaee did not respond to questions.