Local election 2025 Q&A: Georgetown mayoral race

Yahoo

13-03-2025

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.
Today, we learn more about two candidates running for Mayor of the City of Georgetown — challenger Darren Alexander and incumbent Darin Rednour.
Candidates were limited to three sentences each in their answers.
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What is the top issue facing the City of Georgetown, and what do you intend to do about it, if elected/re-elected?
Darren Alexander: "It is essential for the residents to have a clear understanding of the decisions being made by the city council and the rationale behind them. Not everyone is able to attend council meetings, and some individuals may not feel fully welcome, so I am committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at these meetings. I will ensure that meetings are recorded and made available on the city's website, providing accessibility for those unable to attend in person."
Darin Rednour: "Blight is one of the biggest challenges facing our town, and it's an issue that affects not just property values but also our sense of pride and community. Over the past terms, we've worked to address neglected properties by joining the Vermilion County Landbank and starting a demolition fund in the city budget. If re-elected, I will continue to expand these efforts."
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How do you plan to engage your constituents, if elected/re-elected?
Alexander: "I will actively engage with the community by being present in various local settings, utilizing social media platforms, and maintaining a physical presence at City Hall. My goal is to address concerns in real-time, rather than requiring residents to wait for scheduled meetings to voice their issues. I believe in open communication and ensuring that residents feel heard and supported at all times."
Rednour: "Transparency isn't just a promise, it's the foundation of trust in our community. After hearing from many of you about the need for better communication, I'm committed to keeping everyone informed through a Quarterly Mayor's Message newsletter. Whether you prefer reading it online or in print, this short and easy-to-read update will share essential town projects and upcoming events so you always know what's happening in our town."
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Why should you be elected?
Alexander: "I aspire to be elected as mayor because I believe the community is in need of positive change. My commitment to Georgetown's success is unwavering. I want residents to feel confident that they have a mayor who prioritizes their best interests and is dedicated to the long-term prosperity of our city."
Rednour: "Having lived here my whole life, I care what happens to my hometown, the people of the community and the city employees. For the past 20 years on the town council, I've worked hard to keep the city fiscally viable. If re-elected, I will continue to work hard to keep things heading in the right direction, achieving the goals we've set, and keep the city functioning as a unit."