Three vying for Scott County Council GOP sign

WINCHESTER - Three people are running for a position to represent the Republican Party as a candidate for Scott County Council.

John Simmons, 60, has never held public office but is Winchester's director of public works and has held that position for 22 years.

One of his goals if elected is to help aid the county's economy.

"I'd like to see what we can do to attract new businesses to Scott County, keep our current departments properly funded, and possibly seek better benefits for county employees," Simmons said. "Today's economy is of great concern to all of us, and prices continue to rise. I think it's very important to budget and ensure that all of our current county departments have the resources they need. to function sufficiently."

In addition to his work as director of public works, Simmons also serves as the county's ordinances administrator and zoning administrator.

He said he believes the skills he has learned in his job will benefit the board.

"I have years of leadership as a manager or supervisor in my current position and my early years in retail," Simmons said. "From my experiences, I have worked with the budgeting process, long-term goals and planning, while making the necessary financial decisions."

He is married to Kathy and has three additional sons, two stepdaughters, two grandchildren and several pets.

Danny R. Hatcher, 71, will run to retain his position on the board. He was Commissioner for six years, Mayor of Glasgow for 12 to 15 years, a member of the Glasgow Board of Trustees and a member of the Winchester School Board for four years.

Hatcher said one of the biggest issues facing the county is money and finding the right balance between need and budget.

With demands from Winchester EMS, Bluffs Ambulance and Fire District, and all county maintenance strained resources.

"The business side is the problem in Scott County," Hatcher said. "I would like to see more business in the community, but it's hard to attract business when you don't have anything to offer. It's just about money. A lot of unanswered things take time and , above all, money."

Hatcher said he wanted to help support the local EMS service and attract new business.

He said that as commissioner for the past six years, he feels he knows what is happening in the community and what is and is not being done.

"I know a lot about what's going on and what needs to happen," Hatcher said. "It takes time and you have to think about what you're doing before you start spending money. I'm not above making mistakes. I drove people crazy, but I did this which is good."

Hatcher had been in the trucking business for over 30 years. He graduated in 1968 from Winchester High School.

He is the husband of Genise and the father of Angie, Eric and the late Chris.

Steven D. Grubb, 60, is president of the Scott, Morgan, Greene Water Cooperative.

He said if elected he hopes to help provide services to the community.

"[My goals are] to maintain services such as EMS, fire and law enforcement in the county," Grubb said. "Maintain services, while keeping taxes in line.

Grubb worked for 26 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and was promoted to lieutenant.

He is the husband of Amy Grubb.