Two people are vying for city council in California's Ward 2. Voters will choose one to fill the seat on the April 5 ballot.
Name: Bryan Lawson
Age: 37
Family: Married to Becky Lawson; one son, Corbin, and one daughter, Kinsley.
Length of residency in the county: Twenty-five years. My family, parents, grandparents have lived in California, and I was raised in California. I graduated from CHS in 1997, then moved to complete my college degree and lived in Warrensburg until moving back to California in 2009."
Experience as relates to the office sought: "It has been an honor to serve on the City Council for the last two years. I am excited about the future of California, and I know I will valuably contribute to ensure that California stays on the right track. I have gained precious knowledge throughout the two years by actively participating in the council meetings. I have enjoyed responsibly serving the city and will continue to do so."
Your view of the officeholder in relationship to the citizens and communities of Moniteau County: "The residents of California need to know they have a voice in the city. As city alderman, I am a fair representation and liaison to get any concerns in front of the entire City Council."
The major issue of importance that can be addressed by this office: "As city alderman, I will continue to focus on the safety of the street conditions. Positive growth for our city is essential. However, growth must be planned and managed to make sure it fits the needs of our city and pays for itself. To achieve these objectives, I will collaborate with other City Council members and assist the mayor. California is about the pride that citizens have for our city and the future of our city. Therefore, I will continue to encourage children's activities. It is about what we leave behind for our children and how we prepare them for the future."
What you expect to achieve if elected to this office: "Since I have the experience of holding the office as city alderman for the past two years, I will continue to strive to reach goals to reflect the city of California's vision and guide decision-making at all levels at the city. I will make every effort to set proprieties, direct work activities and allocate staff and financial resources."
Name: Rick Whitson
Age: 58
Family: Married to Jackie Wyss Whitson 28 years; three children and six grandchildren.
Length of residency in the county: "I have lived in Moniteau County for more than 12 years."
Experience as relates to the office sought: "I have over 35 years of contraction experience. I was owner of RJ's Concrete & Metal Building Construction, part owner of Whitson & Whitson Concrete Construction. I have an associate's of applied science degree and have a MoDOT certification of material and handling. I have been an employee of Moniteau County R-I School District for five years. In owning a business, I have an understanding of how budgets need to be managed. I believe I have some talents that might be beneficial to our town. I want to help make tho the best town it can be."
Your view of the officeholder in relationship to the citizens and communities of Moniteau County: "I feel being an alderman is a way to become more rooted in my town. I've always been interested in the city and wanting to give back to the community whenever I can. I want to use my service and experience to help better our town. I'm straightforward, speak my mind and am a team player."
The major issue of importance that can be addressed by this office: "I believe we need to support our police , fire and emergency departments, and other departments within the city, to help with their growing needs."
What you expect to achieve if elected to this office: "We also need to keep jobs in an ever changing environment. We've seen a lot of businesses go out of business. We need to be prepared to make some difficult decisions to promote growth in our future. I ask for your support. I have no goals, but would like to give."