Alongi will run for mayor of Du Quoin in 2015

Saying we need to do things differently in the city of Du Quoin, Guy Alongi announced today that he is running for mayor in the April 2015 election. Alongi said, "This wasn't a weekend decision. This was a decision that was made the night I lost the last election by 16 votes to the late and former Mayor John Rednour Sr."

"The City of Du Quoin has had a slogan for many years that stated 'Du Quoin: For A Change of Pace'. I intend to give the voters another chance for that Change of Pace,"Alongi said. "I feel there have been many missed opportunities to improve our community over the past few years and we need to get Du Quoin headed in the right direction. If the citizens of Du Quoin want real change in their government, then I am the person they need to elect."

"If the voters thought I worked hard for their vote the last time, they haven't seen anything yet. I want to be the Mayor of Du Quoin. I want to change the way things are done and I intend to have an aggressive platform next spring that will show the voters things can be done differently with positive results."

Alongi said, "My wife Rose and I love this community. We have had many people come up to us lately and say 'we hope you run for Mayor'. My family has had a trusted name for over 90 years in Du Quoin."

"Du Quoin has been good to my family, supporting us in business and other ventures, now it is time I give something back to show the family's appreciation.

Alongi, 60, is the son of Dorothy and the late Jerome "Mimi" Alongi. Guy and his wife Rose have two sons, J.R. and Shawn, and a daughter-in-law Kelly.

Alongi served six years on the city council as finance commissioners and mayor pro-tem in the late 90s.

Alongi retired as executive director of the Perry County Housing Authority in 2008 where he had 26 years of success. "The housing authority was known as one of the best operations in the state of Illinois and for many years was awarded high performer status by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development," he said.

Alongi, served as chairman of the Illinois Community College Board, which is the third largest Community College System in the nation, from 2004 through 2011, and he still serves as a member of the board.

Alongi and his wife Rose have been involved in many community and charitable activities in and around the Du Quoin area for many years and Rose was recently appointed to the advisory board of Caritas Family Solutions, a social service agency doing outreach for abused children and adoptions.

Said Alongi, "As Mayor, I will have an open door policy, nothing hidden from the public. I will be a Mayor that is visible at city hall, a Mayor that will be hands on. I want to encourage people to be proud of Du Quoin with a spirit of unity".