Prepare for April 1 Illinois municipal elections

The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce takes seriously our role in educating the business community on the positions of individuals seeking elected office. To help inform your vote, we crafted a survey with questions addressing some of the most significant policy issues facing the Quad Cities business community. We asked the candidates running for office to submit their responses, which we provide in the documents below, to help guide the votes of Chamber members ahead of the April election. 

“Voting for your elected officials is the most important and impactful way business leaders can make their voices heard,” said Ryan Sempf, Executive Director of Government Affairs for the Chamber. "We encourage everyone to get out and vote for the candidate you believe represents your values,” he said. The Chamber will not be endorsing any candidates in this election. 

We requested participation in our survey from the candidates vying for the following seats:

• Rock Island: Mayor and Alderperson Ward 1, Ward 3, Ward 5 and Ward 7
• East Moline: Mayor and Alderperson Ward 1, Ward 3, Ward 5, Ward 6 and Ward 7
• Moline: Mayor and Alderperson Ward 2, Ward 4, Ward 6, At-Large
• Also on the ballot this April is the East Moline Home Rule Referendum, asking voters if the City should become a Home Rule unit under the Illinois Constitution. Municipalities are designated as either Home Rule or non-Home Rule. Home Rule status grants communities the authority to address local issues without requiring approval from the state legislature. Cities with populations over 25,000 residents automatically receive Home Rule. East Moline is currently non-Home rule, due to its population and the absence of a successful Home Rule referendum.