2 Homewood Trustees Keep Seats, 1 Wins Hers Back: Election '23 Results

HOMEWOOD, IL — Homewood voters Tuesday, April 4 were tasked with deciding if three incumbent trustees should keep their seats, or if a former trustee should win one of their spots.

Unofficial results show incumbents Jay Heiferman and Julie Elizabeth Willis keeping their seats, with former trustee Anne Colton rounding out the top three. Incumbent Chenise 'Cece' Belue appears to have fallen short of securing another term. Colton wins back a seat on the board after five years away following her nine years in the role.

"I’m thankful for the support and trust," Heiferman told Patch Tuesday night. "I’m looking forward to doing my part to keep Homewood on the right track. We’re in great shape."

Colton said she's excited to return to the board, and was touched that people remembered her from her previous contributions.

"That’s amazing," she said. "I think what’s been—on a personal note—it’s been fantastic that people remembered me. I didn’t know if anyone was going to remember me. The fact that people remembered me, and remembered I stood for transparency, collaboration, and open government. … that’s always been my goal.

"I want to do more of that. I want to find new ways of working together with the residents."

With polls closed, here's where vote totals stand with all 17 precincts reporting:

• Julie Elizabeth Willis: 1,342
• Jay Heiferman: 1,319
• Anne Colton: 1,262
• Chenise 'Cece' Belue: 1,217

Heiferman—who ran on the Greater Homewood Party slate—promises continued work on traffic safety issues and corresponding necessary infrastructure for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, along with continuing efforts to increase development and attract quality businesses to the town.

Colton said she'll work to increase engagement with the residents and business owners as one of the biggest issues facing the board, as well as attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones.

While campaigning, Colton said she often heard people speak of their pride and love for Homewood.

"People who live here, we all want to work together to write Homewood’s success story," she told Patch. "We can have a government that engages and works with people, finds their skills, leverages their skills, so everybody can bring their best."