One incumbent and two challengers are seeking to fill the two open three-year seats on the Northwest Jefferson Ambulance District’s Board of Directors in the April 4 election.
Kenneth Kays is seeking re-election, and Jessica Rider and Desmond “Desi” Kirchhofer, the former Northwest R-1 School District superintendent, are seeking their first terms.
Kays did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
The district takes in 32 square miles in northwest Jefferson County.
RIDER, 37, lives in High Ridge with her husband, Rusty. She owns multiple manufacturing and trade companies. She is a graduate of Missouri State University.
KIRCHHOFER, 52, lives in Byrnes Mill with his wife, Terri. They have two children. Before retiring, Kirchhofer served as superintendent for the Northwest R-1 School District. He is now a part-time education consultant for Performance Services Inc. He has a doctorate in education leadership from Maryville University, a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Rider: Over my 15-year career, I have owned and managed both for-profit companies and nonprofit entities. I have held many volunteer board positions for local organizations and have a wide array of experience to bring to the ambulance board. I am an operationally focused leader with insight on big picture strategic planning. I have the ability to coordinate the complexities of labor, management and community relations.
Kirchhofer: As a public school teacher and administrator, I have worked to serve the public my entire career, been involved in many strategic continuous improvement plans and worked collaboratively with a diverse group of patrons. I have recently filled a vacant seat as a board member for the Northwest Jefferson County Ambulance District. I also have served as a board member for the North Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and regional education collaborative Education Plus.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Rider: The biggest problems facing our district are rising supply costs, shortage of labor, ability to compete for labor and diversity of calls. The diversity of calls our district receives has proven the need for well-educated, diverse staff members. The district does a wonderful job now but continued strategic guidance is needed to ensure that we exceed the expectations of our community. Individuals with the capacity to understand and provide direction on managing supplies and negotiation for these supplies from a diverse background are also needed. These would be my areas of focus, if elected.
Kirchhofer: Like many publicly serving entities, the district faces challenges using its resources and personnel to best serve and meet the needs of the community. Unfortunately, there continue to be growing needs in the area of substance abuse and care for the homeless.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Rider: The need for a younger demographic in leadership positions within our district is apparent and will be required for the continuation of a strong community. Emergency services are vital to our county, and ensuring we exceed our constituents’ expectations for these services will attract more to our district. I have a wide array of management experience and am married to a union laborer. I understand the complexities of balancing labor and management and providing a high level of service to people. My experience in owning my own companies and personal experience in understanding labor will prove advantageous to our district.
Kirchhofer: My only personal goal would be to be a caring and dedicated board member who seeks to make decisions in the best interests and needs of the community we serve. As a dedicated board member, my responsibility would be to help support the district’s mission and continued growth by making informed decisions and suggestions to use our resources responsibly, efficiently and effectively.