The eight-member Festus City Council includes two representatives from each of the four wards, and each year, half of the council comes up for election. However, only on April 6, only voters in Wards 1 and 2 will have a choice to make in the April 2 election.
In Ward 1, David Earl Boyer is seeking his second full two-year term but faces a challenge from Bill Gray, a former councilman and city building official.
The Ward 2 spot is an open seat after Kyle Wilkey chose not to run for a third term. Ricky Ray Waymire and Staci Lynn Templeton are seeking to replace him.
The incumbent in Ward 3, longtime councilman Kevin Dennis, is running unopposed to return to the council as his replacement. Dennis resigned in the middle of his seventh term, but then returned after he ran unopposed for the seat in April 2109.
Michael Cook has no opponent in his bid to serve a fourth term representing Ward 4.
Neither Gray nor Waymire returned Leader candidate questionnaires.
Council members are paid $300 per month.
WARD 1
BOYER, 72, is retired after working as a heavy equipment operator for the River Cement Co. on heavy equipment. He and his wife, Yvonne Boyer, have five children and six grandchildren. He previously worked for the city in the Parks Department, as an animal control officer and in the Streets Department. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Boyer: I have served Ward 1 for three years and have spoken with a number of residents to assist them in many ways. I have attended downtown merchant meetings.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Boyer: ■ Help the Police Department and Fire Department obtain additional equipment.
■ Be available to address the concerns of downtown merchants.
■ Get more businesses to locate in Festus to meet the needs of the growing population.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Boyer: Ward 1 residents have told me I am getting things done. I respond when I receive a call and make contact with them. I will continue to try and make Festus a safer, cleaner and more prosperous place to live.
WARD 2
TEMPLETON, 52, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. She has three children. She received a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University in 1990, a master’s degree in legal studies from Webster University in 1997, and an accredited asset management specialist designation from the College for Financial Planning in 2019.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position? (75-word limit.)
Templeton: I was a board member of the Twin City Youth Football Association for five years and am the current chairperson of the Festus Tourism Commission.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Templeton: Growth is the biggest challenge our community faces today. I will champion a pro-growth initiative to ensure our children have job opportunities and a solid infrastructure for years to come.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Templeton: I am passionate about growing our community. As a local businesswoman, I want all of us to succeed. My kids grew up here. My friends live here. My business and my clients are part of this community. I have the background, expertise and a commitment to cultivate and develop the very best this community has to offer. It’s about people, prosperity and progress.