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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 10:30 PM CDT
Sims will not seek re-election to Charleston council

By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — City Council member Lorelei Sims does not plan to seek re-election in April, it was announced at Tuesday’s meeting.

The council also approved the concept plan for the University Baptist Church’s relocation to the south side of town and voted to apply for $216,000 in federal funding for the city’s ongoing rehabilitation program for single-family homes.

Sims’ announcement was read by Mayor John Inyart, who explained she was absent Tuesday due to the death of a friend. Sims’ statement did not mention why she decided not to run again but did detail her feelings about serving on the council for the past 7 ½ years.

The statement said her service has been an honor and a learning experience. Sims said she has enjoyed representing the city and has tried to make informed decisions. She stated the city has evolved in a positive direction with the support of its employees.

Inyart said Sims timed her announcement to give prospective candidates time to complete and file nominating petitions. These petitions are available at City Hall and can be filed there between Dec. 8 and 15.

“We should be so lucky to have someone who cares so much to replace her,” Inyart said.

Two seats on the council are up for election every two years. Council member Jim Dunn, whose post will be up for election in April, said he has picked up a nominating petition and plans to seek re-election.

In other matters, the council approved the concept plan for the University Baptist Church to relocate to Unique Homes owner Reggie Phillips’ Whispering Pines planned unit development. This property is located next to Fawn Hallow and Whitetail drives, just south of Brookstone Estates.

Documents show that the development would include a new 4,320-square-foot church building and three single-family homes on more than 5 acres of land.

City Attorney Brian Bower said a planned unit development allows for different types of land uses within a single development. He said Phillips will next need to seek approval for a conditional use permit for the new church building.

University Baptist Church has been at 1505 Seventh St., east of Eastern Illinois University’s Old Main, for many years.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734.

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K.S. wrote on Oct 22, 2008 3:51 PM:

" I, for one, think Lori Sims has done a fantastic job as a representative of our citizens. Good luck to you, Lorelei! "