Election guide: Local candidates for April 6 elections

Posted 3/31/21

Elections for city governments and school boards will take place on Tuesday, April 6. 

Below is a brief guide to the candidates that will be on ballots in Warren County. Candidate …

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Election guide: Local candidates for April 6 elections

Posted

Elections for city governments and school boards will take place on Tuesday, April 6. 

Below is a brief guide to the candidates that will be on ballots in Warren County. Candidate information is based solely on responses to questionnaires distributed by The Record to candidates. We do not provide profiles for races where candidates are running unopposed.

WARRENTON MAYOR

• Eric Schleuter

Age: 46

Occupation: Jail administrator

Previous public office(s): Mayor, Alderman

Reason for seeking election: To continue with positive growth within the city of Warrenton through homes and businesses. I also would like to continue working on transparency within the city government.

Top priorities:

1) Help continue positive growth in the city of Warrenton.

2) Continue strengthening relationships with other local municipal governments and the Warren County Commission.

3) To keep committed to transparency within the city of Warrenton.

Qualifications: I not only worked for the city of Warrenton as a police officer for eight years, but also continue to be proud of raising my family here as well.

Brief comment: I know not all decisions made by the board of aldermen or myself are the most popular decisions, but we strive to listen to the public and make the best decisions for the citizens and businesses of Warrenton.

• Sheryl Cullom

Age: 38

Occupation: Senior manager of program management, transformation

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: I want to help create a sustainable future for the next generation, through community engagement, economic growth and enforcement of the rule of law.

Top priorities:

1) Enforce the rule of law, no more passing the buck.

2) Give the people of Warrenton a voice by giving the community a chance to participate in city decisions, growth opportunities and regulatory impact.

3) Start investing in the next generation and create programs that help them become community leaders.

Qualifications: I am a leader in the corporate space, with experience in leading teams and managing multi-million dollar business and organizational transformations. I have experience working with C-suite executives and decision makers to develop and implement strategic initiatives for revenue growth and company savings.

Brief comment: I believe that in order for a community to thrive, local government and citizens must collaborate to create economic growth that can be sustained.

WARRENTON ALDERMAN, WARD 1

• Joshua Poore

Age: 42

Occupation: Paralegal

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: To provide honest, accountable and transparent representation to Warrenton residents. To provide diversity of thought to the board, emphasizing liberty, the rule of law and critical thinking.

Top priorities:

1) Defend liberty and secure the individual rights of Warrenton residents.

2) Bring transparency and accountability to the board of aldermen.

3) Promote free-market economics.

Qualifications: I have a degree in history, 15 years of experience as a paralegal and extensive knowledge of the city code. As a private citizen, I have promoted the principles of liberty, transparency and accountability in local government.

Brief comment: I have zero tolerance for corruption.

• Christine Jaseckas

Profile information was not received from this candidate.

• Larry Corder

Age: 65

Occupation: Account manager

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: Running for alderman is a way I can give back to our community that has given me so much. ... I would like to use my experience gained in working within small communities across the country to help prepare our infrastructure and community for the growth that is knocking at our door.

Top priorities:

1) Enhance and build upon our current business and family friendly environment.

2) Improve our city’s infrastructure.

3) Create a framework for the steady and healthy growth of our community.

Qualifications: My 43 years of business experience with rural electric cooperatives has taught me the importance of working toward “win-win” minded solutions. I have always strived to collaborate, communicate, and partner with all shareholders involved on a project to reach a successful solution.

Brief comment: As alderman, I would dedicate the time and effort to review all the facts and sides of an issue to make the most informed decision which is in the best interest of the city of Warrenton.

• Mark Andert

Age: 56

Occupation: Loss prevention investigator/analyst lead

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: The past year taught me that in order to get the community we want and the local government that supports that community, we have to stand up and get involved in helping to shape that community.  Running for Ward 1 alderman is how I think I can best stand up and serve the community.

Top priorities:

1) Developing a well thought out plan for Warrenton growth that maintains the hometown feel of Warrenton while also providing economic opportunities and jobs.

2) Ensuring that we are attracting a great mix of businesses to Warrenton so that we best serve our diverse community needs.

3) Ensure police and first responders are able to recruit, train and properly outfit the best qualified individuals so they can safely and professionally serve our residents and provide the best outcomes possible.

Qualifications: I have spent over 30 years using my investigation and interview skills working for companies identifying processes and people causing the company losses, dealing with those losses and then putting programs in place to ensure those losses did not occur again.  I believe those skills can be put to good use in the alderman position by asking the right questions of the right people so that good sensible solutions and programs can be developed.

Brief comment: I believe in the people of Warrenton and have chosen to make Warrenton my home since 2010 and If the people of Warrenton Ward 1 choose me to represent them, I will do so to the best of my ability.

WARRENTON ALDERMAN, WARD 2

• Steven Cullom

Age: 36

Occupation:

Self-employed

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: I believe that the current administration doesn’t listen to what the citizens of Warrenton want and that the current administration has no desire for our city to flourish and grow.

Top priorities:

1) Look for ways to cut spending and save money.

2) Make the people’s voice heard.

3) See our community flourish with new business and economic growth.

Qualifications: I served in the United States Marine Corps for four years and was a leader and taught leadership courses. I have been responsible for auditing and maintaining millions of dollars in equipment and accounts for different government and private organizations.

Brief comment: If elected I will strive to make the voices of the people and the community  heard so we can all work together to help our community and town grow for the next generation that’s going to be living here.

• Gary Auch

Age: 69

Occupation: Senior director of finance at Paraquad Inc.

Previous public office(s): Alderman

Reason for seeking election: I am seeking re-election because I believe that I have the experience and history to help keep Warrenton moving forward to make this a great place to live. I am very passionate about the future of the city and the challenges and opportunities it has.

Top priorities:

1) It is critical that the city successfully move forward under a new administration and I want to be a part of making that successful.

2) As we continue to see new growth in residential and business it is important that it is well managed so we create a community that all can enjoy and thrive in.

3) The expansion of the sewer plant, sidewalks on Highway 47, and the need to maintain the older neighborhoods.

Qualifications: My experience and knowledge of the city operations and history cannot be matched by my opponent, which I believe gives me an advantage in helping to solve the issues and setting direction. Additionally, my financial background as a certified public accountant helps me to assist in financial decision-making and planning.

Brief comment: I have always responded to each call or email sent to me and have strived to make decisions that make Warrenton a great community to live in through all stages of life.

WARRENTON ALDERMAN, WARD 3

• Gary Miller

Age: 74

Occupation: Retired

Previous public office(s): Alderman, Board chairman of Warren County Ambulance District

Reason for seeking election: I want to help our city have good growth. Planning is the key to having growth we can be proud of.

Top priorities:

1) Develop areas for new retail business.

2) Complete the new sidewalk from the North Service Road to the north city limits.

3) The city is ready to start high speed internet.

Qualifications: I am retired, with lots of time to work on projects for our citizens.

Brief comment: I would like to have another term to serve as Ward 3 alderman to help our fine city grow.

• Jeff Jaspering

Profile information was not received from this candidate.

WARREN COUNTY R-III SCHOOL BOARD (vote for two)

• John Clinger

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired educator, Choir director at College Methodist Church

Previous public office(s): School board director

Reason for seeking election: As a current board member, I have a strong commitment to the children of this school district to provide them with the best education they can receive. I also have a strong sense of community and wish to serve by representing them on the board.

Top priorities:

1) Advocate for all children in the Warren County R-3 School District, that they will have access to a quality education.

2) Attract and maintain a quality staff to deliver that quality education, and encourage staff to become members of our community for their entire school careers.

3) Maintain the financial security of the district to have the funding to provide a quality education.

Qualifications: My extensive knowledge of the school district’s operations from serving on the board of education for three terms and being an educator in the district for 30 years. I am an active member of the community and am highly concerned about the quality of education provided by the school district.

Brief comment: I have a degree in art education and a Master’s degree in school administration, I am the vice-president of the WISE Foundation, and I serve as the administrative board chairperson and choir director at College Methodist Church.

• Jeff Schneider

Age: 41

Occupation: Area business manager, Bayer Crop Science

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: I believe diversity of thought is critical in our community and school district, especially with those guiding the decisions that affect all students and staff. I want to enhance that diversity within the BOE and help this district thrive with the opportunities we have.

Top priorities:

1) Improve the financial situation of the district.

2) Expand/improve educational opportunities for all students, especially those related to trade skills for our local workforce.

3) Increase transparency and interact with the community at a higher level.

Qualifications: My experience and career have taught me the skills necessary to understand and manage multi-million dollar budgets and decisions. I have children that are students in the district, as well as family and friends employed in the district, so my decisions as a board member will impact those close to me and hold me accountable for those choices.

Brief comment: I am a 1997 graduate of Warrenton High School and feel privileged to have the opportunity to help continue improving our school district and make others proud to be a Warrior.

• Deanna Zwyers

Age: 59

Occupation: Director of customer service for MiTek Inc.

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: I will assist with developing a financially solvent long-term vision, supported by a clear map that provides the necessary opportunities students need to reach their full potential. Our school is one of the top employers in the community, and we need to run it like a business.

Top priorities:

1) Support a balanced strategic financial budget, with the necessary structure to ensure accountability with full transparency.

2) Evaluate our educational curriculum and ensure the availability of (agriculture and trades) and other courses that align with the priorities of our community, allowing every student the capability to excel at their full potential.

3) Retain quality staff, continuous improvement and advancement of qualified teachers and administration are the backbone to maintain a stable and healthy culture.

Qualifications: My Master’s degree in business administration, coupled with my 25-plus years of experience managing multimillion dollar financial budgets, to my current position as director of customer service at MiTek Inc., provide me the well-balanced expertise necessary to lead the Warrenton School District back to financial stability, while providing an educational curriculum that provides for the future of our community.

Brief comment: My years as a director of customer service have taught me one thing – listening to our customers; the school’s customers are our students, parents, teachers, as well as our taxpayers.

WRIGHT CITY ALDERMAN, WARD 1

• Kerry Lambright

Age: 51

Occupation: IT architect, Digital Voice

Previous public office(s): Alderman

Reason for seeking election: I have had the honor to serve the citizens of Wright City for the past three years as a Ward 1 alderman, and four years serving on the planning and zoning committee.  There are many exciting efforts in the works for Wright City and our citizens, which I would appreciate support to be a part of.

Top priorities:

1) Encourage a timely delivery on city projects – police department, new city park, roadwork and infrastructure.

2) Encourage more business growth in Wright City.

3) Work with other alderman and city administration to implement the city’s comprehensive plan.

Qualifications: I have a working relationship with our city administration and other elected officials at multiple levels. I bring my understanding of blueprints and technical design documents to the table for Wright City, so that we may put our best foot forward in projects for our city and its residents.

Brief comment: I believe that honesty and hard work are keys to being a good representative of those we are chosen to serve ... with no bias and best results for Wright City as a whole.

• Donald Andrews

Age: 41

Occupation: Sanitation engineer

Previous public office(s): None

Reason for seeking election: I will actually show up for meetings to be a voice of the people.  I will communicate with the citizens of Wright City via a variety of forums including social media, face to face, personally answering email and phone calls.

Top priorities:

1) Assist with the progression of the new city park to bring it to reality and usage.

2) Improve infrastructure, city roads, sidewalks and sewer system to  attract more businesses, more jobs, and overall population.

3) Make sure that waste and unnecessary spending is cut, to maintain or lower our level of taxation by living within our means.

Qualifications: I am a Warren County business owner and am invested in Wright City and want to serve the citizens with smart growth.

Brief comment: I work hard everyday of my life. Let me continue that by working hard for you and be your voice within the city government.

• Robert Hamlin

Mr. Hamlin has dropped out of the alderman race. His name will still appear on the ballot.

MARTHASVILLE MAYOR

• David Lange

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired

Previous public office(s): Mayor, Alderman

Reason for seeking election: I would like to continue the work of this administration of setting this community up for the future. Building an infrastructure that the residents do not have to worry about for years to come.

Top priorities:

1) Finish the water system upgrade of a new deep well and storage tank so we can move the city off of the DNR mandated chlorine treatment.

2) Continue improving city services, street widening, snow removal, R/V park, dog park, splash pad, sidewalks, basketball court, soccer goals with football uprights, and community garden/farmer’s market.

3) I want to continue working on a project to add an infrastructure for high-speed fiber optic network for the citizens to have a faster and more reliable internet service option.

Qualifications: I am a certified municipal official by Missouri Municipal League Governance Institute, certified flood plain administrator, and have completed water and wastewater treatment courses through the MO Department of Natural Resources. I have served over 21 years in public office for the city of Marthasville in the roles of alderman and mayor.

Brief comment: Retirement has allowed me the opportunity to dedicate my time and expertise to this community by attending meetings with other agencies, helping to oversee city projects, and continuing to make progress on plans that are going to set this community up for success for many generations to come.

• Eugene Jenkins

Age: 64

Occupation: Water and sewer maintenance

Previous public office(s): Chief of police, Alderman

Reason for seeking election: To make city expenditures readily available to the public so taxpayers know how their money is being spent. To also have better communication between the citizens and the city government.

Top priorities:

1) Repair and maintain all streets regularly.

2) Build a two-area dog park.

Brief comment: I have been employed by the city for 15 years, and will listen and try to answer questions that citizens have.

elections, Warrenton Board of Aldermen, Warrenton mayor, Warren County school board, Wright City Board of Aldermen, Marthasville Mayor

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