In August, Jeff Wilson won the Margaret mayoral race for his fifth consecutive term. As one of the fastest growing parts of St. Clair County, Margaret has changed since Wilson first took over in 1992. In 2000, Margaret’s population was slightly above 1,000, it’s now over 5,000. “We have the new school coming in and we want to finish putting our municipal building up,” Wilson said. The city’s police, fire and water departments also continue to grow, providing services to the ever-expanding area.

According to Wilson, he will now focus his attention on building a sports complex with ball fields, a walking track and, “maybe a splash pad for the children, like what Ashville has. The only difference is ours would use recycled water.” Margaret tried to get a grant for the splash pad this summer but just missed the deadline. “I’m going to keep trying until I get it,” Wilson said. The land has already been acquired for this project.

With the housing market struggling, the town of Margaret will attempt to focus on developing retail and sales taxes. A new Flash Track gas station is nearly finished and Sneaky Pete’s has already signed a contract to be inside the station.

Margaret will also attempt to create more boards, such as a planning and zoning board and a beautification board. “Our plate is full,” Wilson acknowledged. “The new administration better be ready to go to work.”

“I want to thank the people for electing me again. We’ll work and grow together, and see how far we can go. The town got a little divided during the elections and I’m doing what I can to reunite it.”