Troy’s Dalton Gray opposed, supported on re-appointment
Dalton Gray
by Randy Pierce • Dalton Gray of Troy has been reappointed to another three-year term, expiring in February 2029, as a member of the Madison County Park and Recreation Grant Commission but not without some opposition.
Upon the announcement of his appointment at the most recent meeting of the Madison County Board, one of its members, Alison Lamothe of Edwardsville, first explained that her no vote was not based on personal feelings, adding that her dealings with Gray, who represents District 11, which takes in an area to the north of Troy proper and much of Pin Oak Township, “have always been cordial. He has always been polite to me.”
Lamothe went on to explain she had received “unsolicited complaints from three different people, some employees, some appointees, some, but not all, related to his leadership on this commission.”
Another board member, Paul Nicolussi of Collinsville, reacted to Lamothe’s comments by saying, “I just recommend in the future if there is an issue with another board member, just to talk to him, before we go to the board floor, and say ‘I have complaints,’ at least run it by the person. I’m not sure if Ms. Lamothe did that with Mr. Gray or not. That would be common courtesy between board members.”
Chris Guy, who represents the county board district that covers Maryville, stated, “I echo what Mr. Nicolussi said. We’re elected to ask questions. I know Mr. Gray asks a lot of tough questions.”
“We’re here to be good stewards of tax dollars,” Guy continued. “I don’t fault Mr. Gray for asking questions. I will say, Mr. Gray, we have a good working relationship. I have full confidence in him.”
Noting that he and Gray, who resides at 408 Troy Avenue, do not always agree on everything, Guy further added, “I appreciate the diversity of thought and opinion on some of these boards. I am open to people having different opinions.”
Gray’s four-year term as a county board is due to expire on Nov. 30 of this year and, identified as a Republican, he is listed on the ballot for the March 17 primary election. Also listed on that same ballot for the District 11 county board seat is Democrat Rachel King of 1507 Stone Brooke Drive, Edwardsville.
Additionally approved for three-year reappointments by County Board Chairman Chris Slusser to the Madison County Park and Recreation Grant Commission were Mark Lorch of Edwardsville and Justin Brinkmeyer of Granite City. County board member Denise Wiehardt was appointed to a three-year term, replacing Victor Valentine of Edwardsville.
