Local board of aldermen and school board elections will be decided by voters June 2. The Record asked each candidate to answer a list of questions. Their answers are below, organized by race. Due to space, we have omitted any election that only has one candidate.

– Joshua Poore –

• Age: 41

• Occupation: Paralegal

• Previous public office(s): None

• Reason for seeking election: I believe that Warrenton residents deserve an alderman who will actively promote liberty. ... Providing diversity of thought to the board will enable more debate and deliberation, allowing better ideas to emerge.

• Top priorities:

1. Defend liberty and secure individual rights.

2. Promote free-market economics.

3. Bring more transparency and accountability to the board.

• Qualifications: I have a B.A. in history and have worked for the Warren County Circuit Court. ... My education and employment history have prepared me to serve as an alderman by providing me with a knowledge of history, law, government and economics.

 

– Jack Crump –

• Age: 55

• Occupation: Starbucks Coffee Co.

• Previous public office(s): None

• Reason for seeking election: To help Warrenton grow in a positive direction, so that every resident will be proud to live here.

• Top priorities:

1. Economic growth: Help bring trades and businesses to the city to provide opportunities for our community.

2. City spending: Ensure the money spent is a benefit to the residents of Ward 1 and the city of

Warrenton.

3. I would like to see a community activity center that would have indoor (sports), and a skate and bike park for the youth.

• Qualifications: With 30 years of experience in the service industry, leading people and managing businesses, I understand how to meet budgets and control spending, how to work with others, listen to their ideas, and make the right decisions.

– Laurie Wenzel –

• Age: 59

• Occupation: Faculty, Western Governors University

• Previous public office(s): School Board. 

• Reason for seeking election: A strong robust school district equals a strong, dynamic community….and visa-versa. I have loved this community for 26 years and desire for both the school district and community to be a premiere place to live and learn. I would like to take my lifetime experience, research and learning and work together with a team of others who desire for this community to be top-notch to make the school district amongst the best in the state. We are on a solid path to excellence, I’d like to continue my work in that direction.

• Top priorities:

1. Put practices in place to attract and retain strong, high-quality instructional and support staff.

2. Work to balance the budget in our current challenging times and work to maintain the balance.

3. Work to create a culture of excellence in all we do such as in curriculum, staff learning and development and outstanding opportunities for our students.

• Qualifications: I have loved everything about education since I was very little. I’ve been fortunate to have learned and grown in 3 separate districts outside of Warren Co. R3 as well as in two universities. My career journey leading, growing and learning my way through challenges such as tight budgets, teacher strikes, neighborhood buy-outs and high educator turn-over motivate me to dig even deeper for my home community of Warrenton.

 

– Rodger Tucker –

The Record did not receive candidate response.

 

– Franci Schwartz –

• Age: 59

• Occupation: Retired educator

• Previous public office(s): School Board

• Reason for seeking election: I would like to continue to help meet the goals we have set for the school district, including maintaining a balanced budget, while looking out for the best interests of the students.

• Top priorities:

1. Always make decisions based on what is best for students.

2. Hire and retain top quality staff in all positions.

3. Balance the budget and maintain it.

• Qualifications: I learned a great deal about school finance and policy during my first term on the board and fulfilled the requirements necessary to become a certified board member through the Missouri School Boards’ Association. My experience in the classroom gave me insight into day to day issues in a school, students’ concerns and needs, and the important role played by every staff member, regardless of their position.

 

– Samuel Palmer –

•  Age: 37

•  Occupation: VP of Loss Control

•  Previous public office(s): None

•  Reason for seeking election: I am a 17-year resident of Warren County and have 2 daughters enrolled Daniel Boone Elementary that are in first and second grade for the 21-22 school year. Professionally, I am the Vice President of Loss Control for an insurance carrier. My current position requires me to teach employers how to run their business more profitably by cutting waste and increasing efficiency in addition to how to run their operation safer to prevent injuries and illnesses. This results in a reduction of overall operating costs.  I attended Columbia Southern University and obtained my Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Occupational Safety and Health with a Concentration in Environmental Management in 2015 and 2018, respectively.  I am a board-certified safety professional and a state certified safety consultant through the Division of Workplace Safety.  I mention my current position as well as my education as I feel it important especially in these times that we have someone who can serve on the board to assist in making the focus on running the district efficiently as well as keeping all parties safe and making sure that what we do is for the betterment of the district for the students.  

•  Top Priorities:

1. My desire to be a member of the school board is primarily due to my desire to be of service to something greater than myself.  My children attend the school district as do many other friends in my neighborhood and the community at large.  My goal is to be a positive change to the school board and to bring an outsider's view of how businesses should operate and how they can run more efficient.  We all know there are budget issues in every governmental operation.  It is my hope that we can find ways to cut spending and keep a budget balanced without putting any further burden on the taxpayers of the district.  The result of this is a better and financially stronger district for all students.

2. We are in uncertain times with concerns for safety and health that have never been handled before.  My goal is that I can share my knowledge of health and safety to assist the board and subsequently the district in making decisions to keep the teachers, staff, children, and parents safe, healthy, and continuing their education.

3. I hope to make an impact to the board and subsequently the district that is better for the students because it is all about them in my humble opinion.  I have an outside view and one that I believe is different than any other on the board currently. I deal with companies from all over that range from 1,000 employees to 2 employees.  I have consulted them on numerous topics to help them keep their people safe, how to run more efficiently, and how to stay in compliance with various governmental regulations.  My goal is to bring that outside view to the board and assist in making decisions that benefit the students and the staff not only for their well-being but also for their education.

•  Qualifications: With my experience and education, I feel I bring a fresh view and knowledge to the board that is currently needed.  I am a parent, a risk manager, and an adult educator.  It is my opinion and the opinion of others who have encouraged me to run for this position that there is a change needed on our board and I possess the qualities that could make that change and be a new voice for the kids. 

– Sarah Janes –

• Age: 30

• Occupation: Stay-at-home mom and substitute teacher

• Previous public office(s): None

• Reason for seeking election: As a lifelong lover of learning, I would have the opportunity to help set up our school district for success. This meets my desire to love my community well through an important public service, stepping up and stepping out for the kids of our county.

• Top priorities:

1. Collaborate with the board to problem solve with an open-minded approach as the board makes important decisions in these difficult times.

2. Connect with the community to foster an  innovative, reciprocal relationship with students.

3. Consider the numerous differences within our student body and how to meet their needs for academic success.

• Qualifications: Since substitute teaching within the district since 2016, my care for  students, empathy for teachers, and respect for administration has grown. With my degree in psychology, I hope to ... promote academic excellence with a whole-child approach.

 

– Joseph Lanigan –

The Record did not receive candidate response.

– John O’Connor –

• Age: 73

• Occupation: Pastor, Presbyterian Church 

• Previous public office(s): Alderman, Planning and Zoning Board

• Reason for seeking election: There several projects that we have begun that I would like to see completed before leaving,  one of which is the new park.

• Top priorities:

1. See the new park on the north side completed.

2. Road projects to improve the appearance and safety of Wright City.

3. Attract and create an environment for business to prosper.

• Qualifications:  B.A. in economics, master’s degree in Business administration, juvenile probation officer, US Army, 42 years in insurance industry, 25 years as pastor in the Presbyterian Church, 52 years married and three children.

 

– Robert Hamlin –

The Record did not receive candidate response.

 

– Jermaine Johnson –

The Record did not receive candidate response.

 

– Michelle Heiliger –

• Age: 50

• Occupation: Director of Human Resources

• Previous public office(s): Park Board

• Reason for seeking election: I believe it is important to ensure we have a long term vision, and we have a plan laid out that tells us how we are going to get there. ... I do not believe that many citizens know or understand what our path is, or the vision for the future of Wright City.  I also would like to see more women in leadership.

• Top priorities:

1. See communication between the city and the community improved.

2. Create a program that will allow open sharing of ideas and concerns with business owners and concerned community members.

3. I think our community would love to see their board members more present in the community.

• Qualifications: I have been a resident of Wright City for most of my life.  I have been involved in volunteering and leading community organizations for many years. Through these experiences, I have built great rapport with our community members.

– Heidi Hallemann –

• Age: 34

• Occupation: Accounting manager

• Previous public office(s): R-II School Board

• Reason for seeking election: I am passionate about Wright City School District, the Wright City community and public school in general. My focus has always been and will continue to be making Wright City better for all who live, work and go to school here.

• Top priorities:

1. Bringing back the industrial arts classes and expanding our agriculture and FFA offerings.

2. Passing a no-tax-increase bond issue to build a new high school to deal with the needs of our growing community.

3. Push curriculum that involves social/emotional awareness, expand early childhood education.

• Qualifications: I am a longtime community member of Wright City and a 2003 Wright City graduate. ... I have numerous hours of board training under my belt. ... I co-created and manage Unite Wright City and the Wright City Ambassadors Scholarship Program, along with sitting on the Agape board and board president of the Friends of Wright City Parks.

 

– Alice Jensen –

• Age: 69

• Occupation: Professor emerita of nursing

• Previous public office(s): R-II School Board

• Reason for seeking election: I believe in the importance of public education for every child. My children and I have received the benefits of wonderful public education systems, and I want to see wright City continue to grow in excellence.

• Top priorities:

1. Improve rigor and engagement in classroom instruction.

2. Expand opportunities in the trades and technology.

3. Continue programs in social and emotional learning.

• Qualifications: I taught nursing at the college level for 29 years and have an understanding of teaching, learning, curriculum design, and assessment. ... I have a B.A. in psychology, a B.S. in nursing, an M.S. in nursing and have taken doctoral-level courses in adult education.

 

– Michael Bates –

• Age: 40

• Occupation: Director of Human Resources

• Previous public office(s): R-II School Board

• Reason for seeking election: Education is vital to the future of our community and our state. I am proud of the opportunities we have been able to provide to our students the last three years, but there is more work to do.

• Top priorities:

1. Support the social-emotional needs of our students as a part of our school culture.

2. Increase academic rigor, while emphasizing career and technical education.

3. Make sure we are good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

• Qualifications: I have spent the last three years focusing on what we can do to support our students. ... My experience in business has provided me an opportunity to come into this role with a fresh set of eyes, as well as to ensure we are spending according to our budget to maximize the return on our investment.

 

– Bryan Spencer –

• Age: 52

• Occupation: Teacher

• Previous public office(s): State Representative

• Reason for seeking election: I have the education, experience and connections to make a positive impact on the community for our students, teachers and parents.

• Top priorities:

1. Save money for a new high school so the district doesn’t have to come to the taxpayers.

2. Advocate for home economics, industrial arts and vocational classes.

3. Investigate budget for teacher retention and competitive pay.

• Qualifications: Public school teacher 22 years, 29 years teaching total.  ... Served on state budget, education and student accountability committees.

– Jeanette Woehrle –

•  Occupation: Merchandising

• Previous public office(s): Fire Board

• Reason for seeking election: I have lived in Wright City for 10 years with my husband and three children. I was appointed to the board two years ago and would love and appreciate the opportunity to serve a full term.

• Top priorities:

1. Bring the voice of the citizens into board meetings, meaning higher attendance numbers and/or communication through any means.

2.Volunteer involvement.

 

– Jodi Benoist –

The Record did not receive candidate response.

– Mike Thomas –

• Age: 53

• Occupation: Director, KWRE/KFAV Radio

• Previous public office(s): Alderman

• Reason for seeking election: Continue revitalization and growth in our community in the residential, commercial and industrial areas while maintaining our small town appeal.

• Top priorities:

1. Ensure the needs of current residents are being met.

2. Ensure that we have positive, managed growth that is suitable for existing residents and businesses.

3. Development of the city park along with other amenities to provide a family friendly and welcoming environment.

• Qualifications: My experience as a current alderman, along with my work experience in management for over 30 years, gives me the ability to deal with issues the city is currently facing and prepare for future challenges.

 

– Rodger Wells –

• Age: 67

• Occupation: Retired

• Previous public office(s): None

• Reason for seeking election: I want to contribute to the present and future success of Truesdale.

• Top priorities:

1. Continue improving our streets, park and schools.

2. Economic development with responsibility.

3. Encourage all residents to have an active role in making Truesdale a family-friendly community.

• Qualifications: I have lived, worked and raised a family for over 35 years in Truesdale and Warrenton. I believe in this community and its values. 

 

– Rhonda Colombo –

• Age: 52

• Occupation: Foster parent

• Previous public office(s): Alderman

• Reason for seeking election: Truesdale has come a long way in the past few years and I would love to help continue that trend.

• Top priorities:

1. Streets.

2. Help finish park.

3. Housing.

• Qualifications: I’ve been a resident of Truesdale for over 20 years and truly love our little town. I was a member of the board (of aldermen).

 

– Joe Brooks –

The Record did not receive candidate response.

– Ted Sator –

• Age: 70

• Occupation: Retired professional hockey coach

• Previous public office(s): Trustee

• Reason for seeking election: I know both village and resort concerns. One of my fellow trustees is stepping down, so seeking re-election will hopefully keep some continuity with our board.

• Top priorities:

1. Maintain property values in the village, both inside and outside the resort gates.

2. Stay harmonious and respectful of nature.

3. Be a conduit for the concerns of the village.

• Qualifications: I live here and stay abreast of our unique issues. I have the educational and common sense background to make good, informed decisions.

 

– Jerry Rust –

The Record did not receive candidate response.

 

– Donna West –

• Age: 63

• Occupation: Retired

• Previous public office(s): None

• Reason for seeking election: I would like to be part of our local government and decisions as a member of the community.

• Top priorities:

1. Recognize all community concerns for equal representation ... (and) maintain the quality lifestyle experiences with the mission of “harmony with nature.”

2. Sensitivity and balance between necessary and undue burden of regulations.

3. Communicate with state taxing agencies to ensure proper sales tax is credited to the community.

• Qualifications: I have attended trustee meetings for two years. My extensive experience in business, including ownership, will extend to budget parameters and operations. I am a lifetime resident of Missouri in both rural and urban areas.

 

– John Simon –

The Record did not receive candidate response.