Jefferson City resident Jack Deeken has announced his intention to file for the Ward 1 City Council seat.
He is the first to announce his intent to run for the seat that is held by Hank Vogt on the April 5 ballot. Official filing opens Tuesday and closes Dec. 28. There is one seat open for each of Jefferson City's five wards; they are two-year terms.
Deeken is ending his term on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, which he's been on for more than a decade.
"I am familiar with many issues facing the city," he said. "Infrastructure is a major concern -- particularly the aging sewer system. Addressing infrastructure issues has been delayed for other pressing needs. But at some point, the city will be forced to confront the problem and seek creative solutions. Streets and bridges are a never-ending maintenance project and one on which citizens expect action."
Deeken said it's imperative the city find new funding sources and collaborations to get done what needs work.
"When the city receives funding from outside sources, I can make the difficult decisions on how best to utilize them," he said. "Decisions should be based on hard facts. Citizens can rest assured that what benefits the greatest good will always be my guiding ideal."
While looking to the future is important, he said, the city should drive to preserve what advancements have been made.
As a lifelong resident of Jefferson City and 23-year resident of Ward 1, Deeken said his institutional memory of the city will help with making decisions.
"Serving the community that I love would be an honor and privilege," he said.