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Retired Du Quoin public works director city council candidate

Dale Spencer, 67, of 515 Hope Street in Du Quoin, who served on the city council from 1997 to 1999 and for 13 years was the city's public works director, today announced he is a candidate for the city council.

Spencer retired from his position as public works director at the end of 2012, but says, "I have the experience and knowledge of the city, and I have the time to give something back."

Other announced commissioner candidates are retired Chief of Police Mike Ward, longtime emergency services director Chuck Genesio and, for mayor incumbent Rex Duncan and onetime council member and retired Perry County Housing Authority director Guy Alongi.

The newspaper knows of two other candidates who have expressed an interest in the election, but have not yet announced.

Spencer served in the Du Quoin Fire Department for over 20 years and has been active in the Du Quoin Lions and other organizations for over 40 years.

He had a career in coal mining for 30 years, having been employed by Freeman, United Coal Co., Zeigler Coal Co. and Arch Mineral Corp.

He and wife Vicki have to children, Jamie Tyner and Jeff Spencer.

"I would like to serve the city that I love again. We need to move forward with jobs. We are having kids move out," he said. "We need to work with the schools. I would like to finish my work to clean up Du Quoin. A lot of derelict properties and I hope I can help improve the quality of life. Spencer said he understands the funding sources are getting harder to come by, but he would like to actively pursue more grants.

Candidate petitions for the 2015 election in the City of Du Quoin will be available beginning Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014.

Du Quoin commissioner candidates run at large. In Du Quoin, potential candidates may obtain the necessary papers to run at the office of City Clerk Brad Myers on or after that date.

Candidates for all offices must complete a statement of candidacy, obtain at least 18 signatures of registered voters in the City limits and complete other minor paperwork. Petition packets must be filed at the City Clerk's office beginning December 15 and running through December 22 during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Du Quoin will elect a mayor and four city commissioners to four year terms on April 7, 2015.