*Updated 03/19/2025 To include information presented by the Belleville News Democrat. Their link has been included beneath their contributions.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 is the Consolidated Election and polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
While there are several positions to vote on, such as Millstadt Village Board positions, Millstadt Township Board Positions, and even Millstadt Library Board Trustees.
While there are no current Election Guides from St. Clair County as of yet, we have compiled the 2025 Candidate Filings from the St. Clair County website which you can view here.
We'll keep an eye out for updated information from St. Clair County and the Belleville News Democrat. Click here to read a short blurb from The Republic-Times.
For more information on the candidates running, please see the list below on those with online presences (any information linked below was from a simple Google search);
MILLSTADT COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 160
There are four positions available.
Brian Triska (Unincorporated) - Text below courtesy of their Public Facebook Post
"Anyone in Millstadt Schools I'd appreciate your vote!"
Age as of April 1, 2025: 42
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No
Campaign website or social media page: Brian Triska for Millstadt School Board Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, I ran for St. Clair County Board of Review in 2024 and Stookey Township Precinct Committeeman in 2023.
Occupation: Owner of family construction business Education: 2001 graduate of Belleville West High School and 2005 Graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: At Millstadt Community Consolidated School I’ve been involved with the band parents association for six years helping to raise funds and to advance the program.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? With the Millstadt School being the single largest taxed entity on our tax bills, I’d like to ensure the taxpayers are getting the best school and education possible for this investment in the community. Ensuring the needs of the teachers and maintenance department are met is critical to providing a quality education and a well-kept facility for years to come.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My top focus is to promote a balanced student-to-teacher ratio and promote strategic planning in updating the facilities through marketing our school to incoming educators and competitive bidding processes on capital projects.
Why should people vote for you? I’m a firm believer of keeping an open-door policy and would serve as an advocate to parents and teachers.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/article301937269.html#storylink=cpy
Paige Brown (Unincorporated)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 34
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Paige Elbe Brown for Millstadt District 160 School Board
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Attorney and civil servant Education: Juris Doctor, St. Louis University (2014); Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2012)
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’ve dedicated my time to youth-serving and special needs organizations. These include Girl Scouts of the USA, Special Olympics, and Without Limits Team Galaxy.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am proud to say my campaign is self-funded.
Why are you running? There are several reasons I am running for Millstadt District 160 School Board, and all of them are close to my heart. As a mother of three young boys who will attend school in Millstadt District 160, I want to ensure my children have access to a high-quality education in a safe environment. As an individual with a special needs sibling, I want to ensure families and educators are empowered to secure the appropriate resources for special needs students. As a granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend of teachers, I want to ensure teachers feel supported and valued allowing Millstadt District 160 to attract and retain top talent.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Teacher turnover should always be considered a top issue in a school board election because it is deeply connected to the quality of education a school delivers. If elected, I intend to speak with teachers and staff to understand what the school board can do to better support meeting their needs. The goal is to enable Millstadt District 160 to keep the high-performing staff it already has and secure exceptional educators to fill vacant positions.
Why should people vote for you? My professional experience as both an attorney and civil servant has equipped me with a set of skills that will assist the Millstadt District 160 School Board in successfully navigating the challenges associated with running a high-performing school district composed of students with varied needs. My personal experience, particularly growing up with a special needs sibling, has created a drive in me to ensure each and every student’s needs are being met to the best of the school’s ability. The combination of my professional and personal experience makes me uniquely positioned to be a highly effective advocate for the children who attend school in Millstadt District 160.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/article301937269.html#storylink=cpy
Benjamin Jenkins (Incorporated) - See their Facebook Page
Age as of April 1, 2025: 38
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Ben Jenkins for Millstadt School Board Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Facilities coordinator
Education: Associate’s degree in applied science
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: N/A
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? Duty to community and school that builds the future. What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Millstadt schools are already strong— my goal is to help fine-tune and strengthen what’s already working in our schools while making thoughtful improvements to ensure continued success for students and teachers. We need to make sure funding is allocated efficiently to maintain and enhance facilities and classrooms. We need to provide fair working conditions necessary for educators to continue delivering exceptional instruction. And we need to ensure every student has additional and necessary support they need and opportunities to excel.
Why should people vote for you? I am an integral part of the Millstadt community and understand our schools from all angles — as an alum, community member, family member of former employees, parent of children in the district and husband of a public school teacher. My unique perspective allows me to see firsthand what our schools need to function smoothly, ensuring a safe and well-maintained learning environment for all, while also respecting taxpayers. I would bring a calming, neutral voice to the school board, helping to make decisions that benefit students of all backgrounds, teachers and staff.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/article301937269.html#storylink=cpy
Gregory Sangiolo (Unincorporated)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 47
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Bricklayer, laborer and mason contractor
Education: Graduate of Belleville Township High School East, graduate of Belleville Area Bricklayers Apprenticeship
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: - Fostered positive career imaging by volunteering at District 201 CAVE highlighting Southern Illinois Builders Association, Southern Illinois Laborers and Bricklayer & Allied Craftsmen ▪ Volunteered time and materials for parks improvement at the Millstadt public pool & for Millstadt swim team ▪ Supplied safety equipment for Millstadt Primary Center’s fall festival ▪ Coached T-ball for the Millstadt Sports Association
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? I’m running for school board to improve transparency between district administration and families. I’d also like to promote a positive school culture that includes administration, teachers, staff and students.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I strongly believe our schools should have accessibility indoors and outdoors. I will work to improve safety for everyone.
Why should people vote for you? My family has been a part of the school community since 2011. I have seen improvements and deteriorations in the last 14 years. If elected to the school board, I promise to take the time to review each issue individually and to vote however I feel is right or wrong for our community, even if it doesn’t go with the majority vote.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/article301937269.html#storylink=cpy
Stephanie French (Incorporated)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 42 Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? No.
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No.
Occupation: Chief financial officer
Education: Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Treasurer of the Masonry Institute of Southern Illinois, member of Millstadt Chamber of Commerce, co-founder/organizer of Millstadt Lighted Parade, former coach of Millstadt Sports Association
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running to be the voice for our teachers and our community and to bring a financial aspect to the decisions being made. What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? First and foremost, I want to be available and responsive to teachers and those in our community…to listen to those that have concerns. Education is not my area of expertise, but problem solving and process improvement are. One of the issues I see in our district is that I don’t believe the teachers, professional staff, or members of the community feel heard or like they have a voice. I want to be their voice. I am not someone that just goes through the motions or just checks boxes, and I like to ask a lot of questions!
Why should people vote for you? I have more than 20 years of experience in not-for-profit accounting and leadership. I am strategic and strong in process improvement. I believe in right and wrong, and I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo. Families have gravitated towards Millstadt for decades because of the quality education in our school district. I myself am a proud graduate of MCS, class of 1996. I believe it is imperative for us to observe, evaluate and implement change to ensure future generations receive the same quality of education we were once so well known for. Every decision we make should be in the best interest of our students…and it all starts with our teachers and professional staff. They are the ones truly making an impact on the lives of so many on a daily basis. So why should you vote for me? Because I want to help address morale and turnover in our school district because we have to attract and retain quality educators and professional staff. Take care of them, and they will take care of our kids.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/article301937269.html#storylink=cpy
Don Pellmann (Incorporated)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 69
Office seeking: Millstadt School District 160 board member
Are you an incumbent? Yes.
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, District 160 school board
Occupation: Biomedical electronic tech
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biomedical electronics
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Coached youth baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball while my children were growing up; volunteer for Millstadt Meals on Wheels; Millstadt School Board for more than 30 years. Who are your top three campaign contributors? None.
Why are you running? To maintain the high quality of education for our children and give the best environment for learning and reaching their full potential. Also to aid in the transition of our new administration.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My main issue is assisting the district with the transition of our administration. We are bringing in a new superintendent and principal, simultaneously. I feel the district needs to have an experienced and stable board member in place at this time of change.
Why should people vote for you? I have over 30 years of experience on the board that will aid in the transition of our new administration.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/article301937269.html#storylink=cpy
VILLAGE OF MILLSTADT
Mayor
Michael Todd - See their Facebook Group
Clerk
Christine Pipik
Trustee
There are three positions available.
Michael French
Mark Todd
Dustin Trankle
Age as of April 1, 2025: 46
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Millstadt Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? No. I was appointed to my current position when there was an unexpected vacancy.
Occupation: Journeyman wireman/electrician with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 309
Education: Associate’s degree in electricity/electronics
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Active member of Millstadt Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years and served as battalion chief; and active member and parent at St. James Catholic Church and School, volunteering for many fundraisers throughout the parish and school.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 309
Why are you running? I am hoping to continue to help the growth and development of my community for years to come. This community is very important to my family and me. I would like to see it continue to succeed and work to improve on the foundation that has been around for so many generations.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? N/A
Why should people vote for you? I’ve had a proven track record of service to the community during my time as a trustee on the village board and as battalion chief for the fire department. I hope to continue to do my part to help lead our community to a prosperous future for my children and for generations to come.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/voter-guide/article301650134.html#storylink=cpy
Travis Jones - Text below courtesy of their Public Facebook Post
"Hello my name is Travis Jones and I am running for Village Trustee on Tuesday April 1st! My main goals if elected would be to use tax payers dollars to fix streets, fix infrastructure(water and sewer lines), work on parks, street sign repair, fire hydrant repair/replacement, and drainage/sidewalks. I am a lifelong citizen. I graduated from MCS, Belleville Township Highschool West, and SIUE with a Bachelor’s of Science in History. I have 19+ years of public works experience. I have served as ESDA Coordinator(Inidiated AED installments at the parks), appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and a volunteer firefighter for 10+ years. I have volunteer for multiple picnics, Biathlons, and coached youth baseball and basketball teams. I helped raise money by starting the SIC Wrestling Fundraiser for the park. I ran the Men’s Slow Pitch Softball league for 20+ years. I am currently employed at Schunks and I am a referee for IHSA basketball. I am also a memeber of Zion Church in Millstadt. I would greatly appreciate your support and vote on Tuesday April 1st. If you like a yard sign please instant message me. Thank you in advance for you consideration! I believe I can make a positive difference!"
Age as of April 1, 2025: 44
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Millstadt Village Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, formerly served as Millstadt Township supervisor.
Occupation: Clerk
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Served as volunteer fireman for 13 years and as Millstadt Emergency Services Disaster Agency volunteer coordinator; organized men’s softball league for 20-plus years; initiated automated external defibrillators being installed at Millstadt Parks; volunteered at numerous picnics; coached Millstadt Sports Association baseball; and attend Zion Church in Millstadt.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running because I feel it is my civic duty to try and improve the village where I live.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Condition of infrastructure. I would work with the entire board and appropriate department to put together a plan to improve streets, water/sewer lines and drainage around town. I know it won’t happen overnight, but there needs to be a solid plan in place.
Why should people vote for you? I have lived my entire life in Millstadt. I worked for the village for almost 20 years, so I have first-hand knowledge of what needs to be done and how to accomplish it.
Read more at: https://www.bnd.com/news/politics-government/election/voter-guide/article301650134.html#storylink=cpy
MILLSTADT TOWNSHIP
Township Supervisor
Kevin Juhas
Township Clerk
Traci Juhas
Township HWC
Stanley Jarvis
Township Trustee
Randall Eckert
David Hankammer
Heather Erwin
Jonathan Riley
MILLSTADT LIBRARY DISTRICT
Benjamin Steppig
Richie Donald, Jr.
BELLEVILLE HSD 201
Ben Wanless
REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION
Angela Guess
Dallas Alley
You can be ready to make ALL the decisions that are right for you this Tuesday, April 1, 2025 with help from these helpful websites.
Not sure where to vote? Visit https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/ and enter your address to find your polling place. We know in Millstadt and just outside Village limits, one street can make all the difference.
Unsure of what's all on your ballot or who really to vote for still? Not a problem. https://www.usa.gov/voter-research has you covered. This site is ran independently by University of Chicago researchers and aggregates information on candidates from all across the World Wide Web.
- On the above site, you can scroll to find Online Voter Guides by entering your home address, or you can click the web address here https://www.ballotready.org/
If you want to look up candidates specificall
y, head over to https://votersguide.elections.il.gov/ where you can search by elected office, candidate name, or public policy.
Still looking for more resources? Check out this great pamphlet from the American Library Association. The last page hosts a list of websites that will help you find more answers.
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