Monica O’Leary: Candidate for DeKalb 7th Ward alderwoman (CHALLENGER)

Education: Attended NIU

Experience: O’Leary has been a resident of DeKalb for 27 years. She served as minister at New Hope Baptist Church; owner of Monica’s Auto Repair, 1211 S. Fourth St. and oversees a campus ministry that serves college students at NIU.

Why she is running: O’Leary said she is concerned about decisions made over the years for the town.

Role of an alderwoman: O’Leary said she feels that a more “common sense” approach to decision making is needed.

Biggest issue: O’Leary said crime and safety, budget management and economic development are her top priorities.

Erik Calmeyer: Candidate for DeKalb 7th Ward alderman (CHALLENGER)

Education: Currently pursuing a degree from NIU’s College of Business in operations and information management

Experience: He currently serves as the president of the NIU Student Association, and has also served as director of governmental affairs and SA vice president.

Why he is running: He said he has received incredible exposure to DeKalb politics and the needs of the city as a whole, and that his strong work ethic and business education will be of significant benefit to the city council. 

Role of an alderman: Calmeyer said he will create open forums and lines of communication so that the residents of the 7th Ward can reach him at any time with any issues they may be having so he can work to resolve them expediently as possible.

Biggest issue: Calmeyer said his biggest issues are increasing revenue for the city as well as cutting taxes, and improving the safety of the community.

Editor’s note: Profile information for Erik Calmeyer was taken from DeKalb County Online’s profiles of candidates. Calmeyer could not be reached as of press time.