ABOVE: Alderman Doug Ahrens officially announces his candidacy for Mayor of Danville; Thursday afternoon at downtown’s Temple Plaza.
Former Danville Director of Public Works and current Ward 7 Alderman Doug Ahrens made it official Thursday (May 21st) afternoon that he is running for Mayor of Danville, and that he intends to get the community more involved. Ahrens reiterated after his speech that that means both listening to what the public desires before making major decisions, as well as allowing the public more than three minutes per person during audience comment time at City Council meetings. He reflected upon his Director of Public Works days.
AUDIO: We had ward meetings. We had specific project meetings out in the neighborhoods. We held meetings where there was great attendance. And those were not all pleasant meetings, but the community was telling us what they wanted. If we don’t want to hear what they have to say, we need to look at ‘why is that?’ And so I see, that as we all get together, there will be more buy in from everyone. And we can help decide ‘what are the priorities?’
One previously discussed project that Ahrens wants to bring back is the “Bowman Avenue Beltline,” which called for grade separations for the two railroad crossings on Bowman between I-74 and the Vermilion Regional Airport. Ahrens says that just like with the Fairchild Overpass, local investment can be minimal. It’s a matter of getting the grants, finding the money, and wanting major development around the airport.
(First Picture) Pat O’Shaughnessy welcomes everyone and introduces Doug Ahrens. (Third Picture) Doug Ahrens is greeted by his grandchildren after speaking.
AUDIO: It would have increased our public safety response for both fire and police, by not having to deal with those tracks. And so while it was unfortunate that we did not get Hyster, it still has to be done. If there is going to be a project, it’s a lot better to say “there are no barriers,” than to say “well, there’s two railroad crossings you’ll have to deal with.”
Ahrens also mentioned “reducing the footprint” of Danville with its current smaller population. He confirmed with CIMG that he means both cutting back on city personnel, as well as cutting back on Danville’s geographical size; as part of a new long range plan.
AUDIO: It’s been talked about for over 30 years. Back in the days when residency was a requirement, you had people annexing properties into the city, so that they could live where they chose. But what it’s done is extended city services. And we need to look at that. We need to shrink and footprint. We need to eliminate some of that infrastructure. And that’s the only way we’re going to be able to survive.
The other three declared candidates for Mayor of Danville in the 2027 election area Alderwoman Tricia Teague, the Reverend Frank McCullough, and former Danville Police Officer Dennis Witsman. Current mayor Rickey Williams, Jr has not yet declared that he’s running.
