All six candidates for Jefferson City mayor gathered together Wednesday morning in their first appearance together.
The West Side Business Association had invited the candidates to the regular monthly meeting, where each candidate was given five minutes to speak and members had the opportunity to ask questions.
A six-way race is set for the Jefferson City mayoral seat, with 3rd Ward Councilman Bob Scrivner, Leonard Steinman, Carrie Tergin, Edith Vogel, Roy Viessman and Richard S. Groner all hoping to win the April 7 election.
Candidates drew numbers to decide the order of speakers. Each gave a brief overview of their background and qualifications for the office, before speaking about issues important to them.
Groner said he has experience working with governments and would hope to be a strong mayor for Jefferson City.
"I think I can do a good job for the city," Groner said.
Tergin said she'd like to make government as open as possible and push hard for redevelopment of the old Missouri State Penitentiary.
"I want to see good things happen in the community," Tergin said.
Vogel said she has no specific agenda partly because the real municipal power is vested in the City Council, but noted she also would urge transparency in government.
"I am not a weeping willow and I have a sense of humor," Vogel said.
Scrivner said he has a bias for business, noting business growth has to happen for the community as a whole to grow.
"I want to see (Jefferson City) grow and prosper," Scrivner said.
Viessman said he would try to edify, uplift and lead residents if elected, adding he'd like to put together a committee of business leaders to work with the city and the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce on local issues.
"We, together, working in concert, can be an example to the rest of the state," Viessman said.
Steinman said he has worked with all levels of governments, from federal to municipal, and has the experience to deal with local issues.
"I care about the City of Jefferson," Steinman said.
After each candidate spoke, association members were invited to ask question of candidates, though only three were asked.
When asked if they were in support of riverfront development, Viessman, Scrivner and Tergin all said yes, while Vogel specified that she is open to discussion. Both Steinman and Groner focused more specifically on the issue of Adrian's Island, which both said is not a feasible project.
All candidates said they would work with the business associations within the city and the final question asked candidates to sum up themselves and their candidacy in one word. Groner said conservative; Tergin said positive; Vogel said all of the above, plus a sense of humor; Scrivner said problem-solver; Viessman said ambassador for the city; and Steinman said legacy.