Jamey Abercrombie, James Toothman and Jason Walker are running for the board seat currently held by Richard Denkler, who is not seeking another term. The term is for two years. Abercrombie, 35, has been on the planning and zoning board for five years and has served as chairman for nearly a year. He is employed as a plumber. Toothman, 66, has worked with Abercrombie on the planning and zoning board for the past two years. He is retired from a 33-year career in the airline industry. Walker, 26, also has some experience with city government. He worked for 18 months in the city's public works department. He currently works in the construction field. Toothman and Walker want to see better communication between the residents and city officials. They both said they are tired of the unruly behavior and constant disputes on display at aldermen meetings. "I think I can be a voice of reason," Toothman said. "I want to work with the people and the city to get the necessities done without the bickering. We have our right to our own opinion, but you don't get upset with someone on the board." Walker thinks he can bring an unbiased approach to the board should he be elected. "I want to do what is the best for the city," he said. "I want to make sure every voice is heard and both sides are looked at." Abercrombie believes some of the residents' concerns could be addressed if Larry Janish, the city's code enforcer, had more training on ordinance regulations and enforcement. Abercrombie added that relationships between the city and businesses are strained due to current procedures. "When businesses come in you can't nitpick them," he remarked. "Yeah, they have to abide by certain codes, but you can't run them out. You have to talk and work with them. You've got to try to make it easier for businesses." During his time as a city employee, Walker said the public works department was undermanned and underpaid. He said the city needs to have better cooperation between aldermen, the planning and zoning board and the Wright City Area Chamber of Commerce. Toothman believes city officials need to tighten expenses. He said beautifying certain areas of the city also need to be addressed. "I think I can work for blue collar versus white collar," he said. One idea Abercrombie wants to implement in Wright City is similar to the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council in O'Fallon, a group designed to educate area youth on how the government works. "I think that would be good for the community and the next generation coming up," Abercrombie said. "They find out how everything affects the city."