Low-key election for Princeville village presidency

By NICK VLAHOS
For The Weekly Post

PRINCEVILLE – Compared to most recent election campaigns for more prominent public offices, the one for Princeville village president is the lowest of keys.

Incumbent Jeff Troutman and challenger Rick Pope, a village trustee, haven’t been conducting candidate forums. Yard signs for either campaign appear to be nonexistent.
Pope and Troutman have served together for years in village government and in other areas, including the Akron-Princeville fire department and ambulance service. Familiarity doesn’t appear to have breeded contempt. The candidates’ messaging, such as it is, pits continuity against substitution.

“The village is doing a great job right now. We’ve got excellent employees, an excellent board,” said Troutman, who is seeking a third four-year term. “We’ve got projects going on that I’m very familiar with and worked with for many years. And I like helping the community.”

Said Pope: “Jeff’s done a good job. Sometimes change is good. The community needs a choice. Either they’re happy with Jeff or they want a change. … We’re a small community. Everybody knows Jeff Troutman. Everybody knows Ricky Pope. We’ll leave it up to the people.”

The village president race is not the only competitive one in Princeville. There are four candidates running for three Village Board seats, including the seat Pope is vacating after about six years of service.

Incumbent trustees Teresa Gilroy and Steve Potter are on the ballot, as are challengers Branden Curtis and Spencer Wilson.

The 56-year-old Troutman is a trainer and rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a village trustee from 2001 until 2017, when he first was elected president. Pope, 68, is retired after he spent a quarter-century as transportation director for the Metamora Grade School District.

According to Troutman, among the biggest challenges the village faces is financial.

“It’s just fighting to stay above ground,” he said. “We get less and less revenue but more and more expenses. It takes a lot to keep that up to date and keep the village going. We don’t have a lot of deficit spending. We do everything within our means.”

Pope concurred. He mentioned an upcoming sewer project that probably will increase customer rates, based on what the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency dictates the village must charge.

“The cost of employees goes up. The cost of insurance. The cost of repairs,” Pope said. “We’re doing salary increases, and our employees work hard and they deserve the raise. And to keep employees, you’ve got to pay them.”

Pope also wants to evaluate contracts the village has with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office for police protection. The village shares with the Princeville School District the cost of a school resource officer. Attracting more businesses, specifically a restaurant, to town also is a priority.

Troutman shared Pope’s desire to attract more businesses to the village. He cited a Stark County trucking firm’s recent purchase of the old Alcoa Building Products property as one example. Troutman also is advocating for an assisted-living facility in Princeville, something the village does not have.

“I’ve been in the Princeville community 56 years,” Troutman said. “I know a lot of the citizens. I’ve got leadership capabilities and abilities. I’ve done a decent job running things and just look forward to hopefully getting another four years to finish it out.”

Pope appears to be OK win or lose.

“There’s not going to be hard feelings either way,” he said. “We’ve served in fire battles, ambulance battles and been very good friends. However it turns out, we’re still going to be friends.”

The trustees’ race features one candidate, Curtis, who has no public-office experience. An electrician, Curtis spent his childhood in Princeville and returned to the village in 2023.
“I want to make it as great of a place as possible for anyone to raise a family,” Curtis stated. “Ultimately I want to help ensure it is a safe and strong community for everyone residing in it.”

Gilroy has been a trustee since 2011, following a year on the zoning board of appeals. She is a retired former office manager.

“I enjoyed being able to use my management skills from my former workplace,” Gilroy stated. “I also feel I bring value to the table for Princeville with my experience, and I will continue to do so as long as I can.”

Potter was appointed to the board in 2023. He is a manager for Fuchs Farms of Speer and also owns and operates Smith & Potter Equipment, a small-engine repair and sales shop in Princeville.

“My approach has been one of collaboration, transparency and putting the needs of our village first,” Potter stated. “I will make decisions that reflect the values of our residents.”
Wilson is a U.S. Army veteran who has 22 years of managerial experience. He served on the Village Board from 2020 until 2021. He also was village clerk. Currently, he is Akron-Princeville fire-department treasurer.

“I will utilize my vast managerial skills to ensure accountability, appropriate budgeting and transparency of all tax dollars spent,” Wilson stated. “I would prioritize working with law enforcement, fire districts and emergency services to keep the village safe.”
Village Clerk Sarah Cordis is running unopposed for reelection.