To assist voters to make informed choices in the June 2 municipal election (rescheduled from April) and to accommodate those who wish to cast absentee ballots, the Leader will present its Voters Guide on its website. Each day, a new contested race or ballot issue will be posted at myleaderpaper.com.
Absentee voting for the June 2 election is open now. Absentee voters can cast their ballots at the Jefferson County Administration Center, 729 Maple St., Hillsboro, or by mail. The deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot is May 20. To request a mail-in ballot or for other information concerning the election, call the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office at 636-797-5486.
Today, we focus on candidates for the Antonia Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors. Tomorrow, a look at the two ballot issues sought by the Dunklin Fire Protection District.
Three people are seeking one seat available in the June 2 election on the Antonia Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors.
Greg Dohack, the incumbent, is seeking a second six-year term. He is the chairman of the three-member board. He faces challenges from Gretchen Noeth and Avery A. Fortenberry.
Fortenberry also is running on June 2 for spots on the Fox C-6 Board of Education and the Rock Township Ambulance District’s board.
Board members are paid $100 per meeting, with the board meeting one or two times a month. The chair receives $50 extra per meeting, and the treasurer is paid an additional $83.30 each month.
The district covers 36 square miles in the Imperial and Barnhart areas.
DOHACK, 58, lives at 6658 Moss Hollow Road in Barnhart. He is married to Vickie Dohack. He is a fleet manager for US Foods.
A 1980 graduate of Herculaneum High School, he earned an associate degree from Jefferson College in 1982.
NOETH, 52, lives at 7611 Wooded Court in Barnhart. She works with private schools and universities to offer healthy snack options that address allergies and specialty dietary needs. Before that, she owned a pizza franchise in Oakville.
She earned an associate degree in microcomputers and networking from Jefferson College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Webster University in 1999 and a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Webster University in 2001.
FORTENBERRY, 73, lives at 6604 Crimson Lane in Barnhart. He and his wife, Jann, have four children and six grandchildren. He retired as a global sales executive manager for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. and taught computer and telephone technology at St. Louis Community College. He now works part time for Lowe’s and managed 16 home builds for Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity.
While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Faulkenberry earned a general-equivalency diploma and took several college courses. After his discharge, he took classes at St. Louis Community College earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in communication from Maryville University.
What experience do you have that might serve you well in this position?
Dohack: As a fleet manager, I am responsible for the safe and cost-effective maintenance of about 300 vehicles. I also am responsible for the employees and their safety. My service for the past six years as chairman of the district’s board has given me a clear understanding of the demands and needs of the district as well as the residents who are served. I have the knowledge and experience necessary to continue moving the district forward.
Noeth: I have volunteered for four years for BackStoppers of Jefferson County, most recently as the secretary of its board and I organized the seventh annual Bulltown 5K and the first Bowling for BackStoppers events. I am a five-year volunteer as a caregiver at Hand ‘n Hand Pregnancy Help Center in Barnhart, have volunteered for five years for fundraising events at the St. Louis Zoo and am a six-year trustee of my subdivision homeowners association.
Fortenberry: I am on the boards of Public Water District C-1, the Jefferson County Rescue Mission and the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment, subdivision boards and the Jefferson County Republication Club. I am a past member of the Festus Special Road District board, the county Planning Commission, Judevine Center for Autism, Ride on St. Louis (an equestrian therapy organization) and Habitat for Humanity.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Dohack: Working within a restricted and limited budget is always a challenge. To prioritize the needs of the district while addressing the needs of the community is a necessity to remain effective and efficient working and serving as a 24/7 operation. Managing district funds requires a good understanding of the cost associated to provide the equipment, up-to-date technology and the personnel, including training to respond to of complex emergencies. I will continue to work within the budgetary guidelines as allocated by the community.
Noeth: The district has twice since November 2017 asked the community for tax increases. I see improving transparency as it relates to:
■ Administration of the budget.
■ Plans for all three firehouses.
■ Increasing staffing through the 2020 SAFER grant.
■ Updating equipment.
■ Expenses associated with being awarded grants.
■ Focusing on these issues, along with balancing the need to improve safety for firefighters and emergency response times will benefit residents and businesses as the district grows.
Fortenberry: Personnel issues. The board needs to meet with firefighters to improve the morale and help to retain the best personnel. If you talk with the board or management, they say all is well, but the firefighters are disgruntled. We need to be sure our men and women are fully trained and equipped with the best equipment.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Dohack: I have lived in this area my entire life. I love the community and its beauty. I am proud to be a part of this area as well as a resident of the district. My growing experience of dealing with budgets, personnel and safety guidelines provides me with the skills important for this position. As a director, I must remain in contact with the community and the needs they present. This position is one with great responsibility that I have a sincere passion for.
Noeth: Being a successful business owner will guide my decision-making as a board member. I recognize the need for transparency from the board. I will make well-informed decisions and create a well-thought-out plan, allowing the district to move in a positive direction. My goals are to achieve and maintain a balanced budget, maintain services to our community and keep employees trained and safe. I will ensure that each employee is treated fairly, equally and guidelines are followed. The district needs to return to its roots of fire prevention and fire safety for the good of the community.
Fortenberry: My goal is to have the best people and the best response time available for the communities we serve, to work with community leaders and staff for efficiency while delivering great service.