Michael Holliday Sr., Former President of the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners
I am proud to endorse Mayor Goins for re-election as Mayor of Alton. Over the past few years, Mayor Goins has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our community. It took him several years, beginning in 2021, to clean up the financial mess he inherited. There was no way to allocate funds for necessary street repairs and infrastructure improvements until the city’s finances were stabilized. After more than two years of hard work, he has successfully turned our city’s financial situation around.
It would not be fair to deny him another term, as he needs the opportunity to continue implementing his vision for better streets, improved infrastructure, and enhanced economic development for Alton.
In addition to his financial accomplishments, Mayor Goins has made a significant impact during his first term. He has transformed our city’s deficit into a remarkable $7 million surplus and has overseen more road repairs than any previous administration. His commitment to being present at various community functions demonstrates his dedication to the citizens of Alton.
Mayor Goins is the only candidate who has run an upright campaign—one that has been clean and respectful. His noble conduct towards his opponents speaks volumes about his integrity. It is this integrity that makes him the best candidate for Alton Mayor.
I have known Mayor Goins as a man of God with high moral ethics, and I firmly believe he is the best candidate to lead Alton into the future. His compassion for serving all citizens, coupled with his achievements thus far and his vision for what’s to come, make him the ideal choice for re-election.
As someone who has served our community for over 24 years as a board member and former president of the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners (IACBM), I wholeheartedly support Mayor Goins. Let’s continue to build a better future for Alton together.
Debra Pitts, Retired educator and community leader
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Mayor David Goins in his bid for a second term as Mayor of the city of Alton, Illinois. My relationship with David spans many years, during which I have seen him in various capacities — as a dedicated police officer with the Alton Police Department, a compassionate pastor at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, and currently, as an effective and forward-thinking Mayor.
David has devoted over forty years of his life to serving our community, embodying the essence of leadership, honesty, and integrity. He has been a pillar of strength, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to the residents of Alton and fostering a sense of unity within our city. His leadership has positioned Alton as a place where our community can thrive.
Throughout his tenure as mayor, David and his administration has put down over 30 Streets. He has spent over $500K on street infrastructure. That alone speaks for itself! Contrary to the many untruths circulating during this campaign, Mayor Goins has the receipts to back his contributions.
In addition, he has focused on critical issues such as promoting economic development, and ensuring the safety of our citizens. He has not only listened to the needs of the people but has also taken actionable steps to address them, making Alton a better place to live and work.
Notably, under his guidance, the city’s financial situation has transitioned from a dire deficit to a surplus, showcasing his ability to manage our resources wisely.
While David humbly acknowledges that he has not been perfect, he has continuously strived to provide the best support possible for the citizens of Alton. His genuine desire to improve our community sets him apart and is a testament to his character and dedication.
For all these reasons, I strongly endorse Mayor David Goins for a second term. I believe that with four more years, he can continue to build upon the progress made in his first term and guide Alton toward an even more prosperous future.
Thank you for considering my support for Mayor Goins. I am confident that he will continue to serve Alton with the honor and commitment it deserves.
George Terry, Retired Vice President of Student Life at Lewis & Clark Community College and active Alton community leader
I am writing this letter to joyfully endorse Mayor David Goins for re-election to a second term as Mayor of Alton. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mayor Goins for many years, dating back to his time as a dedicated police officer in our community. His commitment to public service has always been evident, and it has been a privilege to serve alongside him on the Alton School District Board of Education.
During his first term as mayor, David has demonstrated exemplary leadership, addressing the needs and concerns of our community with professionalism and integrity. David came into office facing a financial deficit, bank reconciliations not up to date and the challenge of whether or not payroll could be made. He was able to turn the financial deficit into a surplus, bring the bank reconciliations up to date and reverse the worry of making payroll. David had to come in and stabilize the city’s finances before he could really start addressing the needs of the community. Once he got the city’s finances in order then he was able to begin the process of truly serving the needs of the community.
He is a man who truly embodies the spirit of public service and places the needs of the people of Alton above all else. His approachable nature and willingness to listen have fostered a sense of trust and respect among residents.
Mayor Goins has made significant strides in enhancing the quality of life in Alton. From improving public safety initiatives to implementing community development programs, his vision for a vibrant and thriving city is one that deserves continued support. His unwavering dedication to high moral standards and ethical governance sets a benchmark for all leaders.
I have witnessed firsthand how he balances the complexities of leadership while ensuring that community voices are heard and valued. David Goins is not just a mayor; he is a champion for our community, and it is this passion that inspires me to support his candidacy wholeheartedly.
In conclusion, I strongly urge the residents of Alton to re-elect David Goins as their mayor. His proven track record, commitment to our community, and high ethical standards make him the right choice for continuing to lead Alton into a bright future.
Anita Banks
I am extremely honored to endorse Reverend David Goins as Candidate for Mayor of Alton. My name is Anita Banks and my commitment towards Alton, Illinois flows deeply from my heart. I have lived here since 1954.
Before retiring, I worked for the Alton School District and as a Parent Coordinator for Madison County Economic Opportunity Commission Project Head Start. I have previously served as the chair on the Foster Grandparents, Advisory Board Member of Alton Branch NAACP Executive Committee, and State President of Illinois Association Club Women and Youth Affiliation. I am currently a member of the Reba Hill Civic Charity and Educational Club.
My tenure in this community has allowed me to experience numerous local elections. I must say that I am very disappointed in the campaign strategies of the current administration. I don’t believe in dirty politics and I would never support this kind of behavior.
Therefore, I am endorsing David Goins because I believe in honesty and giving back to this community. I have known David since he and his sister Kathy were orphaned as young children. Yet, against those odds, I am extremely proud to see David turn out to be a fine man. Throughout his life, he has continually contributed to the city of Alton.
I know David to be a respected family man, police officer, pastor and school board member. As a police officer, David had a reputation of treating the citizens of Alton with decency and respect. During his time as a police officer, he also taught the D.A.R.E program. This program impacted the lives of hundreds of children within the Alton community.
I am also proud to mention that eight years before retiring as a police officer, he answered the call to pastor a church. With this, I am confident that his heart to protect and serve the citizens of Alton has already been proven.
His character is one that this community can be proud of. I believe David Goins will serve this community with a heart of passion, conviction and great vision.
As a lifelong resident of Alton, I trust David Goins to be the best choice for this city.
6th Ward Alderwoman Stephanie J. Elliott
Today, I am endorsing David Goins for Mayor because I believe he is the best person to move the Alton Community forward. I have known David Goins for many years dating back to East Junior High School. From academics to his role on the basketball court, he has always been one to give 100 percent of himself to achieve his goals while being the best that he can be, always having the utmost respect for and from his classmates and competitors.
As a former Alton Comptroller and current 6th Ward Alderwomen, I understand the current and future challenges facing our city. As Alton attempts to turn the corner, we need a mayor who is committed to open communication and action when engaging with our citizens’ and businesses’ issues. This country, including Alton, is attempting to recover from the pandemic, racial and civil unrest, reopening our schools and businesses in a sustainable manner. David Goins has the leadership skills that will be required to guide the Alton Community during these critical times with trust, integrity, and an ability to bring various Alton stakeholders to the table. Dave is a lifelong respected resident, retired Alton Police Officer of 25 years, Pastor for 19 years, and Alton School Board member for four years.
David possesses the type of professional and personal skills to guide a new Alton resurgence. For the future of Alton, I am asking you to vote for David Goins on April 6.
Charles “Totsie” Bailey, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Southwestern Illinois Building, and Construction Trades Council
As Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council, making sure local contractors are awarded local jobs using local skilled members of the Building Trades is my number one priority. One way that we can be certain of this is through the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). Studies have shown that every dollar spent on these projects turns over eleven times in the community. David Goins has not only made a commitment to support local labor unions but has also made a commitment that he will indeed sign a PLA with the Building Trades. With David Goins’ commitment, we can assure that taxpayer dollars spent on projects completed in the City of Alton will, in fact, go to local workers and then be spent in local communities. This will reverse the current situation of taxpayer dollars not being spent at local businesses by out-of-state contractors and out-of-state employees.
Kyle Bollinger, President of Alton Teamsters Local Union 525
As president of Local 525, I know David Goins to be a man of the highest ethical standards and utmost integrity,” said Kyle Bollinger, President of Alton Teamsters Local Union 525. “We support David’s vision for rebuilding the Alton Community, including economic development which corresponds to new businesses and jobs. David Goins possesses the right temperament to be an outstanding mayor for the city of Alton. And we believe that he will operate with transparency and hold himself and his administration accountable to the Alton taxpayers. Local Union 525 looks forward to partnering with the new administration.
Alton Laborers’ Local Union 218
Our 350 hard-working men and women of Local 218 are endorsing David Goins for the next Mayor of Alton. Mr. Goins has a proven record of operating with transparency and integrity. He will be a mayor that works for the people of Alton and not just for his own personal interest as the current Mayor does,” said Robert McDonald, Business Manager of Alton Laborers’ Local Union 218. “Brandt Walker is unresponsive to the city’s public workers, their families, and taxpayers. He is more committed to encouraging out-of-state companies to bring in workers and take jobs from the men and women who are trying to provide for their families. David Goins will partner with our local trades and businesses to find solutions and bring a new vision for rebuilding the Alton Community for our hard-working families.
Mrs. Maxine P Jackson Caldwell
Mrs. Maxine P Jackson Caldwell is the owner, operator of Maxine’s accredited licensed daycare in Alton Illinois located at 739 Silver St. She has been in business for 32 years and has cared for hundreds of children, and also their children’s children. Mrs. Caldwell is a well-respected woman and especially within the Alton community.
She is supporting David Goins as a candidate for mayor for the city of Alton for the following reasons. He is a long-time resident of Alton and Illinois. He kept the community safe by serving as an Alton police officer for 25 years, and he is the pastor of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and has been there for 20 years! If anyone in his congregation needs him for anything all they have to do is call and he is there to serve the congregation. Therefore, I know he will be there to serve the community of Alton.