Residents who live in two of Eureka’s three wards will have choices to make when it comes to the April 4 election for seats on the Board of Aldermen.
In Ward 1, incumbent Wes Sir is running unopposed for a new two-year term.
In Ward 2, however, Carleen Murray, the incumbent, is running for a second term but faces a challenge from Bryan Kiefer.
Shannon Britt, who has represented Ward 3 for nine years, also faces a challenge this time around from Steve Grzyb.
Aldermen are paid $200 per regular meeting (two are held each month) plus $50 for any special meeting attended. They also are paid an expense allowance of $200 per month.
Michael Wiegand, who has been the city’s elected marshal since 1987, is running unopposed for a new four-year term. The marshal also serves as the city’s police chief, and Wiegand’s current salary is $102,731.
WARD 2
KIEFER, 57, lives at 117 Hickory Hill Drive. He has two children and one grandchild. He is retired after working as a union carpenter for 30 years. He is a 1977 graduate of Lafayette High School. He is a member of the Eureka Lions Club, the Eureka-Pacific Elks and the Eureka Historical Society, of which he has served as president. He is a member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
MURRAY, 38, lives at 626 Wallach Drive. She and her husband, Ben, have two children. She is a registered nurse for SSM Health. She is a graduate of the St. Louis Community College School of Nursing. She is involved with the Blevins Elementary PTO, as a Girl Scout troop leader and as a member of Eureka Save Our Homes. She has been involved with Healing Grace Clinic Rebuilding Together and St. Louis Nurses for Newborns.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Kiefer: There is a need for collaboration of the various factions, including the Rockwood School District, fire and police departments and the parks and public works departments to meet the city’s obligation to existing businesses and our residents. If this can be achieved, our city will function optimally for everyone.
Murray: ■ Business growth: I would encourage local business growth and sustainability by working with residents to identify desired businesses, then work with potential business owners to overcome roadblocks preventing them from establishing a business here. I also would encourage residents to buy local to support these businesses and help them remain successful.
■ Communication with residents: I would remain available to residents and find new ways to keep and improve an open line of communication. I can be reached on multiple platforms, including social media, and I do not shy away from community concerns. Instead, I look for solutions.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Kiefer: My past experience in the construction industry and as a planning and zoning commissioner for 10 years, as well as my attendance at city meetings, would enable me to be effective. Being retired gives me the freedom to work on issues with no time constraints or distractions. As Eureka continues to grow, our goals should be clearly defined to meet the demands and preserve our unique identity.
Murray: I am approachable and easy to talk to. Any resident can feel free to contact me whether they are in Ward 2 or not. I follow through with my promises. In my two years on the board, three of my four campaign points are in motion. I would like the opportunity to continue to be your voice and continue to focus on the trail system, especially in Ward 2. I would also like to help the farmers market and community garden grow and finally I would like the city to develop a dog park.
What should the board do to prepare for the unexpected population growth in the city over the next five to 10 years?
Kiefer: Long-term planning. Commercial expansion, i.e., retail stores, grocery stores, big box stores, family recreational venues and sit-down family restaurants, is coming. Eureka is at a crossroads of Fenton, Wildwood, Pacific, Washington and Jefferson County. The potential for growth to attract business would be a win-win for Eureka residents.
Murray: Make certain we continue to grow in a way that will be beneficial to both current and future residents, including business growth and infrastructure improvements like roads, sidewalks, etc., and continue to preserve green space. The city has done well working with the Rockwood School District for a new elementary school and I would like to see this collaboration continue. All of this starts with open communication.
WARD 3
BRITT, 57, lives at 709 Vista Hills Court. He and his wife, Julie, have two sons. He is a banker with First Community National Bank in Eureka. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 1982. He has been a member of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce since 2006 and is a member of the Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge, the E-Town Vision Committee and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
GRZYB, 66, lives at 133 S. Central Ave., Apt. A. He has one child. He owns SG Media Marketing, which consults with television stations. He also owns Art By Grzyb. He has a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University. He is a member and past president of the Greater St. Louis Art Association and a member of the Eureka-Pacific Elks and Best of Missouri Hands Art Association. He was a member of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce and the St. Louis Advertising Federation.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Britt: ■ Increased population. This will require much discussion and planning with the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Rockwood School District.
■ Flood control. The city has ongoing discussions with the Corps of Engineers, FEMA and with the Department of Conservation to address this. The problem is that much of our “Old Town” area and the surrounding neighborhoods are in the flood plain.
■ Attracting businesses. Businesses follow rooftops and once you reach a certain level, they will come. However, we have very good businesses in Eureka now. It is important that we patronize them.
Grzyb: Residents of Ward 3 want representation from someone who listens, cares and will act on their behalf. I have invited people to express themselves and have learned that there are a wide range of concerns and interests, from better water quality, more options for shopping, places to take their kids, a safe, walkable town with green space, flood control and better roads. They want changes that would make Eureka even better to live and raise a family in without losing the small, hometown feel that they grew up in or that drew them here.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Britt: I have the experience to provide the leadership that Eureka needs. I am working directly with a group, including the chamber president and our director of economic development, on a plan to improve the city’s vision. I am committed to continue to fund one of the top police departments in the state, while working conservatively to control the budget. I look forward to what the next several years will bring and will work to handle growth, yet maintain the small-town atmosphere that we all love.
Grzyb: I have lived in west St. Louis County for 30 years, 15 in Ward 3. I am invested in Eureka because it is my home, and I own commercial property and operate two businesses. My professional experience involves working with businesses and community service organizations to help them establish priorities, set and achieve goals and increase productivity, growth and value. Serving as a communications specialist during the Vietnam War, I learned strong team building and communication skills that allow me to develop creative working solutions.
What should the board do to prepare for the expected population growth in the city over the next five to 10 years?
Britt: Eureka has an exciting future. The increased number of homes that are planned brings opportunities for additional goods and services, but also will bring about issues that need to be addressed and important decisions that need to be made. This will require strong leadership with a vision and experience, along with an understanding of how to be financially responsible. This also will require continued discussions with state transportation officials to improve our road system to handle the increased traffic, as well as discussions with the Rockwood School District.
Grzyb: The last time the city had a comprehensive plan was in 2003. It has no current plan and the Board of Aldermen are not developing or discussing a plan for the future. Residents are concerned about how the hundreds of homes being built will impact traffic, services, flooding and schools. The city needs to have a new comprehensive plan to address these concerns and opportunities.