Metro East Sun

Robert Jackstadt is running for another term as Glen Carbon mayor this spring and hopes voters will support him based on his track record as a dedicated public servant.

“I have served the community in public office for nearly 20 years, or 77 percent of my time that I have lived in Glen Carbon,” Jackstadt told Metro East Sun.

The first public office seat he held was on the Glen Carbon Planning & Zoning Commission for two years from 1993-95. Jackstadt proceeded to serve a four-year term as village trustee beginning in 1995, then spent two years as a District 7 School Board member from 2000-2001.

He also served the community by volunteering as youth sports coach for many years.

In 2005, Jackstadt became mayor and assures voters he will continue to fight for them as he has in the past if re-elected.

“I will continue to represent all village taxpayers -- whether they are lifelong residents or relatively new residents to Glen Carbon,” Jackstadt said. “In essence, I am interviewing for the position of mayor for Glen Carbon. Voters should compare and contrast my background and experience with that of my opponent.”

Jackstadt, who is being challenged by Trustee Steve Slemer, first moved to Glen Carbon in 1991 and believes the village is facing critical issues.

“The first major issue facing Glen Carbon is the potential commercial development of over 120 acres,” he said. “A large developer has plans to construct two different parcels in the next couple of years.”

He says his experience as mayor would be an asset in ensuring the best possible outcome for residents.

“Using my background and prior experience in dealing with large developers seeking business district incentives, I will lead the village in negotiations to identify concerns and make sure all issues impacting our taxpayers are addressed,” Jackstadt said.

The second major issue the village is facing is the Old Troy Road Reconstruction Project, which will be ongoing for the next two years.

“Historically, the state would help fund this project but that will not happen since the state of Illinois continues to operate without a budget,” Jackstadt said. “Glen Carbon needs an experienced leader to keep the village financially sound, safe and moving forward over the next four years despite this major capital improvements project and others.”      

Jackstadt said his independent leadership and experience as mayor is working well for Glen Carbon and listed several accomplishments the village has achieved under his leadership.

In 2009, Glen Carbon was voted one of the top 100 places to live in the country by CNN Money Magazine.

Since 2005, the village has reduced its debt from $20.9 million to $7.2 million, and increased its sales tax revenue from $1.9 million to $3.4 million.

In addition, property values in the village have increased by 16 percent from a villagewide EAV (Equalized Assessed Value) of $283.1 million to $328.7 million.

During that time, Randstadt has also improved communication with residents and business owners alike by opening Village Board meetings and allowing everyone to voice their opinions on any issue, publishing the village newsletter The Communicator quarterly, encouraging V-mail notices to residents, and establishing the first Glen Carbon Residents’ Advisory Board, he said.