O'Fallon candidates at youth-senior forum emphasize seniors, transportation and downtown growth

The O'Fallon Mayor's Youth Advisory Council and Senior Advisory Committee hosted a candidate forum on March 18 where mayoral and city council candidates set out priorities and sparred over development policy, senior services and downtown infrastructure.

The event opened with youth host Sivanni Vassarettti saying, "Hello, my name is Sivanni Vassarettti, and along with Emily Wynn and Ethan Glenn, we are with the O'Fallon Mayor's Youth Advisory Council," and Vicky Jordan of the senior advisory committee describing the forum's purpose "to create understanding between the people of O'Fallon and the candidates." Moderators reviewed time limits and the order of opening and closing statements.

Incumbent Mayor William "Bill" Hennessy, who said he has served O'Fallon for 26 years and 16 years as mayor, framed his reelection message around recent local investment and projects. He noted several major developments and said the city is seeing "over a half a billion dollars in investment this year," listing a police training facility, a sports complex and a new Cambria hotel as examples. On youth civic engagement, Hennessy urged students to "get involved" and pointed to volunteer and police "explorer" programs and city clean-up days as entry points.

Candidates across wards focused repeatedly on services for older residents and transportation. When asked what portion of the population is age 65 and older, a participant reported the 2024 figure as 11.6 percent. Hennessy pointed to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)–funded transportation that he said provides rides for seniors to medical appointments and groceries, and encouraged callers to contact the city's CDBG department for help.

Ward 1 contenders offered sharply different tones. Candidate Oliver Wexler emphasized park improvements, infrastructure and continued engagement with seniors; he noted his planning-and-zoning experience as relevant to managing growth. Arnie (who identified himself as a "state public advocate") used his opening to press for audits, oppose what he called "corporate giveaways" and criticize the use of tax abatements and revenue districts. Arnie argued those tools are hurting school funding and said he is pursuing state-level remedies, referencing House Bill 857 as a legislative avenue. "Payment of a lobbyists in the state capital is not an expenditure that our taxpayers should have to endure," he said.

Arnie also criticized downtown Main Street roadway projects and called for a quieter railroad and a more vibrant business district. He raised a series of fiscal and transparency concerns—calling for audits and restoring longer public comment windows—while Wexler focused on practical measures like transportation increases so seniors could more easily attend meetings and programs.

Ward 2 candidate Bryan Boyer and Ward 3 candidate Steve Koskela both stressed listening and relationship-building. Boyer said he would meet with senior-advisory leaders to identify gaps before committing to new programs. Koskela prioritized public safety and technology for police and continued economic development that supports small business.

Ward 4 and Ward 5 candidates emphasized community service and local projects. Jim Ottemeyer highlighted long-term civic involvement and the city's many accolades; Amanda Taylor (unable to attend) submitted a written statement focused on education and youth pathways. Debbie Cook, the Ward 5 incumbent, cited 11 years on the council, Meals on Wheels, senior housing projects and ongoing downtown revitalization as accomplishments and ongoing priorities.

The forum produced several concrete claims and proposals — for example, candidates discussed expanding CDBG transportation services for seniors, building a second senior center on the south side, and modifying Main Street work to address railroad-related issues — but no formal council actions or votes were recorded at the event. The moderator closed by reminding attendees that Election Day is April 8.

Why it matters: The forum highlighted cross-generational priorities—seniors' mobility and housing, downtown renewal and how the city balances growth with public services—issues that will shape council decisions and municipal spending if raised by the new council. Voters will see contrasts in tone and approach: incumbents emphasizing continuity and development, challengers pressing for audits, restraint on abatements and greater transparency.

What's next: Candidates continue to campaign ahead of the April 8 election; the forum did not record formal endorsements or votes. The event concluded with a motion to adjourn recorded in the transcript but without a recorded vote or outcome.