Applicants for Ward 4 vacancy speak at Jefferson City Council meeting
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
At the Jefferson City Council meeting Monday night, candidates for the open Ward 4 council seat introduced themselves and each spoke for five minutes.
Each ward consists of two council members, but after Mayor Ron Fitzwater was elected on April 4, his council seat became vacant.
Applicants for the position had until 5 p.m. Monday to submit their application with a resume, cover letter, three notarized candidate endorsements and two forms of identification -- that show name and address -- to the City Clerk.
Candidates attended Monday's meeting for introductions and answer questions.
The council expects to fill the vacancy at the May 15 meeting.
There are six people who have applied:
- Carlos Graham
- Michael Michelson
- Kathi Harness
- Randall Wright
- Julie Allen
- Buford “Chuck” Walker
Some of the topics each applicant hit on includes:
Carlos Graham brought up experience, having previously served on the council, and also currently serves as the board chair for Capital Region Medical Center .
"I would love to be back on the council to continue my involvement (in the community) and to help to constituents of Ward 4 address issues in which we do have," Graham said.
Michael Michelson is hoping to bring fresh ideas to the council.
"I think we need some new ideas and some new leadership from those who haven't been involved in this," Michelson said.
Kathi Harness wanted to address infrastructure concerns.
"I do think that our infrastructure, especially our roads, need to be addressed," Harness said.
Randall Wright, a real estate broker, also brought up some of his concerns in relation to housing in the city.
"The lack of affordable housing in Jefferson City, I see that a lot as a real estate broker," Wright said.
Julie Allen made statements about growth.
"Taking positive steps to allow for measured and planned growth for our community," Allen said.
Chuck Walker said he would like to bring back town halls.
"There were some programs disregarded that we would like to put back in our community," Walker said.
