The race for Ward 2 on the Danville city council is a unique one this year, as there are four candidates running – but all will be write-in candidates. Current Alderman Dan Duncheon is not running for re-election as he is moving to Tilton. No one filed to run before the December deadline to be listed on the ballot by name.
David Connolly Jr., Ronnie Harrier, Jerry Lindquist and Carolyn Wands are the candidates for the Ward 2 seat, which includes Vermilion Heights, downtown Danville and Rabbittown. Only Wands responded to inquiries from VermilionCountyFirst.com.
Wands is active in the West Downtown Neighborhood Association and has restored several houses in the city. She says that the area has similar issues that other areas of the city have, such as vacant houses and streets that are in need of repair. However, she says the addition of a major employer will have a huge effect on her neighborhood.
“I think that Carle coming in Ward 2 is going to help our ward and the city,” she says. “It’s not just about Ward 2, it’s about what’s going to help our city.”
Wands says that Danville has been dealing with the issue of business development and population for many years. However, she says changing attitudes could help draw more people into Danville.
“If we, the people who already live here, were more positive and more involved, then maybe other people would see the good in it and not just the negativism, and we could draw people in that way,” she explains.
You can listen to our full interview with Carolyn Wands along with other city and school candidates under the VOTE tab.
