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Politics & Government

Election 2011 Candidate Profile: Rita Payleitner for 2nd Ward Alderman

Rita Payleitner feels the skills she has gained from years of community activism is what will contribute to her success if elected as 2nd Ward Alderman.

Name: Rita Anne Payleitner
 

Position sought: 2nd Ward Alderman, St. Charles

Campaign contact information

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Age: 53

Family: Husband: Jay; Sons: Alec, 30; Randall, 28 & his wife Rachel; Max, 24; Isaac, 22; and daughter, Rae Anne, 18. Over the last 7 years we have also shared our heart and home with 10 foster babies.

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Education: 4+ years college

Occupation: Currently, part-time administrative support on the Community Impact Team at Christ Community Church.

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

My community involvement over the past 25 years has given me an understanding of the history, and growth of St. Charles.  Serving in leadership positions at our schools has given me the opportunity to work with, and for, every demographic in our town. I am the current Central Booster President, and have served as the PTO President at St. Charles East High School and Fox Ridge Elementary. I have served on District 303 Advisory Committees, the District PTO, and as the Booster Club Committee Chair at St. Charles East High School in baseball, football, wrestling, softball, and girl’s basketball.  It is because of this dedication that I was given the 2011 St. Charles East Human Relations Award. My community work expands beyond the school system with service on the Women’s Ministry Leadership Team, and as the P.E.O. Philanthropic Organization Officer. I am also a loving foster parent. 

  • What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

My heart belongs to St. Charles. My husband and I chose to stay to raise our family and do business here. The chance to serve and contribute to the town I love is irresistible to me. 

  • What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

We need to continue balancing fiscal responsibility with conservative growth. In the near future, I feel that we should be careful how and when we ask for more revenue. We don’t want to create any roadblocks for new business development. Growth must never sacrifice the safety, charm, and family-oriented atmosphere of St. Charles.

  • What sets you apart from the other candidate?

I’m a quick learner, effective communicator,  valuable team member and rational thinker. I’m known as someone who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Many years of serving my community in various roles has given me the connections and working relationships I’ll need to successfully represent the 2nd ward.

  • How long have you lived in St. Charles?

My family moved here from Chicago when I was in high school. After college, my husband and I returned to St. Charles to raise our family. We’ve been east-side homeowners since 1982.

  • What's your favorite thing about St. Charles?

I know first hand that this is a great place to raise kids. Parks, parades, fireworks, churches, trails, cultural events, family restaurants, and even our sidewalks are kid-friendly. We need our young people to think of St. Charles as a great place to begin their story, stick around, and raise their own families right here. My family is blessed to have three generations of Payleitner’s living in St.Charles; how awesome it will be to introduce the 4th!

  • What is the biggest problem in St. Charles?

The recent economic climate has led to many empty retail locations, vacant office spaces, non-productive manufacturing facilities, and underdeveloped properties. However, this is not an insurmountable problem. As the economy rebounds, St. Charles must have development plans and creative incentives ready, in order to begin immediately attracting investors and entrepreneurs.

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