The city of Festus, where a controversy over a proposed data center has emerged and apparently spurred interest in citizens running for elected office, has races for City Council seats in all four of its wards.
Thirteen people registered as candidates in the four wards, although two – Matt Stout in Ward 2 and Luke Adams in Ward 4 – since have said they were dropping out of their races, although it was too late to have their names pulled from the ballot.
The ballot will offer the following names running for the one open seat in which ward, in the order they are listed on the sample ballot on the Jefferson County website: Ward 1, Karl Weekley and incumbent Jim Collier; Ward 2, Allen Joseph McCarthy, Stout and incumbent Brian Wehner; Ward 3, Tim Bennett Jr., Jesse Cordova, incumbent Robert (Bobby) Venz and Dan Moore; and Ward 4, incumbent Jim Tinnin, Charles Underwood, Adams and Rick Belleville.
Weekley, Collier, Bennett and Underwood did not return candidate surveys to be included in this story.
All the seats are for two-year terms. The council members are paid $500 a month.
Ward 2
McCarthy, 64, retired in 2023 from the city of Festus as a mechanic after 20 years. He is a 1980 Herculaneum High School graduate. He is married to Cathy.
Wehner, 71, retired in 2024 from owning and operating a small business on Festus Main Street after more than 50 years. He is a 1973 St. Pius X High School graduate and a 1974 graduate of Jefferson College. He received a comprehensive accounting degree in 1976 and a political major and math minor in 1977 from Missouri State University. Wehner and his wife, Robin, have two children and two grandchildren.
How do you feel about the data center development project and why?
McCarthy: Once trust is broken, it’s difficult to focus on the potential merits of a project. Economic opportunities are important, but must be pursued in a way that respects the public’s interests and earns their confidence. I am an advocate for smart growth, but the methods of progression our city administration used were suspicious in nature and did not reflect what the people of Festus deserve. Any major developments must prioritize early community engagement, clear communication and full clarity.
Citizens and the council need to collaborate and propose legislative solutions that address the ongoing concerns of our constituents regarding this data center.
Wehner: I am a strong proponent of the data center. In my time serving on the City Council, we have never seen an opportunity of this magnitude; if this project comes to fruition, it will be transformational for our city. A data center would secure a financial future that ensures the long-term viability of our town. However, let me make one thing clear: I will only support this project if the citizens of Festus are protected – specifically regarding air quality, sound, light, water and electricity, and ensuring the project pays its fair share toward our local infrastructure.
What is your assessment of the City Council’s performance in the past year?
McCarthy: I believe our city administration has become disconnected from the community it serves, and concerns raised by residents are too often met with hostility rather than dialogue. We need leaders who are more connected and committed to our residents’ values. The direction the City Council took regarding the data center project did not reflect the transparency and public engagement our community deserves when major initiatives are considered. As the council moved quickly to advance the project, residents felt unheard, misled and excluded from a decision that could significantly impact our town. The council expected us to pass a new tax in November while promoting projects, like an outdoor gun range and a large-scale data center, that forced residents to speak up for their well-being. The overwhelming failure of that tax measure highlights the gap that exists between the public and their elected officials.
Wehner: I believe we have a cohesive, experienced, diverse council that brings their strengths to the city. Major events of the last year include: South Second Street parking lot redone behind Main Street, Hampton Inn being constructed on I-55, large repurposing projects for West Main Street and North Mill Street, assisted in revitalizing Festus Main Street, Turtle Cove of Crites Park being outfitted with a splash pad and playground, remodeling and opening of the Red Barn at Crites Park and big name performers entertaining at Crites Park.
Why should voters elect you to this position? What are your goals?
McCarthy: Festus is at a pivotal moment with upcoming leadership transitions and major development decisions in the near future. We need steady, level-headed leadership that encourages open dialogue, listens to residents and ensures that decisions reflect the will and best interests of our community. In a town like ours, our leaders need to be visible, available and approachable. These are standards I will hold myself to and encourage my fellow council members to uphold as well. My goals are to promote open and accountable decision-making, safeguard taxpayer dollars through responsible budgeting and encourage smart growth for our city. At every step, residents will remain informed, involved and heard throughout the process. I intend to exceed expectations when it comes to public engagement and accessibility. Ongoing conversations with all residents, including those with differing opinions, are essential as I believe constructive dialogue and respectful criticism make our community stronger.
Wehner: I believe I have a broad, diverse background that the City Council needs. I bring a perspective that gives me insight important for this position (50-plus years as a small-business owner, cancer survivor, marathoner, Scout leader, baseball coach, traveler, husband and dad). I have also served on the City Council for more than 12 years, which gives me the experience my opponents don’t have. I know how the council works and how to get things done. My goals are to make Festus a better place to work, live and play.
Ward 3
Cordova, 39, has worked in logistics for more than 20 years. He is a 2005 Festus High School graduate. He has been a member of Shekinah Lodge 256 in Crystal City since 2022, where he holds three officer positions. He has been a Shriner since 2023; he is a Shriner Clown and a member of several units and clubs. He holds one officer position in the Joachim Shrine Club. He joined Festus-Crystal Elks Lodge 1721 in January 2026. He was also a volunteer soccer coach for Jefferson County Parks and Recreation in 2023 and 2024. Cordova has three children.
Venz, 61, has been employed with the Bauman Oil District for 38 years. He graduated from Festus High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1985-1988. He is seeking reelection for the Ward 3 position, which he has held from 2005-present. Venz and his wife, Freda, have three children and eight grandchildren.
Moore, 40, is director of human resources for an international design and build firm that partners with commercial clients to plan and deliver complex facilities. He has a master’s degree in human services executive leadership. He has been involved with Habitat for Humanity, the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Calvary Chapel Festus on Main Street where he serves and participates regularly. Moore and his wife, Emily, have three children.
How do you feel about the data center development project and why?
Cordova: From the start, the issue was not just the project itself, but how it was handled. Major land use decisions that impact nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure and utilities deserve openness and clear communication. Residents should never feel like decisions are being shaped behind closed doors and revealed only after momentum is already built. If a project is truly beneficial, it should stand up to public scrutiny with full transparency, town halls and clear long-term cost analyses. Instead, many residents felt left in the dark. I believe economic development must be balanced with responsible planning. That means protecting residents, ensuring infrastructure capacity and preserving the character of our community. Growth should strengthen Festus, not divide it. Transparency builds trust, and without trust, even good projects lose public support.
Venz: I feel good about the data center because it will bring jobs and tax revenue to the city. I know that there are a lot of concerns about water usage, electric usage and the damage to the environment. I would never vote for something that I thought would harm the city or its residents. I will do my best to make sure that this project will not be costly or harmful.
Moore: I support responsible economic development and understand why large projects generate interest. However, based on what has been discussed so far, I have concerns about whether a data center is the right fit for Festus.
Equally important is how the process has unfolded. Projects of this scale should involve clear communication, transparency and meaningful public engagement from the beginning. Residents should feel informed and included, not surprised.
Festus can and should grow. Growth must match our infrastructure, protect established neighborhoods and reflect the values of the families who call this city home. My position is centered on protecting our community while encouraging thoughtful, sustainable development that strengthens rather than strains the city.
What is your assessment of the City Council’s performance in the past year?
Cordova: The council has handled routine city operations adequately. However, the past year included several high-impact decisions that exposed deeper concerns. The attempt to pass the “use tax,” the data center controversy and public records released through Sunshine requests revealed a growing disconnect between leadership and residents. When major policy issues create confusion, frustration and distrust, it signals the need for stronger communication and broader public engagement. Residents deserve representation that welcomes scrutiny, not dismisses it. Big decisions should come with clear data, thorough analysis and genuine dialogue, not assumptions about what the public will accept. Festus is at an important crossroads. Maintaining the status quo may feel comfortable, but restoring trust and strengthening transparency should be the priority moving forward.
Venz: Red Barn renovated at Larry Crites Park.
Splashpad – Larry Crites Park.
Also, improvements behind Main Street parking.
Moore: Serving on the City Council carries significant responsibility, and I respect the time and effort that role requires. At the same time, the past year has shown how essential transparency and proactive communication are to maintaining public trust. Many residents have expressed concern about how major discussions have unfolded, particularly regarding large development proposals. When communication feels limited or delayed, it can create uncertainty and division within the community.
Moving forward, I believe the council should prioritize open dialogue, early communication and clear documentation when considering significant projects. Strong cities are built on responsible budgeting, well-maintained infrastructure and thoughtful planning. When the fundamentals are handled consistently and transparently, confidence in local government grows. That is the standard I believe Festus should pursue.
Why should voters elect you to this position? What are your goals?
Cordova: I’m a lifelong resident and blue-collar father raising my kids here. Decisions made at City Hall affect my family the same way they affect everyone else’s. I’m running because I believe our city government should be open, honest and accountable to the people who live here. One of my biggest goals is rebuilding trust between residents and City Hall. People should feel like they’re being heard and that decisions aren’t happening behind closed doors. I also want to focus on practical things that make Festus better, like safer crosswalks, improved walkability and continuing to invest in our parks so families across Festus can enjoy them. Also, I believe Festus can grow and bring in new revenue, but it has to be done responsibly. We should protect what makes our town special and avoid unnecessary risks. I’m running to ensure that decisions reflect the people who live here.
Venz: Re-electing me would help me to continue taking care of Ward 3. I’m a caring and compassionate person who cares a lot about Festus and the residents who live here. I will always help Festus to grow and prosper into the generations to come.
Moore: Voters should elect me because I bring steady leadership, real-world experience and a commitment to responsible decision making. In my professional career, I work in organizational leadership where transparency, accountability and long-term planning are essential. I navigate complex issues, balance competing priorities and work with diverse groups to reach practical solutions.
My goals are clear. I want to strengthen transparency in city decision-making, ensure growth aligns with infrastructure and neighborhood character and keep the council focused on the fundamentals such as responsible budgeting, well-maintained roads and parks, and strong public services.
Festus deserves leadership that is focused on protecting what makes this community strong while planning carefully for the future. I’m ready to serve in this way.
Ward 4
Tinnin, 66, has owned and operated Tinnin Homes and Construction since 1987. He has bachelor’s degrees in business administration and industrial technology from Southeast Missouri State University. Since 2010, he has served as a Ward 4 councilman, and since 2022, he has served on the Planning and Zoning Committee. He has also served on the Missouri Homebuilders Association board for three years. Tinnin and his wife, Angie, have two daughters.
Belleville, 70, retired from Dykem-Illinois Tool Works as a national sales manager. He has worked in healthcare as a controller, director of business reimbursement, nursing home administrator and professional consultant in both Missouri and Illinois. He has also been an adjunct professor at Columbia College in the Washington, D.C., area. He was a business owner for 10 years, and a kitchen and bath designer in the St. Louis metro area for six years. He is a 1973 graduate of Festus R-6 High School. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1978 with an associate degree in computer programming and bachelor’s degrees in business management and horticulture. He earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration from Webster University in 1994. In 2019, he achieved a degree at St. Louis Community College-Meramec in interior design and the AKBD National Certification in 2020. His work training has also included several courses at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University, University of Maryland-Baltimore County and master’s level work in city and regional planning at Morgan State University-Maryland. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. He has been a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts since 1972 and was a board member and treasurer for the National Kitchen and Bath Association from 2020-2025. He has been on the Lake Perry Association board of trustees since 2025. He served as a Jefferson County election judge supervisor from 2017-2020. He volunteers on the Missouri Stream Team and has been on the Festus Planning and Zoning Commission for a year. Belleville and his wife, Debbie, have two children and one grandchild.
How do you feel about the data center development project and why?
Tinnin: With the advancement of technology and everyone’s dependency on digital communication, data centers are needed to store information. That is the reality of the world we live in. If our information is not stored in our country, it will be stored overseas. I would much rather have our information secured in America. I support growth in our area. A data center could benefit our community through improvements to roads and infrastructure, and by strengthening resources that support our schools, police department and fire department. When this was first proposed, I took the time to educate myself and gather firsthand knowledge. I visited operating facilities to see how they are built and how they impact the surrounding communities. I am a hands-on learner and believe in understanding location and long-term effects before making a decision.
Belleville: The project should be put on hold until we have environmental and road reports. We need to know how this will affect our community. Improved guidelines before any permits for data centers or large industrial plants are approved. Ban this type of business from residential or residential transition areas. Require back-up generators to run on natural gas, not diesel. These qualify as low-emission solutions, required in our area with strict environmental regulations. Particulate matter has almost zero emissions. Require them to build and maintain a new water tower. Limit daily water use to 150,000 gallons of water per day. Require rooftop solar panels to supplement electric usage. Wastewater coolant discharge through a water desalination to separate heavy metals from water. Clean water goes into a large onsite retention pond for cooling and heavy metals are collected and disposed of separately. To be collected by a third party hazardous material contractor.
What is your assessment of the City Council’s performance in the past year?
Tinnin: Over the past year, the City Council has focused on infrastructure, public safety and steady growth. We completed a full tear-out and replacement of the water system in the Edgewood area and continued numerous road improvement projects throughout the city. We supported new hotels and restaurants, completed the splash pad, continued park upgrades and moved forward with the Barn venue project. We have also made significant infrastructure improvements and supported new residential development to meet growth needs. Improvements to both the fire departments and police departments remain a priority to ensure the safety of our residents. There is always room for improvement, and we should never stop looking for ways to do better. At the same time, we have made steady progress while keeping long-term stability and responsible planning in focus.
Belleville: My assessment is that there has been a lack of communication with the community on large and important issues. The voters have not been kept informed on what is happening in the city that they live in. Unfortunately, the citizens find out about what was voted on by the City Council after the fact, which has developed a lack of trust toward the City Council. Residents get little opportunity to ask questions or offer any input into the discussion. The challenge in the next year is rebuilding trust between the next City Council and its constituents. Goals should have citizen input, not just contractors and large outside corporations. The City Council should strive to address the constituents’ concerns.
Why should voters elect you to this position? What are your goals?
Tinnin: City government requires practical decision-making and long-term thinking. I have worked hard to understand how our city operates and how projects move from planning to completion. In addition to serving on the City Council, I have 38 years of experience running a construction company. That background gives me firsthand knowledge of infrastructure, budgeting and responsible planning. There is still important work ahead. We have ongoing road projects, continued city improvements and future planning needs, including facilities that support public works and public safety. My goal is straightforward: continue improving essential services, support responsible growth and help keep our city a safe and comfortable place to live. I approach this role with common sense and a focus on long-term benefit for our residents.
Belleville: As a business professional, my goals for Festus are to do what is in the best interest of the city as a whole and not to be swayed by outside corporations or individuals’ self-interest. Transparency in government starts with an open and honest city government. Impose a one-year moratorium on the Festus Data Center. Hold a town hall meeting to seat 1,000 people. Foster affordable housing like the 988 Project -- true new starter homes that will cost $150,000-$170,000. Partnerships with agencies and industry professionals. Festus needs a better way to share information with residents, so they can stay informed and have their voices heard, such as a proposed website like “beheard.FEmo.gov,” adding an easy-to-understand online platform. This digital presence ensures that all residents’ voices are heard. Online tools like: Ask City Council, city budget with Q&A, and learn about ongoing and upcoming projects, host online town hall meetings.
