Two new candidates are facing off for the Jefferson County Council District 1 seat.
Incumbent Brian Haskins announced earlier this year that he will not run for the four-year seat again. He served two terms as District 1 representative and was first elected in 2018.
Candidates John T. Parker and Richard “Stumpy” Durham are running on the Republican ticket for Haskins’ seat.
The annual stipend for council members is approximately $13,929.
No Democrat filed for the seat; the winner of the Republican primary will run unopposed in the November general election.
Parker, 65, of High Ridge is a special-education teacher for the Special School District of St. Louis County, assigned to Rockwood South Middle School in Fenton. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Louis University, a master’s degree in management and supervision from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in teaching from Missouri Baptist University in Creve Coeur. He has served as a Des Peres alderman from 1992-2002 and has served on the city’s public safety commission, planning and zoning commission and board of adjustment. Parker and his wife, Dorothy, have 10 children and 10 grandchildren.
Durham, 45, of House Springs is the general manager of Maximum Contracting LLC. He graduated from Northwest High School and has attended some college classes. Since the early 2000s, Durham has been a member of the Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the High Ridge Elks Lodge No. 2455. He was a member of the House Springs Lions Club until about 2011. He is married to Wendy and has two children.
Why should voters elect you, and what are your goals if elected?
Parker: For most of my adult life, I have served people in one capacity or another. As a U.S. Air Force officer, I worked with individuals from every background and learned how to lead, solve problems and build consensus. As an alderman for more than 10 years, I represented residents, listened to their concerns and worked with fellow board members to make decisions that benefited the community. As a special-education teacher, I work every day with students, parents and administrators to help children succeed. If elected, I will bring that same commitment to Jefferson County. I believe the government should spend taxpayer dollars wisely, communicate openly and involve citizens before decisions are made. My goals are simple: ensure residents have a real voice in county government while promoting responsible growth, protecting property rights and maintaining the quality of life that makes Jefferson County a great place to live.
Durham: I am a working-class man who is dedicated to the success of Jefferson County and specifically District 1. I have lived in District 1 since childhood and want the best for our community. My goals are to continue the work to improve the safety of the Hwy. 30 corridor and to bring responsible financial growth back to our district.
If Jefferson County seeks to grow, what are the best opportunities for achieving it?
Parker: We can grow and prosper while preserving the character and quality of life residents value. Opportunities include supporting small businesses, attracting quality employers and encouraging responsible development that strengthens our economy and tax base. Growth must be planned carefully. Roads, utilities, emergency services and public safety should keep pace with development. Growth should contribute to the infrastructure it requires, not create additional costs for current residents. Citizens deserve opportunities to learn about projects and provide input before decisions are made. They should have a real voice in shaping their communities, not simply be presented with plans after key decisions have already been made. Open town halls, transparent communication and meaningful public involvement build trust and lead to better outcomes. My experience in government taught me the best decisions are made when leaders listen to residents, weigh interests fairly and work together to find practical solutions that benefit the entire community.
Durham: We need to start by bringing new businesses and more small businesses to Jefferson County. One of the biggest things we can do to achieve that is to make the process less complicated. We need better resources and a friendly, helpful environment for new businesses. It would be beneficial to have a new business liaison in our county to help potential business owners through the process. There are too many vacancies in the county that we can fill and keep the uniqueness and small-town atmosphere we have here in Jefferson County.
Do you support the development of data centers in Jefferson County? Why or why not?
Parker: I support considering data centers and other major development projects on their merits rather than approving or rejecting them automatically. The question is whether a project represents smart development that benefits Jefferson County without creating new burdens for existing residents. Any development — whether a data center, apartment complex, subdivision or commercial project — should be able to support itself. It should not overwhelm roads, increase traffic congestion, strain water or sewer systems, burden electrical infrastructure or require existing taxpayers to subsidize its impact. Growth should pay its own way. Citizens should also have meaningful opportunities to learn about major projects and provide input before decisions are made. People deserve a real voice in shaping the future of their communities. Development should strengthen Jefferson County, expand opportunity and improve our quality of life — not create new costs or new problems for the people who already live here.
Durham: We need more information to determine the impact of the data centers. How will they impact the community positively and negatively? I believe they should be given extra scrutiny when considering whether they are a good fit. We need to look at size, location and what it means to the citizens. There are too many variables to be on one side or the other. I am a leader and not a follower, so as a leader I want to get all the information to make an informed decision and keep the citizens a part of those decisions from the beginning and not just after an initial decision is made.
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