Peru Second Ward: Edgcomb, Riordan vie for seat

As Election Day approaches Tuesday, April 6, Peru residents will not only decide on mayor, but also they will be voting to decide who will fill four aldermen seats.

These positions work hand-in-hand with the city government and play an integral role in the decision making of Peru. Aside from voting during council meetings they serve on committees, attend various meetings and serve as a connection point between residents and the city government.

The Second Ward is one of three contested races on the Peru council.

Edgcomb is a lifelong resident of the Illinois Valley and has called Peru his home for the last 12 years with his wife Angie and son Anthony. He attended St. Bede Academy and Illinois Valley Community College.

He has worked for the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office since 2002 and served as jail superintendent for the La Salle County Jail for the past 10 years.

Edgcomb is a member with the La Salle County Drug Court, member and former president of the Peru Citizens Service Organization and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.

Riordan also has dedicated his life to public service. He is a 13-year veteran of the Peru Fire Department and the first Firefighter of the Year in 2009. He serves as the assistant fire chief for Dalzell Fire Department.

Riordan is a state certified firefighter, medical first responder and portal fire extinguisher service technician.

He has lived in Peru almost his entire life and lives with his wife Jill in his childhood home. Riordan has a daughter, Amanda and three grandkids Brooklyn, Aubrey and Caroline. He and his wife are small business owners in Peru.

Riordan decided to run for office after following Peru politics for more than 20 years and believes the government can do a better job listening to the public.

“The citizens of Peru need a voice in City Hall,” Riordan said. “While listening to citizens, I found that they genuinely want to have a voice but don’t feel welcomed by our officials.”

Riordan said the city also needs to do more to support small businesses and bring more of them to town.

For Edgcomb, the opening of the office has come at a time in his personal and professional life when he believes he can dedicate the amount of time needed to fulfill the position.

“I believe I now have the life and work experience to qualify me for his role as well as the familiarity with the ward to understand the priorities and needs of its residents,” Edgcomb said. “I feel a strong civic duty to use my time, energy and experience to help my neighbors.”

Edgcomb believes he can make positive contributions to the City Council and be a strong advocate for the residents and businesses of the Second Ward.

If elected, Edgcomb would like to see the city continue its upward trajectory by expanding while keeping an eye on the city budget and tax base to service the expanded infrastructure.

Edgcomb said it would be his priority to ensure Peru doesn’t sacrifice the neighborhoods and businesses in the southern portion of the ward for more development to the north.

Edgcomb said his experience will enable him to serve the Second Ward well. He said he is well versed in the intricacies of government funding and budgeting and works regularly with various government offices and boards.

“I will be available and approachable to the residents and business owners of the Second Ward, and I will constructively communicate their needs and their ideas to the City Council and the mayor,” Edgcomb said. “I am motivated to work alongside fellow members of the City Council and Mayor to help improve our community in any way we can.”

Riordan envisions a future for Peru that includes more citizens in the decision making by allowing for more discussion at council meetings to say what they want and to accept their ideas.

Riordan would also like to see the city cut back spending, as he believes too many positions offer a taxpayer paid personal vehicle with no limits on usage. He also would like to make the hiring for city positions fair for all and not just for family members or friends.

Riordan said a vote for him is a vote for transparency, community and the ability to have honest discussions.

“It’s a vote for transparency on how your money is spent and knowing what goes on behind closed doors,” Riordan said. “It’s a vote for knowing why something happened or if it’s going to happen. It’s a vote for your community”