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Riverton candidates state their case at packed forum
The Riverton Village Library Board of Trustees hosted a very well attended “Meet the Candidates Night” on March 30 in the Riverton Municipal Building. People lined the back
and sides of the room to hear moderator Jim Leach of local radio station WMAY pose questions to candidates, which had been submitted to him in advance by the audience.
Each of the school board, mayoral and trustee candidates was allowed a two-minute opening statement, and also given one minute to respond to the same question Leach
asked, and another minute each for his or her closing statement.
The school board candidates of Kim Frick Baskett, Pam Cuffle, Brad Garcia, Ann Holladay, Scott McClure, Dirk McCormick and Larry Patterson kicked off at 7 p.m., and after
their opening statements, were asked, “Now that the district has been on the balanced calendar for seven years, what was their opinion of it and why other public schools in this
county and contiguous counties hadn’t adopted it, and what made Riverton so unique as to need it?”
Kim Baskett replied that it wasn’t so much a matter of when or if other districts adopt it; she thinks the breaks are helpful. Pam Cuffle said she enjoys the calendar and
believes she saw a difference in students and staff when she worked at the middle school. Brad Garcia and Ann Holladay echoed those sentiments of the break being a
positive. Scott McClure, Dirk McCormick and Larry Patterson each mentioned that while initially being opposed to it due to different concerns, they believe it has been accepted
overall and not interfered with students being able to work during the summer, for instance, before returning to school earlier than other districts.
The next question regarding zero tolerance discipline for students who find themselves at a party where alcohol is involved, got mixed responses. Cuffle said students who
leave a party after finding out alcohol is present, and report it, is a different situation. Garcia said kids should know better and use common sense in anticipating what’s going
to happen at parties. Holladay said she thinks it’s a good rule, but McClure thought it should be considered on a case-by-case basis, allowing students to report it once they left
the party, for instance. McCormick said extenuating circumstances do play into that, and Patterson agreed with McClure on the case-by-case consideration. Baskett also said a
student who finds out alcohol is served should be able to leave and report it.
The third question had to do with per pupil spending, the economy and the district’s budget: What would you cut if it is necessary?
Garcia responded extracurricular activities would be cut first, but keep education at current level. Holladay said the district should evaluate everything, and McClure believes the
school board members are stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. He noted districts are not receiving as much reimbursement from the state, and perhaps it’s possible to go to a four-
day attendance week, as schools in other states have done to save on utilities and transportation costs. McCormick believes Riverton is in better fiscal shape than others, but
extracurriculars would be cut before staff, with which Patterson concurred. Baskett said online classes could be considered, and Cuffle also mentioned four-day attendance as
a possibility.
The final question for school board candidates was “In the last 10 years, what is the best and worst decisions you think the school board has made?”
Holladay said the year-round calendar was tops and she could not think of a specific worst decision. McClure could not think of anything in the “worst” category either, and the
best was the district had become less landlocked. McCormick thought the balanced calendar got a best nod, with the Everyday Math program taking the worst vote. Patterson
said the best was growth, but unfortunately with that was the decision to force the sale of homes of older residents near the high school to the district. Cuffle thought the new
technology program at the high school was best, and also cited Everyday Math as the worst, as did Garcia, but he also noted the high school fine arts building as one of the best.
After the school board candidates’ closing statements, the next individuals to take questions were the mayoral candidates. Jeb Brown, Tom Rader and Bob Todd gave opening
statements, and backgrounds. The first question to them was “What are your plans for police to address crime? Perhaps dissolve the Riverton Police force and have the
county patrol Riverton?”
Rader said he was surprised that in 2007 Riverton had the second highest crime rate in the county. A second officer was added to cover problem areas, and this has resulted
in a drop in statistics for Riverton in 2008. Those statistics were recently released, and he does not support disbanding our force.
Bob Todd said there needs to be more involvement of the community from the police. He’s familiar with the crime statistics, he said, because his home had been vandalized.
Brown believes there needs to be more involvement and accountability by the chief of Riverton’s police on down.
On a related question of more money for police, Todd said perhaps realigning officers and having them cover different areas, such as the high school, would be more effective
than money alone. Brown believes, again, that accountability and leadership are key, and the village budget is already at a half million dollars for police. Rader said he believes
the police department is staffed correctly and wouldn’t add money just to do it.
The question of non-working fire hydrants in the village was raised. How would the trustees correct that? Brown responded “start with the Riverton Fire Protection District and
work with the village to correct that problem.” Rader said this is being addressed, and has been, for approximately one year. Todd said 43 out of 199 hydrants are non-
functioning in the village, and this is a problem that needs immediate correction.
“Does the village have a water crisis” was next discussed. Rader said that “crisis” was not correct, but the village continues to be in the process of updating its water plant.
Todd responded he considers it more along the lines of it could be a crisis, with the aquifer’s capacity, and at the village meetings he’s attended, the engineer responsible for
the water plant updates hasn’t provided a resolution. Brown said right now it’s not a crisis, but it could get there. The village needs to work with the City of Springfield, who
purchased the gravel pit.
The next inquiry was “How would you help the village attract business to Riverton?” Todd said making the town attractive and constructing sidewalks on many of the village’s
main roads is key. Brown responded ever since he has been young, he’s been interested in bringing activities to Riverton that get people involved. Rader said he’s attended
Chamber of Commerce seminars on attracting businesses, and has been working on sidewalk extension for four years, and will continue to do that.
“What areas of public improvements do you see necessary?” was the next question posed by Leach. Brown cited concerns with streets’ conditions and the village’s lack of
money to make repairs. Rader believes infrastructure concerns is something they’ve done the best they can do with the money available. He gave rock and chipping roads as
an example. Drainage has also been a concern, and the village just put in a large drain by the high school parking lot near Blackburn Street, and a new sidewalk. Todd
responded the sewer extension on Washington Street needs to move forward, as this is a priority for many in that area.
The liquor ordinance and selling to minors was a question, regarding if the candidates felt the village was enforcing it. Rader said he doesn’t believe businesses are selling
liquor to minors, Todd said the state laws are strict and our ordinance should follow them, and Brown replied everyone to his knowledge is complying.
The recent multi-year agreement with the IMEA to provide electricity was the next question. Todd wasn’t impressed by the meeting leading up to this decision, and said there
wasn’t enough public involvement and it was pushed through. Brown agreed with Todd that it was rushed, and it could have been something to go on a referendum, since it
was multi-year, extending far beyond current trustees’ terms. Rader said the MISO changes actually forced the village to consider the agreement quickly.
The next question had to do with once being elected mayor, would you put a stop to trustees dictating village employees’ jobs? Brown believes it is a step-by-step process
through personnel and job descriptions. Rader agreed, and Todd said that’s why you have a superintendent, to supervise the employees.
“Are you pro-union?” Rader responded yes, his father was a member of IBEW. There is a time and place for everything, and contracts can be negotiated. Todd reported that
Teamsters 916 and Laborers 477 have endorsed him, and Brown jokingly said his feelings aren’t hurt he didn’t get one of those endorsements, and he’s still pro-union.
“What is your opinion on the idea of ever hiring a village manager?” Todd said there are pros and cons to it, and he’s not in favor of it right now because there is no extra money
in the budget. Brown said there are not enough funds. More leadership and accountability would help, then if the economy straightens up, maybe consider it then. Rader also
noted there is not enough money, so no.
The ordinance denying minors tobacco possession was next asked about, with Brown stating he thinks the village has surveyed businesses on the sales compliance end of it,
and they have complied. The police can’t be every kid’s parent. Rader said he doesn’t believe a separate ordinance is needed, and it didn’t seem to be linked to the crime
statistics. Todd responded there is an ordinance in place currently to address it and it should be enforced. The mayoral candidates then gave their closing statements.
At 8:12 p.m. the trustee candidates of Jim Cleaver, Sr., Pat Faires, Rich Pottier, Tina Raycraft, Chris Wieland and Ralph Willoughby gave their opening statements and
backgrounds. Incumbent Pat Faires provided the best line of the night when he said “I wasn’t born in Riverton, but I got here as soon as I could!” Gary Holladay, also a trustee
candidate, was not present for family emergency reasons, according to Leach.
The first question had to do with crime reduction and cuts to the police force. Faires cited ‘08 statistics that have decreased in six out of seven categories as compared to ‘07.
Pottier doesn’t believe police should be cut back in either equipment or continuing education, and he is not in favor of going only with county coverage. Raycraft believes more
dispersement of police, maybe two during one shift, such as the 3-11 p.m. shift, and obtaining the funding to do that. Wieland said the last place to cut would be the police
department, and mentioned the taser ordinance passed at the last board meeting. Willoughby suggested to look at what times crimes are committed. They happen in the
daytime too, and he suggested a Neighborhood Watch program. Cleaver would not recommend cuts and mentioned Neighborhood Watch too. None of the candidates
supported Sangamon County taking over Riverton’s patrols as well.
On the question of the IMEA contract being approved, Raycraft said she had not read that 72-page document, but that trustees should be relied upon to make the best decision.
Wieland said he’s not in favor of higher rates. Willoughby noted IMEA does not have a coal-fired plant, and he would never sign a 26-year agreement. Cleaver said it’s too late
to do anything about it now, but felt the citizens should have been informed well in advance. Faires told the audience that MISO put the time restrictions on this, as they cover all
municipalities. The village’s hands were tied and he felt it was the best offer he saw in comparing it to Ameren, etc. Pottier feels he represented the village. It was a difficult
decision, but it’s a co-op agreement, which is favorable to us.
“Would the village purchase water from CWLP if it’s cheaper than producing it here?” was the next question posed by Leach. Wieland said yes, if we can still keep our plant in
the event CWLP would raise its rates. Willoughby responded if we can get it from Springfield cheaper, yes, but absolutely we should keep our plant. Cleaver believes it
something we can look at, but we are on well water and the city is not, so receiving their water would be compatibility concern. Faires also said he’s willing to look at it, but cited
the compatibility issue. Pottier believes that fiscally our residents cannot afford to maintain two systems and that we should remain independent. Raycraft would rather stay
independent, but could CWLP guarantee rates?
Attracting growth and paying for infrastructure was the next question. Willoughby believes growth should not occur at the expense of the taxpayer. Roads and culverts need to
support it. Cleaver said the only way Riverton can grow is east, and the Washington Street sewer project should be completed. Faires agrees. Petersburg Plumbing & Heating
has put that project on hold because of the high levels of water underground and safety issues to their employees to install the line. Pottier believes the village has to grow both
business and residential areas, and possibly use incentives to get businesses here. Raycraft believes that completing projects will attract businesses and developments.
Wieland said the budget needs to support the infrastructure.
The ordinance on serving liquor after hours, and ensuring minors are not served, was a question posed as “Do you believe this is happening?” Faires believes Riverton has to
enforce every ordinance on the books. The mayor is the current liquor commissioner, and perhaps that should be placed in a committee’s hands rather than fall on one
person. Pottier believes in ordinance enforcement. Raycraft, Wieland, Willoughby and Cleaver all agreed that ordinance should be enforced equally.
The final question was “What would be your No. 1 priority as trustee?” Pottier stated fair and stable utility rates. Raycraft would be a voice for all residents. Wieland would
ensure that residents are part of the decision making process. Willoughby would like the Zoning Committee to meet every three months, as they are supposed to do. Cleaver
would like communication to citizens far in advance of items to be voted upon. Faires believes in controlled growth supported by infrastructure, and would like to continue his
work on the Field of Dreams. The candidates then gave their closing statements.
The Riverton Village Library Board of Trustees hosted a very well attended “Meet the Candidates Night” on March 30 in the Riverton Municipal Building. People lined the back
and sides of the room to hear moderator Jim Leach of local radio station WMAY pose questions to candidates, which had been submitted to him in advance by the audience.
Each of the school board, mayoral and trustee candidates was allowed a two-minute opening statement, and also given one minute to respond to the same question Leach
asked, and another minute each for his or her closing statement.
The school board candidates of Kim Frick Baskett, Pam Cuffle, Brad Garcia, Ann Holladay, Scott McClure, Dirk McCormick and Larry Patterson kicked off at 7 p.m., and after
their opening statements, were asked, “Now that the district has been on the balanced calendar for seven years, what was their opinion of it and why other public schools in this
county and contiguous counties hadn’t adopted it, and what made Riverton so unique as to need it?”
Kim Baskett replied that it wasn’t so much a matter of when or if other districts adopt it; she thinks the breaks are helpful. Pam Cuffle said she enjoys the calendar and
believes she saw a difference in students and staff when she worked at the middle school. Brad Garcia and Ann Holladay echoed those sentiments of the break being a
positive. Scott McClure, Dirk McCormick and Larry Patterson each mentioned that while initially being opposed to it due to different concerns, they believe it has been accepted
overall and not interfered with students being able to work during the summer, for instance, before returning to school earlier than other districts.
The next question regarding zero tolerance discipline for students who find themselves at a party where alcohol is involved, got mixed responses. Cuffle said students who
leave a party after finding out alcohol is present, and report it, is a different situation. Garcia said kids should know better and use common sense in anticipating what’s going
to happen at parties. Holladay said she thinks it’s a good rule, but McClure thought it should be considered on a case-by-case basis, allowing students to report it once they left
the party, for instance. McCormick said extenuating circumstances do play into that, and Patterson agreed with McClure on the case-by-case consideration. Baskett also said a
student who finds out alcohol is served should be able to leave and report it.
The third question had to do with per pupil spending, the economy and the district’s budget: What would you cut if it is necessary?
Garcia responded extracurricular activities would be cut first, but keep education at current level. Holladay said the district should evaluate everything, and McClure believes the
school board members are stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. He noted districts are not receiving as much reimbursement from the state, and perhaps it’s possible to go to a four-
day attendance week, as schools in other states have done to save on utilities and transportation costs. McCormick believes Riverton is in better fiscal shape than others, but
extracurriculars would be cut before staff, with which Patterson concurred. Baskett said online classes could be considered, and Cuffle also mentioned four-day attendance as
a possibility.
The final question for school board candidates was “In the last 10 years, what is the best and worst decisions you think the school board has made?”
Holladay said the year-round calendar was tops and she could not think of a specific worst decision. McClure could not think of anything in the “worst” category either, and the
best was the district had become less landlocked. McCormick thought the balanced calendar got a best nod, with the Everyday Math program taking the worst vote. Patterson
said the best was growth, but unfortunately with that was the decision to force the sale of homes of older residents near the high school to the district. Cuffle thought the new
technology program at the high school was best, and also cited Everyday Math as the worst, as did Garcia, but he also noted the high school fine arts building as one of the best.
After the school board candidates’ closing statements, the next individuals to take questions were the mayoral candidates. Jeb Brown, Tom Rader and Bob Todd gave opening
statements, and backgrounds. The first question to them was “What are your plans for police to address crime? Perhaps dissolve the Riverton Police force and have the
county patrol Riverton?”
Rader said he was surprised that in 2007 Riverton had the second highest crime rate in the county. A second officer was added to cover problem areas, and this has resulted
in a drop in statistics for Riverton in 2008. Those statistics were recently released, and he does not support disbanding our force.
Bob Todd said there needs to be more involvement of the community from the police. He’s familiar with the crime statistics, he said, because his home had been vandalized.
Brown believes there needs to be more involvement and accountability by the chief of Riverton’s police on down.
On a related question of more money for police, Todd said perhaps realigning officers and having them cover different areas, such as the high school, would be more effective
than money alone. Brown believes, again, that accountability and leadership are key, and the village budget is already at a half million dollars for police. Rader said he believes
the police department is staffed correctly and wouldn’t add money just to do it.
The question of non-working fire hydrants in the village was raised. How would the trustees correct that? Brown responded “start with the Riverton Fire Protection District and
work with the village to correct that problem.” Rader said this is being addressed, and has been, for approximately one year. Todd said 43 out of 199 hydrants are non-
functioning in the village, and this is a problem that needs immediate correction.
“Does the village have a water crisis” was next discussed. Rader said that “crisis” was not correct, but the village continues to be in the process of updating its water plant.
Todd responded he considers it more along the lines of it could be a crisis, with the aquifer’s capacity, and at the village meetings he’s attended, the engineer responsible for
the water plant updates hasn’t provided a resolution. Brown said right now it’s not a crisis, but it could get there. The village needs to work with the City of Springfield, who
purchased the gravel pit.
The next inquiry was “How would you help the village attract business to Riverton?” Todd said making the town attractive and constructing sidewalks on many of the village’s
main roads is key. Brown responded ever since he has been young, he’s been interested in bringing activities to Riverton that get people involved. Rader said he’s attended
Chamber of Commerce seminars on attracting businesses, and has been working on sidewalk extension for four years, and will continue to do that.
“What areas of public improvements do you see necessary?” was the next question posed by Leach. Brown cited concerns with streets’ conditions and the village’s lack of
money to make repairs. Rader believes infrastructure concerns is something they’ve done the best they can do with the money available. He gave rock and chipping roads as
an example. Drainage has also been a concern, and the village just put in a large drain by the high school parking lot near Blackburn Street, and a new sidewalk. Todd
responded the sewer extension on Washington Street needs to move forward, as this is a priority for many in that area.
The liquor ordinance and selling to minors was a question, regarding if the candidates felt the village was enforcing it. Rader said he doesn’t believe businesses are selling
liquor to minors, Todd said the state laws are strict and our ordinance should follow them, and Brown replied everyone to his knowledge is complying.
The recent multi-year agreement with the IMEA to provide electricity was the next question. Todd wasn’t impressed by the meeting leading up to this decision, and said there
wasn’t enough public involvement and it was pushed through. Brown agreed with Todd that it was rushed, and it could have been something to go on a referendum, since it
was multi-year, extending far beyond current trustees’ terms. Rader said the MISO changes actually forced the village to consider the agreement quickly.
The next question had to do with once being elected mayor, would you put a stop to trustees dictating village employees’ jobs? Brown believes it is a step-by-step process
through personnel and job descriptions. Rader agreed, and Todd said that’s why you have a superintendent, to supervise the employees.
“Are you pro-union?” Rader responded yes, his father was a member of IBEW. There is a time and place for everything, and contracts can be negotiated. Todd reported that
Teamsters 916 and Laborers 477 have endorsed him, and Brown jokingly said his feelings aren’t hurt he didn’t get one of those endorsements, and he’s still pro-union.
“What is your opinion on the idea of ever hiring a village manager?” Todd said there are pros and cons to it, and he’s not in favor of it right now because there is no extra money
in the budget. Brown said there are not enough funds. More leadership and accountability would help, then if the economy straightens up, maybe consider it then. Rader also
noted there is not enough money, so no.
The ordinance denying minors tobacco possession was next asked about, with Brown stating he thinks the village has surveyed businesses on the sales compliance end of it,
and they have complied. The police can’t be every kid’s parent. Rader said he doesn’t believe a separate ordinance is needed, and it didn’t seem to be linked to the crime
statistics. Todd responded there is an ordinance in place currently to address it and it should be enforced. The mayoral candidates then gave their closing statements.
At 8:12 p.m. the trustee candidates of Jim Cleaver, Sr., Pat Faires, Rich Pottier, Tina Raycraft, Chris Wieland and Ralph Willoughby gave their opening statements and
backgrounds. Incumbent Pat Faires provided the best line of the night when he said “I wasn’t born in Riverton, but I got here as soon as I could!” Gary Holladay, also a trustee
candidate, was not present for family emergency reasons, according to Leach.
The first question had to do with crime reduction and cuts to the police force. Faires cited ‘08 statistics that have decreased in six out of seven categories as compared to ‘07.
Pottier doesn’t believe police should be cut back in either equipment or continuing education, and he is not in favor of going only with county coverage. Raycraft believes more
dispersement of police, maybe two during one shift, such as the 3-11 p.m. shift, and obtaining the funding to do that. Wieland said the last place to cut would be the police
department, and mentioned the taser ordinance passed at the last board meeting. Willoughby suggested to look at what times crimes are committed. They happen in the
daytime too, and he suggested a Neighborhood Watch program. Cleaver would not recommend cuts and mentioned Neighborhood Watch too. None of the candidates
supported Sangamon County taking over Riverton’s patrols as well.
On the question of the IMEA contract being approved, Raycraft said she had not read that 72-page document, but that trustees should be relied upon to make the best decision.
Wieland said he’s not in favor of higher rates. Willoughby noted IMEA does not have a coal-fired plant, and he would never sign a 26-year agreement. Cleaver said it’s too late
to do anything about it now, but felt the citizens should have been informed well in advance. Faires told the audience that MISO put the time restrictions on this, as they cover all
municipalities. The village’s hands were tied and he felt it was the best offer he saw in comparing it to Ameren, etc. Pottier feels he represented the village. It was a difficult
decision, but it’s a co-op agreement, which is favorable to us.
“Would the village purchase water from CWLP if it’s cheaper than producing it here?” was the next question posed by Leach. Wieland said yes, if we can still keep our plant in
the event CWLP would raise its rates. Willoughby responded if we can get it from Springfield cheaper, yes, but absolutely we should keep our plant. Cleaver believes it
something we can look at, but we are on well water and the city is not, so receiving their water would be compatibility concern. Faires also said he’s willing to look at it, but cited
the compatibility issue. Pottier believes that fiscally our residents cannot afford to maintain two systems and that we should remain independent. Raycraft would rather stay
independent, but could CWLP guarantee rates?
Attracting growth and paying for infrastructure was the next question. Willoughby believes growth should not occur at the expense of the taxpayer. Roads and culverts need to
support it. Cleaver said the only way Riverton can grow is east, and the Washington Street sewer project should be completed. Faires agrees. Petersburg Plumbing & Heating
has put that project on hold because of the high levels of water underground and safety issues to their employees to install the line. Pottier believes the village has to grow both
business and residential areas, and possibly use incentives to get businesses here. Raycraft believes that completing projects will attract businesses and developments.
Wieland said the budget needs to support the infrastructure.
The ordinance on serving liquor after hours, and ensuring minors are not served, was a question posed as “Do you believe this is happening?” Faires believes Riverton has to
enforce every ordinance on the books. The mayor is the current liquor commissioner, and perhaps that should be placed in a committee’s hands rather than fall on one
person. Pottier believes in ordinance enforcement. Raycraft, Wieland, Willoughby and Cleaver all agreed that ordinance should be enforced equally.
The final question was “What would be your No. 1 priority as trustee?” Pottier stated fair and stable utility rates. Raycraft would be a voice for all residents. Wieland would
ensure that residents are part of the decision making process. Willoughby would like the Zoning Committee to meet every three months, as they are supposed to do. Cleaver
would like communication to citizens far in advance of items to be voted upon. Faires believes in controlled growth supported by infrastructure, and would like to continue his
work on the Field of Dreams. The candidates then gave their closing statements.
Issue Date: April 2, 2009
