Galesburg Mayor Nominates Charles "Chuck" Reynolds for Ward 3 Alderman Vacancy

Reynolds, a longtime local worker and volunteer, was chosen from three applicants to fill the seat left by Evan Miller's resignation.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman has nominated Charles "Chuck" Reynolds, a lifelong resident of the city's Ward 3, to fill the vacant alderman seat on the City Council. Reynolds, who previously ran as a write-in candidate for the position in 2011, was selected over two other applicants due to his long-term residency, community involvement, and support from local residents. The City Council is expected to vote on the nomination at their next meeting.

Why it matters

This appointment is significant as it fills a key local government role in Galesburg's Ward 3, ensuring the community has representation on the City Council. Reynolds' nomination highlights the mayor's emphasis on selecting candidates with deep ties to the local area.

The details

Mayor Schwartzman submitted the nomination in a letter to council members, citing Reynolds' long-term residency in Ward 3, his employment history, and his volunteer work with various community organizations as reasons for selecting him. Reynolds previously ran as a write-in candidate for the Ward 3 alderman seat in 2011, narrowly losing to the incumbent. The vacancy was created when Alderman Evan Miller resigned in December 2025 after relocating outside the ward boundaries.

  • Mayor Schwartzman submitted the nomination letter on January 23, 2026.
  • The City Council is expected to consider Reynolds' nomination at their meeting on February 2, 2026.
  • If approved, Reynolds would serve the remainder of Evan Miller's term, which expires in the spring of 2027.

The players

Peter Schwartzman

The mayor of Galesburg who nominated Charles "Chuck" Reynolds for the Ward 3 alderman vacancy.

Charles "Chuck" Reynolds

A lifelong resident of Galesburg's Ward 3 who was nominated by the mayor to fill the vacant alderman seat on the City Council.

Evan Miller

The former Ward 3 alderman who resigned in December 2025 after relocating outside the ward boundaries.

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What they’re saying

“I have chosen Chuck over other worthy applicants because of his long term residency on the south side of Galesburg, including being born and raised in the third ward. Chuck has been a dedicated worker in Galesburg for decades, having been employed with Azer Clinic for several decades and currently working for RFMS. He has served on several boards, including the Hispanic Resource Group as well as the United Way, and has volunteered for many organizations over the years, including the Community Arts Center. He raised his two daughters in Galesburg, both of whom are currently employed in the city. Chuck is a graduate of Galesburg High School and spent time at Carl Sandburg College as well. He was previously a candidate for this position and narrowly lost despite being a write-in candidate; as such I believe many residents of Ward 3 support and trust him to represent them well. For all the above reasons, I think Chuck will make a wonderful addition to our City Council. I look forward to working with him and his fellow councilors to maintain the City's prosperous direction.”

— Peter Schwartzman, Mayor

What’s next

The City Council is expected to vote on Charles "Chuck" Reynolds' nomination at their meeting on February 2, 2026. If approved, he would serve the remainder of Evan Miller's term, which expires in the spring of 2027.

The takeaway

This appointment highlights the mayor's emphasis on selecting candidates with deep ties to the local community, as Reynolds' lifelong residency in Ward 3 and history of community involvement were key factors in his nomination. The approval of this appointment will ensure Ward 3 has representation on the Galesburg City Council.