Sycamore 1st Ward Alderman candidates profiles

By Dave Gong

Sycamore |

Gary Waight: Candidate for Sycamore 1st Ward Alderman

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business from Western Illinois University; master’s degree in educational administration from Western Illinois University; advanced certificate in education from University of Illinois.

Experience: “I spent my entire 40 year career as a public school district finance manager. I know how public bodies are funded.”

Why he is running: Waight said he is now fully retired, which played a large role in his decision to run for the Sycamore City Council.

“We have been residents of Sycamore for 11 years,” Waight said. “We really like the improvements that have been made to Sycamore, and I hope to help continue with the improvements.”

Role of an alderman: The role of a city council member is to weigh the issues and recommendations from the city manager and the mayor and work past any differences, Waight said.

Biggest issue: “While I feel that Sycamore is in good financial condition, it must be watched,” Waight said.

Earl Gable: Candidate for Sycamore 1st Ward Alderman

Education: Gable said he graduated from Sycamore High School in 1986.

Experience: “I have been a business owner for the last 13 to 14 years,” Gable said.

Gable said he is the owner of Just Your Type Transcriptions, 327 Somonauk St. in Sycamore.

Why he is running: Gable said his main motivation for running is accountability in voting.

“We seem to be allowing expenditures that I don’t believe we should be doing,” Gable said. “There needs to be more long-term vision in voting and more forethought into the future.”

Role of the alderman: “The role of an alderman is an elected listener. An alderman needs to go out and get feedback from voters and non-voters alike. Whether you are voter or not, we are all in the same boat.”

Biggest Issue: Gable said the biggest issue facing Sycamore is the future.

“We are setting precedents that could negatively affect us in the future,” Gable said. “We need to look further than just tomorrow.”