Filing for local races has closed and two races are set for the Jefferson City Council.
On the last day to file for city offices, David Durbin filed to run against incumbent Glen Costales for the 4th Ward council seat. Durbin retired from St. Mary's Health Care in December 2013 as corporate director of research and regulatory affairs. Before that, Durbin was director of the division of regulation and licensure of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as a retired U.S. Navy captain.
In a statement sent to the News Tribune, Durbin said he would like to see the city provide support for basic services through smart growth. He said his background at St. Mary's would help ensure the council is a good steward of taxpayer dollars and his military experience had taught him how to lead and accomplish set goals.
"We have the most beautiful Capitol building in the nation," Durbin said. "We should strive to be the most vibrant capital city in the nation."
Durbin said he would like to see the mayor appoint specific council people and staff to serve as liaisons to the Cole County Commission and various state departments, ensuring the city stays in close contact with its partners.
Costales is running for his second term on the council after initially winning his challenge against then-incumbent and now Mayor Carrie Tergin in 2014.
The only other contested race is for the 2nd Ward seat where Bud Fisher is challenging incumbent J. Rick Mihalevich.
First Ward Councilman Rick Prather and 5th Ward Councilman Larry Henry both refiled to retain their seats and face no oppostion on April's ballot.
Erin Wiseman, an attorney with Brydon, Swearengen & England, filed for the 3rd Ward council seat currently occupied by Bob Scrivner and also face no challenger. Scrivner is not eligible to run for re-election as he has served the full four, two-year terms council members are limited to.
Council candidates will appear on the April 5 ballot.