A candidate for Galesburg City Council in April has emerged in Steve Cheesman.
The retired teacher and coach announced Wednesday that he’ll run in Ward 7.
Cheesman is also Director of the Gale Scholars program and a part time funeral assistant at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Home.
He for decades taught social studies at Churchill Junior High and coached a range of local sports teams including basketball, golf, and was the former Head Coach of Post 285 Legion Baseball.
Cheesman serves currently on the Galesburg Golf Advisory Commission, and is a member of Galesburg on Track Heart and Soul.
Cheesman in his announcement says an Alderman should “truly listen” to citizen concerns and ideas and do this by treating them with respect and dignity.
He says he wants many of the same things that other Galesburg residents want, listing streets, safe neighborhoods, things to do and good paying jobs.
Cheesman also cites a need to partner with schools, the county, businesses and economic groups and generally “any group that will help make our city better.”
Cheesman describes himself as a positive, optimistic and forward-thinking person.
He says, “helping make things happen” is a philosophy he tries to live by and, “negativity and finding reasons to avoid doing things is unacceptable.
WGIL has learned from Galesburg Election Commission Executive Director Lisa Watson that all four incumbents have picked up packets to run again.
That includes Larry Cox setting up a campaign between Cox and Cheesman. Other possible candidates can pick up packets and file petitions between Dec. 12 and 19.
The four wards that are up in April 2023 are 1, 3, 5, 7; meaning Bradley Hix, Kevin Wallace, Jaclyn Smith-Esters and Larry Cox will face re-election.
