ST. CHARLES – The race for 1st Ward alderman in St. Charles is much like it was four years ago.

Incumbent Jon Monken is squaring off against Ron Silkaitis, whom he unseated in 2009. Joining them is Justin Osborne, a 23-year-old Northern Illinois University student who also works full-time as a machinist in Bensenville.

“I want to become an alderman so I can help refine the community within which I would like to raise a family of my own, to realize the vision of government I wish to live under after my term is up and one that will inspire others within that government to continue likewise, and also to challenge myself in new and exciting ways that will benefit not just myself but also my fellow residents of St. Charles,” Osborne said in an email.