Embrey Running for City Office
He is running to improve the city’s conditions, focusing on issues like taxes, infrastructure, crime, and support for small businesses.
Embrey believes citizens have been left out of city decisions and wants to ensure their voices are heard. He has extensive experience in business finance and community service, having been involved in regional and national tourism and receiving multiple awards for his work with military veterans.
What is a City Alderman?
A city alderman is an elected member of a city council, which is the legislative body responsible for making decisions and creating policies for a city. The role of an alderman can vary depending on the specific city’s structure, but their primary duties generally include:
1. Legislating: Aldermen propose, debate, and vote on laws, ordinances, and resolutions that affect the city. This could cover a wide range of issues, such as zoning, public safety, local taxes, and city budgets.
2. Representing Constituents: They represent the interests of residents in their district or ward. This includes addressing concerns, advocating for their needs, and ensuring city services meet the community’s needs.
3. Approving Budgets: Aldermen often help review and approve the city’s budget, which allocates funding for public services such as police, fire departments, infrastructure, and parks.
4. Oversight: Aldermen hold local government departments accountable by overseeing their activities and ensuring that city services are delivered effectively and efficiently.
5. Problem-Solving: They help solve local issues by working with other council members, local government departments, and the public to find solutions to problems like crime, infrastructure needs, or economic development.
Press Release
“I am running for 2nd Ward Council because I’ve lived here most of my adult life and want to see conditions for the citizenry return to a more favorable status. As a homeowner and business owner, I want to keep this town as a great place to start a business and raise a family. I have experience in business finance and both regional and national community service experiences to be an effective city council member. I will work hard and make sure every citizen’s voice is heard.”
Embrey feels too often the citizens of DeKalb are not told the truth about the status of the community and the finances needed to run the city and related agencies. The branding of the image of the city and university has declined over the past 20 years. Local citizens interviewed feel there is little input into the concerns and direction of the city. Major concerns stated are taxes, infrastructures, crime, lack of residential growth, university decline, and support for small business owners.
Michael Embrey, State of Illinois Veteran of the Year
2021,2022, 2023, 2024
Embrey is actively involved in regional and national tourism organizations, being on the Board of Directors for three tourism groups. He has received regional and national awards for his work with Military Veterans and veteran organizations. Recent acknowledgements include the State of Illinois Veteran of the Year, in 2021, 2022, and 2024, with national recognition in 2023. He was recently honored at the 2024 NIU Homecoming for his work with the NIU Marching Band. In addition to his travel company, he continues to work in the entertainment production arena, having created many events in DeKalb. Mr. Embrey recently announced the return of Kishwaukee Fest coming this July, summer 2025.
His home and business office are in DeKalb.
Contact Michael Embrey’s Campaign
If you wish to reach out to Michael Embrey and his team, please use the following contact information.
Press Director: T. Pisapia
Press Director: G. Gus
WEB Coordinator: M. Lacey