Stephanie M. Haas, who was elected mayor of Pevely two years ago, faces a challenge to continue serving for another two-year term in the April 4 election.
Haas, the former city clerk, is being challenged by Marvin Jeffers, who is in the middle of his first two-year term as a Ward 1 representative on the city’s Board of Aldermen.
The other Ward 1 alderman, Steve Markus, is running unopposed, as is Wendy Arnold, who was appointed to replace Joe Tucker in Ward 4, and Don Menkus, who will fill the vacant Ward 3 seat created when Eric Pieper resigned.
In Ward 2, incumbent Russ Shackelford faces a challenge for a new two-year term by Linda Hahn.
Haas and Shackelford did not return Leader candidate questionnaires.
The mayor is paid $275 per month and aldermen are paid $150 per month.
MAYOR
JEFFERS, 74, lives at 605 Alsace Drive. He and his wife, Dorothy, have two children and five grandchildren. He is a retired business systems analyst from the Anheuser-Busch Cos., where he designed business computer systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has been a subdivision trustee and officer in the Elks.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Jeffers: ■ It spends more money than it gets. Last year’s budget was $500,000 short before that amount was taken from water and sewer reserves. I would find ways to reduce costs, stop long-term spending and do a cost-to-benefit study.
■ It is not run for the benefit of its residents and businesses. If it doesn’t help residents or businesses, don’t do it.
■ Costs are out of control for the retirement plan, and the cost will keep increasing. I would enact a hiring and wage freeze.
■ Taxes and fees are too high. I would reduce sewer fees by 30 percent.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Jeffers: ■ I will not sue the city for personal gain.
■ Bring change, reduce spending, follow state laws, no tax increases, no transfer of reserve funds, no new long-term debt, open meetings where residents can ask any question of any official and get answers, reduce number of police cars needed by stopping the take-home policy.
■ I do not think Pevely should sell the water and sewer development.
■ I will stand up for what I think the people want. I will listen and try to help any and all residents.
WARD 2
HAHN, 65, lives at 601 Westwind Drive. She and her husband, Marlin, a former Pevely alderman, have four children and three grandchildren. She is retired from working in administration and accounts payable for Thomas Equipment and Management. She previously served 10 years on the Board of Aldermen and also served a decade on the Dunklin R-5 Board of Education. She also was a member of the Pevely Park Board for two years. She studied office systems technology at Jefferson College.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Hahn: ■ Hiring a city administrator who will have the best interest of all of our residents.
Southern Heights. The city purchased lots in the subdivision and they need to be sold. The city is not in the real estate business.
■ We need new businesses and we must promote the city in a positive way. We have areas available for expansion. Communication between all boards must be done efficiently.
■ There has been much discussion regarding Missouri-American Water Co. purchasing our water system. This must go to a vote of the residents. Is this the best option to generate money?
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Hahn: ■ I am against tax increases.
■ I would keep sewer, trash and water fees stable with no increases.
■ Most residents do not want our water system sold and I would do my best to represent them.
■ Transparency is a must. Information should be given to all aldermen and not to a select few.
■ Residents should be allowed time to speak. I would like to see that happen at the beginning and end of meetings.