Derrick Spicer has announced his intent to run for a seat on the Jefferson City Council representing Ward 4.
Spicer announced Monday he will seek election to the seat currently held by Carlos Graham, who is serving his fourth and final term on the City Council due to term limits.
Spicer, a 41-year resident of Jefferson City, currently works for PMI Hotels as sales director for Fairfield Inn & Suites.
He hopes "to accomplish a balanced budget for the City of Jefferson, as well as solving some of the infrastructure issues facing the city pertaining to road upkeep and stormwater management," according to the news release announcing his candidacy. "Another high priority is working with public safety departments to better understand community issues and how these departments can work with community leaders to make Jefferson City a safe, vibrant community."
Spicer said he is currently involved with the Rotary Club Athletic Events Committee, Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City and Building Community Bridges, and has been involved with the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau Athletic Events Committee.
He said he "feels the time is right to give back in an effective and meaningful way," and his bid for election "stems from his understanding of the issues facing the residents of Jefferson City who are attempting to raise and support their families in these uncertain times."
Official candidate filing for the city's April municipal election will open Dec. 15 and close Jan. 19. The election is April 6.
Each year, one council member from each of the city's five wards is up for election.
In 2021, Graham, Ward 1 Councilman David Kemna, Ward 2 Councilwoman Laura Ward, Ward 3 Councilman Ken Hussey and Ward 5 Councilman Mark Schreiber will end their current terms.
Kemna was first elected in 2017 and re-elected to his second term in 2019. If he chooses to run, Kemna could be elected to his third term.
Ward was elected to her third full term in 2019 and could run for a fourth and final term in 2021.
Schreiber was elected to his third term in 2019 and could run for a fourth and final term in 2021.
In addition to five City Council members, Jefferson City residents will elect a municipal judge and city prosecutor in April.
Before a candidate files for a city office, he or she must have three endorsements from residents of the area the candidate wants to represent. He or she must also present a Missouri Department of Revenue Form 5120 to the city. Candidates are required to sign the form before a notary and file it with the DOR.
Candidate endorsement forms, links to DOR Form 5120 and other pertinent information are found on the city clerk's "City Elections" page.