Election 2025: Here's more about the two Republicans running to be Pontiac's next mayor
There's only one race on Pontiac's primary ballot Feb. 25, but it's a big one.
Two candidates from the Republican party are competing against each other for the Republican nomination for mayor.
Incumbent Bill Alvey is being challenged by city council member Kelly Eckhoff.
The Daily Leader sent questionnaires to the candidates. Here are some their responses.
Occupation: worked at Wright's Furniture for 39 years. Before that, he was advertising manager at the Daily Leader.
Background: Zoning Board 2½ years; Ward 1 Alderperson 5 years; Mayor 6 years (replaced Bob Russell, then elected in 2021); also served on Chamber of Commerce Board, PROUD Board (including as president), Downtown Merchants Association (4 years as chairman)
Family: wife, Diana, one son and two grandchildren
Education: Graduated from Pontiac Township High School and attended Illinois State University.
Why are you running for mayor? Running for re-election is important to me. I want to make sure plans we have started are finished.
What policies are most important to you? Among the projects in the works for the city are the fire department's substation, which has a very high priority. Also in the plans are the upcoming Route 66 Centennial plans (which is in 2026), work to be done on streets and so many other projects. We have put together a great team and staff to make our town the best we can.
What challenges does Pontiac face? Like so many other communities, we are facing issues on affordable housing, finding staff for our departments, which has brought us a loss of residents. We are working with state, county groups to build up our reach and improve our spread of information.
How do you plan to face these challenges? It comes down to working together and make the best outcome. Working together, we find ways to improve and overcome.
What are your accomplishments as a member of the city council? I'm very proud of our departments and staff. 1) Our fire department's growth and the way we have been able to take on the ambulance duty with 24-hour notice; 2) Our parks and rec growth, the addition of the ice rink, the buildup of Block 59.
I'd love to take credit for all the improvements and success we have had over the last 6-plus years, but it's been a group effort with the council, city administrator and city staff. Working with Adam Dontz and GLCEDC; working with each department has been easy with help of city administrator, monthly visits keep everyone thinking of team — from library to airport to state and federal government office holders.
Occupation: Eckhoff manages the farm properties owned by herself and her siblings. Her 'full-time' job has been volunteering in the community for more than 20 years. Her volunteering efforts have been at St. Mary's School/Church and Pontiac Elks #1019.
Background: Ward 2 alderperson since May 2007. Currently serves as chairman of the Finance & Administration Committee, chairman of the Housing Study Committee, and member of the Infrastructure Committee and Community Service committee. Council representative on the Citywide Heart & Soul community engagement process that was done in 2018-19. Was the lead planner for the city's weeklong celebration of its 175th birthday in 2012
Family: husband, Bob, three daughters and eight grandchildren
Education: Graduated from Pontiac Township High School and Illinois Wesleyan University, bachelor of arts degree in Accounting.
Why are you running for mayor? Pontiac needs to remain attractive to the next generation or our city will shrivel up and die. I will dedicate to making a difference so it can happen. I have the time and energy to commit to leading the decision-making process that will build a better tomorrow for Pontiac.
What policies are most important to you? Proactive planning has to be a priority. Communication and collaboration between local government and residents is critical to revitalizing our civic pride.'
What challenges does Pontiac face? Transportation maintenance is a never-ending challenge. Adequate housing is a critical challenge, and energy in our central business district — more retail, more shoppers, more events to engage people — is necessary. Also spending tax revenues wisely.
How do you plan to face these challenges? Council recently adopted a five-year infrastructure maintenance plan that will need periodic review. Increased sales tax revenues may allow us to make additions to the plan. The reality of infrastructure maintenance is that we are never going to keep up with it.
Keeping the residents informed is a monumental task that I want to conquer. If elected, I will plan for monthly (minimum) resident engagement events. The event will be an opportunity for residents to gather in a casual setting to learn what's going on with the city, and for them to share ideas/concerns. My intention is to create a positive platform for community engagement.
What are your accomplishments as a member of the city council? Our city council is comprised of a good team of people that work very well together. I am proud that we do maintain a fiscally responsible budget. That is not an individual accomplishment but is attributed to a good collaboration between the council and city staff.
Erich Murphy is a reporter with the Pontiac Daily Leader.
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Alvey faces challenge from Eckhoff for Pontiac mayor
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