VERSAILLES, Mo. - A contested mayoral race tops the April 4 ballot for the city of Versailles.
Challenger Charla Gross-Hook is vying to unseat incumbent Mayor Terry Silvey.
Silvey has served as mayor for 12 years. He said we wants to finish the mission he set out to complete when he first ran.
"I've been fortunate to work with the City Council who takes pride in the community," Silvey said. "At this point, we're halfway through a large wastewater project that we started six years ago, and I would like to be in office to see to it that we finish the job. Overall, I want to be re-elected, because I have the experience to do the job, and there's more to do."
Gross-Hook said she is a strong advocate for law enforcement and emergency personnel. She is a registered EMT and was previously security officer at Pantera-Resort in Osage Beach for 10 years.
"I believe an elected official should represent the people and communicate with the the local constituents," Gross-Hook said. "This isn't just my city. I believe that we need to support local business and families in order to make this a place that's more attractive for other people to want to come."
The ballot will feature uncontested races for city marshal, as well as North and South Ward aldermen.
Chad Hartman has served as city marshal for four years. "I love my job, and I love serving the people," Hartman said. "Since I've been in office, we have been able to maintain a low crime rate."
North Ward Alderman Brian Bias is running unopposed. "We've had a lot of accomplishments, and I'd like to see a lot more done in the city of Versailles," he said.
South Ward Alderman Chuck Pryor said he is running to serve his community and believes his experience from a previous position on the local City Council will help to provide a broader perspective from the council's eyes. "I care about my community, and there are great people here that increase its potential for more opportunities."
Barnett
Incumbent June Shy is being challenged by Larry G. Daulton for the Ward 1 alderman's seat in the only contested race on Barnett's April 4 ballot.
Shy has served on the board for several years and said she is seeking re-election to ensure that things are taken care of in the city. The most recent project during Shy's tenure was the installation of new sewer and water lines, and the city may receive a grant for new drainage across the city.
Daulton did not respond to requests for interviews for this article.
In Ward 2, Russel Stamm, currently serving on the board, is seeking to fill a one-year term. He said the city is in the process of repairing roads and storm drains. "I want to make sure that our town gets cleaned up and to make it a more attractive town for other people to take notice, so that they may want to make it a place to call their home."
Also in Ward 2, Louis Garbi is unopposed for a two-year term on the board. Garbi did not respond to attempts to contact him.
Stover
Three candidates are seeking to fill two vacancies for alderman-at-large positions in Stover.
Mayoral candidate Brenda Steffens is running unopposed.
In the alderman-at-large race, incumbent Marsha Walters is seeking her fourth term and said she wants the best for her hometown.
"I am very community-minded and want to be there for my city - to watch it grow adding more businesses to the town."
Challenger Dave Whitesell is a longtime employee of the Morgan County road maintenance department. He said he wants to see the city continue to exhibit responsible spending behavior and to see that their needs are met.
"I just want to see that streets are continuously being maintained, sewer projects are being undertaken and that we take care of our employees," Whitesell said. "I'm not saying that the city has not been doing these things, but I would like to do my part and serve the community where I've grown up."
Challenger Jeremy Smith did not respond to requests for an interview.
Steffens said she would like to be mayor because she wants to ensure that the city is financially sound and continues to grow. She has lived in Stover for 35 years and has served six years on the council.
"I would like to see our city attract more businesses and people who may be driving through to stop and shop in town," Steffens said. "As plans are in the making for the Rock Island and MKT Trail to meet, I want our town to be ready for it."