Only voters in Festus Ward 2 will have a choice to make when coming to the April 5 election for seats on the City Council.
Two people are seeking the Ward 2 seat. Brian Wehner, who was appointed to replace the late Kathy Murphy, is seeking election to a full two-year term, but he faces a challenge from Martin Strong.
Gary Underwood (Ward 1), Kevin Dennis (Ward 3) and Jim Tinnin (Ward 4) are all running unopposed. Underwood and Tinnin will start their fourth consecutive terms while Dennis has been re-elected to a seventh, all without facing an opponent.
Lori Eisenbeis also faces no opposition for her third straight two-year term as treasurer.
Council representatives are paid a stipend of $150 per month. The treasurer is paid $125 monthly.
WEHNER, 61, lives at 511 Westwood Place. He and his wife of 29 years, Robin, have two children. He owns and operates Wehners’ Awards in Festus. A graduate of St. Pius X High School, he has an associates degree from JeffersonCollege, and bachelor’s degrees in accounting and in political science with a minor in mathematics from SouthwestMissouriStateUniversity. He helped start the Powered By Hope group, Bartlett’s Bikers and has part of the Shoeman Water Project (now Solea Water) since 2006. A member of the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce since 1980, he was a Little League coach, a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and helped organize the first Twin City Days in 1987.
STRONG, 35, lives at 1302 N. Third St. He and his wife, Melissa, have three sons. He describes himself as a self-employed businessman whose work revolves around construction and auto repair. He graduated from high school in 2000, attended college from 2000-2002, and has certifications in the electrical industry.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Wehner: There are many areas that need to be addressed, including the lagoon at WestCityPark, a new sewage line running from that area, better communication with CrystalCity and the many vacant business buildings found throughout our town. A comprehensive plan now being developed will address the needs and goals of the city. We can then make informed judgments on how to proceed.
Strong: Foolish spending of tax dollars without prioritizing issues around the city that are not addressed. Spending $16,000 for flower pots at Main and Mill streets is a prime example, and they don’t even have flowers in them. That’s something my opponent voted for. We need better representation in City Hall. We need to improve our community development and infrastructure maintenance, control the spending and balance the budget. We need to have transparency every step of the way.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Wehner: I care about Festus. I've lived, worked and volunteered here 46 years. My vision is to make Festus a better place to live where residents want to dine, shop, enjoy outdoor recreation and raise families, and where businesses have a more positive environment to thrive. Other areas I’d like improved are city growth, dialogue with neighboring cities, infrastructure such as sidewalks and public services. I want Festus to be a place where people want to be and want to visit.
Strong: The motivation inspiring me to run is my commitment to the future of our community. I will serve as a strong voice for all residents and stand up for our community, taking the initiative by tackling issues that have been ignored. I intend to work directly with residents to address issues and small. I would work to ensure our growth and prosperity and work for results to benefit all and keep our city moving forward.