William Matzker will face a challenge from Rick Gross to retain his Subdistrict 3 seat on the Public Water District C-1’s Board of Directors.
Matzker, who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2019, was elected to a full three-year term in 2021. Gross is a former employee and former board member of the district.
In Subdistrict 2, Gene Barbagallo is running unopposed for a seventh term.
Board members have chosen not to be paid. District officials said if a member of the board chooses to be paid, he or she could not be paid more than $100 per meeting.
The district serves parts of unincorporated Arnold, Imperial, Barnhart and nearby areas.
MATZKER, 71, lives in Imperial. He and his wife, Carolyn, have four children and 13 grandchildren. He is retired as a captain with the Maryland Heights Fire Protection District in St. Louis County and has been a state arson investigator. He earned an applied science degree in firefighting from Jefferson College and has training in hazardous materials, rope rescue and working in a confined space.
Rick Gross
GROSS, 69, lives in Barnhart. He worked for the district as a serviceman before retiring after 26 years, He also owned a motor medic service center and worked as a technician at an auto dealership for 25 years. He has two children and four grandchildren.
A 1973 graduate of Fox High School, he is was certified as an auto technician by the GM Training Center and carried a license in water distribution and operations.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Matzker: I was a volunteer firefighter with the Antonia Fire Protection District from 1982-1999 and was a member of that district’s board from 1986-1990.
Gross: I served on the C-1 District’s board from 1982-1991. I am a member of the Hillsboro Community Civic Club and past member of the Midwest Trail Riders Association.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Matzker: The biggest task is to keep our infrastructure maintained and secured. We service more than 14,000 customers and have multiple facilities in Barnhart, Imperial and Otto. We have the best staff in the office and in the field.
Gross: The biggest problems facing all water supplies, which is providing safe, adequate supply of potable water. I believe that my previous service on the board, as well as being a former employee of the district for 26 years, makes me uniquely qualified to help with monitoring and operating the district, as it provides a safe, adequate supply of this most precious resource.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Matzker: Years of experience. I know budgets. We currently have a study to identify areas of the district where we need to expand or upgrade to meet the needs of an expanding population.
Gross: Voters should elect me due to my experience and knowledge of the C-1 Water District’s operation and policies. My goals are to ensure that all district policies are followed.
