Only voters in Ward 1 in Festus will have a decision to make when they head to the polls on April 5 to choose members of the City Council.
The Ward 1 seat is open, as Gary Underwood chose not to file for a seventh two-year term.
Seeking to replace him are John Chartrand and Jim Collier, who previously served four years on the council.
In Ward 2, Brian Wehner faces no opponent as he runs for his fourth term. Robert (Bobby) Benz is running for his second consecutive term in Ward 3; he spent 14 previous years on the council. James E. Tinnin drew no opponent for his bid for a seventh term.
Also up for re-election is Lori Eisenbeis, who faces no opposition in her bid for a sixth straight two-year term as treasurer.
Council members are paid $300 per month and the treasurer $150 per month.
CHARTRAND, 31, and his fiance, Kate Luby, have two sons. A 2009 graduate of Festus High School, he is a full-time firefighter for the Hematite Fire Protection District.
He previously worked for the city as a part-time firefighter, but left to focus on a full-time position and his family.
COLLIER, 69, and his wife, Cynthia, have two children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is a retired supervisor with Ameren. A 1971 graduate of Festus High School, earned certification as a welder, pipefitter, insulator and master control technician.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Chartrand: I am a representative for the Hematite Fire Protection District on the executive board at the Jefferson County Emergency Services Training Academy.
Collier: I previously served on the Festus City Council for four years. I was on the Board of Directors at the Joachim Golf Club and served as the house committee chairman at the Festus-Crystal City Elks. All of these positions involved making sure budgets were made and met each year. I think that these experiences will help me to do a better job as a councilman.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Chartrand: Growing residential, which will need more commercial buildings to supply goods, better water lines and sewer lines.
Collier: Maintaining the infrastructure of the city. I will work with the mayor, other council members, administration and employees to improve and update the city’s plans on the streets, sewers and water quality.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Chartrand: I would serve as a new voice with new ideas. I would increase staffing in city departments and push for new road projects and sidewalks.
Collier: My experience as a councilman and serving on other boards and committees that deal with budgets. I would like to continue to update and improve parks, streets, sewers and water quality. I will support the Police and Fire departments and I will work with the downtown businesses to improve shopping experiences. I will be available to talk to residents and address their concerns.
Do you support Proposition U, the use tax issue on the April ballot? Why or why not?
Chartrand: Yes. The state already receives its money; the city should be able to collect on out-of-state vendors as well.
Collier: I am not in favor of more taxes, but in this case it would make more of an equal playing field for our downtown businesses. This tax will hopefully help encourage people to buy locally.