Dixon candidates prioritize road maintenance, housing, and schools

Dixon candidates for the April 1 consolidated election shared their priorities at a forum on March 18, 2025. The event was held at Dixon High School and was moderated by Dave Hellmich, president of Sauk Valley Community College. The only contested race is for the Dixon Township highway commissioner. Incumbent Corey Reuter is running against newcomer Cameron Magne. Reuter has nearly 20 years of experience in local government and has been the highway commissioner for the last five years. He emphasized his dedication and full-time commitment to maintaining township roads. Magne, who has worked for the city of Dixon for 13 years, stated that his experience has prepared him for the role. He aims to improve township roads and ensure transparency in projects. Reuter questioned Magne's ability to handle the responsibilities while working his current job. Magne defended himself, saying his work experience has helped him learn to prioritize effectively. In the supervisor race, Brent Reuter is running unopposed. He hopes to focus on transparency and community involvement in decision-making. Dennis Considine and Chris Bishop from the Dixon City Council are also running unopposed. Both highlighted the need to address the housing shortage. Considine noted the importance of transparency in governance, while Bishop emphasized developing a newly acquired property and completing a major pedestrian bridge project called Project Rock. All candidates for the Dixon School Board are running unopposed as well. They are proud of their achievements in improving facilities and curriculum. Their top priority is hiring a new superintendent to succeed Margo Empen, who will retire in 2026. They also plan to tackle issues like teacher shortages, student attendance, and strengthening community ties.