Residents and interested parties will have an opportunity to weigh in on a proposed sales tax increase during a special Galesburg City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Galesburg City Hall.
The Galesburg Council on Monday will consider moving forward with the former Churchill Junior High as the location of a proposed community center. Aldermen also will discuss implementing a quarter cent sales tax increase to support the community center.
A new challenger has entered the race for Galesburg City Council.
Heather Acerra announced she will challenge the incumbent Jaclyn Smith-Esters to represent Ward 5.
Heather Acerra, a local businesswoman who co-founded building toy company Lux Blox, will run for Galesburg City Council in April. Acerra made the announcement Wednesday, setting up a contest between her and Ward 5 incumbent Jaclyn Smith-Esters, although there is still time for other candidates to pick up signatures. Acerra was also formerly at Knox College as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Career Services. Acerra is a GHS and Knox College graduate, whose family has lived in Galesburg since the late 1800s. She also holds a Master's Degree in Industrial Relations from Loyola University. Acerra has been a part of such local initiatives in the past as creating Quiet Zones in Galesburg and forming youth programs like the Young Marines Band and an art school from her home. She says in her announcement that the city should implement a "baby step" approach to big projects, and how we invest in our community. She cites an investment in a community center, saying,