The Warrenton Board of Aldermen is looking for a few good candidates for the Ward 1 position currently held by Jack Crump.

During a special meeting of the board Tuesday, May 5, Mayor Eric Schleuter said that it has been voiced by at least one alderman to open up filling the position to more candidates. The position is currently available because the winner of the April 7 Municipal Election, Cody Turner, died prior to the election date, thus creating a vacancy for the Ward 1 seat. As no member has yet been appointed, Crump, who held the seat prior to the election, has continued in the position until a new alderman can be appointed.

During the May 5 meeting, Schleuter said that he has received interest from four potential candidates: Crump, John Cornell, Rich Barton and Alexander Dean Francis.

Alderman Brandon Lang asked whether it would be possible to have each potential candidate speak to the board and recommended opening up the period for people to submit their candidacy for at least another week.

Lang said hearing from candidates would give “everyone a fair opportunity to say why they want to be alderman.”

Schlueter suggested opening the candidate filing period up for another two weeks and allowing those who have submitted for the position to come before the board May 19 at 5:30 p.m. at a special meeting to speak to the board. Schleuter suggested giving candidates five minutes each to speak to the board. The board would then reconvene June 2 at 5:30 p.m. for another special meeting where presumably they would vote on the appointment of a new alderman.

Schleuter explained that upon appointment the new alderman would serve until a special election could be held in April 2027 to vote on an alderman to serve a one-year term in order to bring that position back into the normal rotational two-year election cycle.

Alderman Christine Wait suggested putting something on the city’s website to encourage people to file their candidacy for the position.

According to information provided by the city applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Reside in Ward 1
• Have been a resident of the city for a minimum of one year

To be considered, applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent to City Administrator Brandie Walters, brandie.walters@warrenton-mo.org no later than 12 p.m. on May 15.