Q & A with mayoral challenger Charlie Roll

Charlie Roll
Charlie Roll

Mayoral challenger Charlie Roll, 65, has lived in California about 50 years. He and his wife, Pat, have three children, six grand-children, and one great-grandson.

He's challenging incumbent Norris Gerhart on the city's April 4 ballot. 

Here are Roll's answers to the following questions.

Q. What is your experience as it relates to the office?

A. Past City Alderman Ward II 11 years, Past President of Annunciation Parish Council, Past Board member of California Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the California Eagles #4027, Past Grand Knight of Annunciation Knights of Columbus #9271, Present Faithful Navigator of Knights of Columbus Assembly #582 4th Degree, Present Board member of Central Missouri Community Action(CMCA) representing Moniteau County, Present Board member of California Progress Inc. (CPI), and active with MRED. Numerous responsibilities: drafting, supervision, construction/maintenance, Budgets and contracts with CenturyLink for over 41 yrs. 1970 graduate of California High School, 1972 graduate of Tri-County Tech, associates degree in drafting/surveying.

Q. What is your view of the officeholder in relationship to the citizens and communities of Moniteau County?

A. We want to do what is in the best interest of all our citizens, businesses and associated organizations to make our city better in all that we have to offer, keeping safety in mind as we move forward. Keeping abreast of county and state officials to ensure all concerns are covered.

Q. What is the major issue of importance which can be addressed by this office?

A. The city has annexed a good deal of land the last few years and we need to meet our commitments and budget for the same. Keep abreast of new homes and businesses to make sure that we have their needs in line and ready. We have drainage and storm water issues. The city has easements that we need to make sure we have them taken care of. We need to stress the importance to be in the mold of proactive, instead of reactive in all that we do. And once again safety for all!

Q. What do you expect to achieve if elected to this office in April?

A. To keep the city budget on a level that will meet our needs, and have reserves for the unexpected -having a fluctuating budget year to year, sure does not help the morale of all involved. Arrange training opportunities for all city employees, be it website and/or cross training. Take care of the major issues as previously mentioned above. Arrange to have restroom facilities all year long at our parks and recreation areas. Make the office of mayor a lot more user-friendly for all. Be a can-do mayor. Being retired, I will handle concerns for all citizens and businesses, and increased flexibility with appointments.