Meet Your City Council Members - Ward #2
MERLIN “ROCKY” MATHEWSON, a West Peoria Ward 2 alderman, was elected to the city council in 1993, when West Peoria became a city, and he has continued to serve in that capacity. He is presently the chairman of the Finance Committee and proudly asserts that the city has always had a balanced budget.
Mathewson moved to West Peoria in 1974, when he purchased his grandmother’s house on Kellogg—a home that held many happy memories of spending time with his grandmother and helping her by mowing the grass, raking leaves, and shoveling snow.
Now residing at 3220 W. Alice, Mathewson and his wife Carol have been married for thirty-six years. They have three daughters—Beth, Janice, and Katie—and one son Tom. They have three grandsons, Miles, Jacob, and Maxwell (Max)--just born in May.
Mathewson taught for two years in Toluca, thirty-one years at Limestone High School, and many years as a part-time instructor at Illinois Central College. He has taught chemistry, physics, ecology, cabinetmaking, drafting, and drivers’ education.
According to Mathewson, he continues to enjoy his public service to this city where he has worked with and met many wonderful people. He further states, “The community of people and fellowship of friends makes West Peoria a great place to live.” He can be reached at 674-6003.
JERRY MEISMER, a West Peoria Ward 2 alderman, moved to West Peoria in 2003 and was appointed to fill Brian Hoehne’s unexpired term in October 2006. In 2007 he won the election to serve for the final two years of that office.
He is presently a member of both the Finance and Public Safety Committees. He also serves as a trustee and the chairman of the Finance Board for St. Ann’s parish in Peoria.
Jerry and his wife Sue, who have been married for over forty years, live at 615 N. Coolidge Court. They have five adult children and five grandchildren.
A retired District #150 teacher and administrator, Meismer enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, bowling, and golf. He can be contacted at 673-2334.