July 9, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Get to know Holly Clingan

Can you please provide some biographical information?

I am Holly Clingan, and I’ve been a homeowner in St. Joseph for 16 years. I grew up in Collison, a small community in neighboring Vermilion County. St. Joseph has been a wonderful community for my family, and I’ve raised three sons who graduated from St. Joseph schools. I have an 18-year career in higher education administration and fundraising research. I’m accustomed to navigating bureaucracy, adhering to governance, having hard conversations, and the need for operational transparency.

How would you describe what the township board does to people who don’t know? What motivated you to run for township board? 

Many people may not fully understand the distinction between township and village leadership. Township leadership is responsible for levying taxes to maintain roads and bridges outside village limits, as well as funding the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Library and township cemeteries. Additionally, township taxes support programs that assist qualifying families through Emergency Assistance and the local food pantry. Township trustees play a key role in setting policies, providing guidance, and approving expenditures for the township. 

What are your short-term goals for the township? 

Initially, I will need to familiarize myself with current board practices and gain a clear understanding of key issues. Listening to constituents will be a priority. I am deeply committed to transparency in board activities, including how the board communicates with the community and how residents can access township resources. Ensuring these questions are answered openly and effectively will be among my first concerns.

What are your long-term goals? 

Don’t we all want safe schools with good teachers, the ability to put food on the table, affordable housing, thriving local businesses, and a community built on acceptance? My family was privileged to be able to acclimate to this community, but I understand not everyone has the same experience. I am committed to ensuring that every resident of St. Joseph Township feels valued, respected, and truly welcomed. 

Where would you like to see the township at in ten years? 

I am excited to see continued economic growth in the St. Joseph area while preserving the small-town charm we all value. Striking this balance will generate additional income tax revenue, but it also requires a commitment to sustainable infrastructure improvements. In an increasingly virtual world, fostering a strong sense of community is more important than ever, and I look forward to the long-overdue development of a true community building. I am eager to contribute to practical, forward-thinking solutions for both the township and our community.

What are the most pressing issues facing the township? 

Top of mind are property taxes as well as navigating the revenue changes if the TIF is approved by the village board. While this would initially reduce the funds collected by the township, fostering new development and increasing property values will ultimately strengthen our tax base. Once again, we must find a balance between growth and long-term sustainability —preserving the qualities that make our community desirable while avoiding additional burdens on taxpayers.

Why should people vote for you? 

I believe collaboration and consensus-building are essential for bridging any divide, and I excel in fostering both. This election is not about being a Democrat or Republican. You can vote for anyone you would like, regardless of how you registered. Additionally, I am committed to servant leadership, as demonstrated through various volunteer experiences over the years. Public service is an exercise in democracy, and I am committed to actively contributing to the community I call home.

How will you make sure you work for the public and are accessible to your constituents?

Maintaining board transparency is my top priority. I will actively use media outlets to share information about board activities, ensuring open communication. Additionally, I will remain responsive, visible, and fully engaged with the community.

Banner
Related Posts

Bree Trimble Working Out With Siblings and Father

July 7, 2020

July 7, 2020

Like all athletes, Bree Trimble plans on coming back to the Parkland College Cobra women’s basketball team as a bigger,...

10 things you don’t know about me: Shannon Singleton

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

This week we asked second-grade teacher Shannon Singleton to tell us 10 things we don’t know about her. You will...

5 things you don’t know about me… Will Rubach

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

Will is in the running for the title of Little Prince! He is six years old. We asked him to...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim Wagner

June 13, 2019

June 13, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to share 10 things we don’t know about them—this week is St. Joseph...

Senior spotlight with Kolton Batty

October 31, 2019

October 31, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we talked to Kolton Batty. What do you...

10 things you don’t know about me… Tracie Trotter

October 25, 2024

October 25, 2024

We asked the owner of Wyldewood Cellars to tell us 10 things about herself. Here are her responses. 1. What...

10 things you don’t know about me …BRANDI CARMIEN BURNETT

September 23, 2022

September 23, 2022

BRANDI CARMIEN BURNETT will be inducted into the SJO Hall of Fame tonight during halftime of the Homecoming Football game....

Dream come true: St. Joseph native earns veterinarian degree from University of Illinois

July 18, 2019

July 18, 2019

Suzanne Ford has always wanted to be a veterinarian. “My mom says I was two years old when I said...

Rides available to fish fry

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

The mayor and some local residents are hoping more seniors can attend the St. Joseph Community Festival held Thursday, Friday...

Homer resident digs his passion of paleontology

March 15, 2019

March 15, 2019

Earlier this year, Homer resident and Augustana College sophomore Quinn Powers gave a Youth TED talk. A TED talk is...

‘We are here to stay’

September 19, 2019

September 19, 2019

AJ’s Station is here to stay. Owner Anthony Laubscher said he wanted to let the St. Joseph community know, that...

Haley’s lofty vision with SJO baseball has become reality

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Josh Haley didn’t do anything elaborate after he achieved a coaching milestone earlier this month. For the St. Joseph-Ogden High...

10 things you don’t know about me…KERMIT EUGENE ESAREY

September 23, 2022

September 23, 2022

KERMIT EUGENE ESAREY will be inducted into the St. Joseph-Ogden Hall of Fame tonight. Kermit was born and raised in...

‘He was one of a kind that can never be replaced’

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

Gerald McClendon always wanted to help people. His Facebook page even said, “I enjoy helping as many people as I...

‘St. Joseph is better because of Dixie Hackler’

January 20, 2020

January 20, 2020

Dixie Hackler always had a smile on her face. Always made time for others. And always made sure others knew...

Comments
Leave a Reply