Voters in part of Public Water Supply District No. 7, which serves the Hillsboro area, will choose a new member of the district’s Board of Directors for the first time in this century in the April 3 election.
Longtime board member Gary Peters, who has represented Subdistrict 3 for 27 years, opted not to run for another three-year term. Two newcomers are seeking to replace him – Larry Whitener and Jennifer Deckard.
Neither returned a Leader candidate questionnaire.
In Subdistrict 2, Sharon Reed, who is seeking her fourth term on the board but until this year had never had to run against an opponent, has drawn a challenger this time, Patsy A. Francis.
Reed did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
Board members are unpaid.
FRANCIS, 67, lives at 10280 Stroup Road in the Festus area. She is retired from the Jefferson County Stormwater Division. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from SoutheastMissouriStateUniversity in 1973.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Francis: The district is very well managed and is financially sound. The board approves expenditures and approves the hiring of new staff. The opportunity for change allows for fresh, unbiased oversight of district business.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Francis: I worked in public service, helping resolve stormwater and floodplain issues with JeffersonCounty for 16 years. A rotation in board membership will help alleviate any decisions based on personal gain. My goals are:
1. To develop a respectful, working relationship as the basis for conducting orderly and productive discussion.
2. To conduct business with integrity.
3. Provide changes that would avoid any connection to current staff and other municipal boards that may cause a conflict of interest.