The two candidates for Ward 2 alderman in Warrenton — Scott Costello and Gary Auch — share a common desire for accountable, transparent leadership for city government. Both men have previous experience as public servants. Costello is completing a three-year term on the Warren County R-III School Board and Auch formerly served on the Warrenton Board of Aldermen. The winner of the April 2 election will succeed Beth Kendall who did not seek re-election this year. Profiles of the candidates are given in the order in which the individuals’ names will appear on the ballot next Tuesday.

SCOTT COSTELLO Costello said his decision to serve the residents of Warrenton is “rooted in the deep appreciation I have for the community that I have called home since 1976. Warrenton has seen substantial change since that time, yet it continues to be a tremendous place to live, work and raise a family. “My years of community involvement and public service have given me an understanding of what it takes to work with others to deliver results to move our community forward,” he added. “The people of Warrenton want accessible and accountable leadership that serves the entire community,” Costello continued. “That is what I would like to provide as alderman for Ward 2.” Representing the values and interests of his constituents and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect for his fellow board members would be Costello’s top priorities if his bid for the Ward 2 alderman’s seat is successful. “The first priority of an elected official must be to represent the values and interests of his or her constituents, and that is where I hope to begin,” he stated. “In addition, my experience with the board of education, the planning and zoning commission and the Chamber of Commerce has taught me that successful leadership is rooted in mutual respect for fellow board members and their various points of view. “To that end, I would like to be part of a board of aldermen that begins by finding common points of agreement from which to build trust,” Costello added. “The public is best served when elected officials are able to put differences aside for the benefit of all.”

Struggling Economy Among the issues which the city will be faced with during the coming year, Costello said the most important continues to be the struggling economy and the associated side effects. “It is important that Warrenton remain prepared to respond as opportunities for growth arise,” he commented. “As the economy begins to show some signs of improvement, population and housing growth should begin to return. In addition, the new owners of the Warrenton Outlet Center have begun to consider ideas for the development. Warrenton must remain engaged and ready to bring this high-visibility facility back to life.” Costello is keenly aware of the correlation between sales tax revenue and the city’s ability to provide services for its residents. “All of us benefit from a thriving business climate,” he said. “I am encouraged as I consider the number of new businesses that Warrenton’s economic development coordinator has been able to attract over the last 18 months,” Costello added. “In that time, we have seen previously vacant or abandoned properties disappear and in their place we have vibrant businesses in brand-new buildings. “The new Wendy’s and Aldi store are examples that immediately spring to mind,” he continued, adding that the Dairy Queen restaurant which was over 40 years old was razed and a new DQ Grill and Chill opened in its place. O’Reilly Auto Parts built and opened a new store, and Dollar Tree remodeled a building that had long been unoccupied. “Meanwhile, the industrial park has its first new tenant in years in the form of a soy sauce plant,” Costello said. “With these businesses come dozens of jobs for our community. Considering the challenging economic climate, the city’s economic development performance has to be considered a success, yet there is more to be done, and the effort must continue.”

Employee Contracts When asked about the city’s decision to offer contracts to only two of the city’s staff, Costello pointed out that it is a common practice to offer employment contracts to public employees. “The majority of the employees of one of Warrenton’s largest employers work under contract,” Costello said. “All of the teachers and administrators for the Warren County R-III School District are employed by contract. The majority of the teachers in the district are tenured and, therefore, are entitled to automatic contract renewal per state statute. “Tenure provides the teacher with protection from loss of employment without cause,” Costello explained. “Similarly, it protects the teacher from intimidation by board members, administrators and parents. These protections allow the teacher to act with integrity without fear of reprisal.” Costello did note that he would listen to any proposal the board chose to discuss as a matter of city business, including employment contracts. He also pointed out that key considerations would be the cost associated with any action taken, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the action taken. Additionally, he said discussions of specific employees would have to be conducted during closed session, and that the hiring and disciplining of employees also must take place during executive session.

GARY AUCH Auch would like to help restore a measure of credibility to the board of aldermen which he said has declined during the past several years. “One of the reasons I’m running is I feel the council has lost credibility over the last four years,” he remarked. “Two indications of that are awarding the contracts for the employees and spending over $700,000 to purchase acreage for a recreation complex that they’re unable to get the voters to approve. “It doesn’t mean the people making those decisions were bad people, it was just errors in judgment,” he added. “In the six years since I last was in office, I have often been asked to run again for election. Although some of the citizens may not necessarily agree with some of my votes, they appreciated my transparency on issues.” Auch said the city has an opportunity to change, make improvements and move in a new direction. “I would like to be a part of that change and feel that I have the experience and integrity as a former alderman to best support that change,” he said.

City’s Priorities, Focus Over the course of the next year, Auch said there are three areas on which Warrenton should focus. “The city needs to embrace the efforts to promote economic growth on a regional basis,” Auch stated. “I would propose working closely with the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council.” As far as improving services offered to the city’s residents and businesses, Auch noted that he would propose conducting a customer satisfaction survey to help the city improve its services and image. “Finally, the mayor, aldermen and city employees need to develop a team approach to running the city,” Auch commented.

Economic Development Auch said the creation of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council offered the city a unique opportunity for economic growth. “It is great to see a collaborative effort between civic and governmental groups working toward a common goal,” he said. “Job growth is critical to support the families in the area and to generate the revenue the city needs to provide services. The focus needs to be bringing jobs into the area and lowering the unemployment rate.”

Contract Issue Auch said he would not only support repealing the decision by the city to award employment contracts to two of its employees, but he would be willing to offer the motion to do so. “In some cases, contracts are appropriate, but these decisions need to be deliberated on and cannot be used to protect employees,” he remarked.