John Tilley candidate for Du Quoin city council in April 2015 election

John M. Tilley, the son Norm and Janice Tilley of Du Quoin, announced on Friday that he will be a candidate for the Du Quoin City Council in the April 2015 election.

His parents are owners of Tilley Tax & Bookkeeping Service and Gold Team, Inc. Realty, a large Du Quoin real estate agency.

"I was born and raised in Du Quoin and graduated from Du Quoin High School. My children attend school in Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 and my wife works for my parents," he said.

"I am a member of the American Legion Post 647. I am currently employed at Republic Services. Before that I worked for he fourth largest city in Illinois in the public works and public utilities departments," he said.

"I have much love for Du Quoin. In 2002 I accepted a job with the City of Joliet, and after being away from Du Quoin for eight years, I felt I needed to move back. I decided to move back and raise my family in a community where we are family! From this, I brought back experience of how a city operates."

"Du Quoin is beautiful and we have much to offer. I feel our Main Street is very attractive with our new sidewalks, lights ad trees. I know many people take the train to Centralia to shop and eat. Since we are an Amtrak stop, this could be our opportunity for our Main Street to grow with the brewery, ice cream shoppe, restaurants and quaint shops."

"Also, I believe it is important for the city to keep a good relationship with our schools. The kids are our future! Like it was stated in the newspaper, I believe it is very important to keep our youth here. They are the next generation to start new businesses and/or stay ad raise a family in our community. Our town has always been a family community. We always come together and help when needed," he said.

"I will be here to listen, communicate and help keep Du Quoin a thriving family community. I won't make a promise I can't keep! Please support me in the upcoming election in 2015."