In a rematch from 2019, Sam Richards and Robert “Bobby” Venz are running for a four-year term to be the mayor of Festus in the April 4 municipal election.
Four years ago, the position was an open seat after longtime mayor Mike Cage decided to retire. Richards, who had served four years on the city’s Board of Aldermen (2009-2011 and 2013-2015) defeated Venz, who represented Ward 3 for 16 years.
All four incumbents on the City Council are running unopposed for new two-year terms. David E. Boyer will be sworn into his third term after the election in Ward 1; Staci L. Templeton faces no opposition to her second in Ward 2; longtime Ward 3 representative Kevin E. Dennis will return, as will Ward 4’s Michael Cook, who will start his fifth term.
The mayor is paid $600 a month and council members are paid $300 per month.
RICHARDS, 78, is retired. He and his wife, Becky, have three children and five grandchildren. He is retired after working six years as a site manager for G’Sell Properties, for 12 years as an officer with the Crystal City Police Department and 23 years with the U.S. Marine Corps, rising to the rank of sergeant major. He has an associate degree from Jefferson College.
VENZ, 58, is a manager for the Bauman Oil Co. He and his wife, Freeda, have three children and six grandchildren. He is a 1982 graduate of Festus High School.
His son, Jake, is a firefighter with the Festus Fire Department.
What experience do you have that might serve you in this position? (75 words):
Richards: In addition to my term as mayor, I was a councilman in Festus for four years and in Crystal City for four years. I have been on the Board of Directors of the Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District for 22 years, I am a life member of the Festus VFW, a member of the Festus-Crystal City Elks, Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce (and a previous member of its Board of Directors) and a member of the church council and choir director at First United Methodist Church,
Venz: I served in the U.S. Army and on the Festus City Council for 17 years.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Richards: Festus has experienced increased growth over the past several years and is expected to continue as retail and housing developments expand. The city leadership must have good vision and plan for growth, as we will need to ensure our services meet those needs. We need to be able to address all our infrastructure, including water, sewers and roads, ensuring they are maintained and upgraded to handle the increased use. Additionally, we need to make sure that our police and fire departments can expand and provide protection.
Venz: We need to make sure we are retaining and offering capable wages and benefits for our city employees.
If your city’s proposed tax on recreational marijuana sales is approved by voters in April, how would you like to see that money spent?
Richards: Because the Festus City Council was anticipating this, it has passed an ordinance that specifies that we will spend this tax money on public safety and transportation.
Venz: Split between the library and the parks.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals.
Richards: Over the past four years, we have accomplished many of my original goals regarding infrastructure, including replacing the train trestle at Fifth and Cromwell streets, expanding the Fire Department, improving roads and managing retail and residential growth. I want to continue improving our streets and infrastructure while focusing on our historic Main Street. Also, we are in the process of evaluating the red barn at Crites Park, which has the potential to become a meeting and event venue. Lastly, I want to add a walking path to Crites Park to separate walkers from traffic.
Venz: I will work hard for the continued growth and progress for all the residents of Festus.