Monmouth businessman Justin Lipes has at least unofficially been running for Mayor of Monmouth for over a year.
He occasionally has posted on a candidate page about his campaigning, thoughts on current events, and his vision for the Maple City.
Lipes released a video Monday saying that due to his National Guard service he may not be able to campaign as much as he had hoped.
The National Guard has been called on to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also river flooding.
He says he’s been asked why he wants to run, and his response is he wants to help and make a change.
Lipes says that no matter if you like him or not, he’ll work for all Monmouth citizens.
“I’m still going to work for you the same. The effort I’m going to put in and the things I’m going to try to do for the community includes all of you whether you love me or hate me.”
Lipes cites his experience in the Army, Illinois National Guard, and success in owning The Tac Shack gun stores in Monmouth and Peoria.
It’s unknown if current Mayor Rod Davies will seek re-election, or if there will be other candidates seeking the office.
Municipal elections are in April 2021.
