After a two-month delay, Jefferson City residents will go to the polls June 2 to vote for two new City Council members.
Originally scheduled for April 7, the election was postponed by Gov. Mike Parson in mid-March because of concerns surrounding COVID-19.
One seat each for Wards 1 and 2 were set to be filled this year as two councilmen term out.
The Ward 1 seat former Councilman Rick Prather held has already been filled by Hank Vogt, following Prather's resignation in April. Vogt has assumed the seat but will still be on the June ballot to officially be elected for his first full term.
Ward 2 Councilman Rick Mihalevich remains on the council, and there are three candidates hoping for his seat - Aaron Mealy, Mike Lester and Gregory Butler.
Absentee voting is available in the Cole County Clerk's Office in the Cole County Courthouse Annex, 311 E. High St. The office will be open for absentee voting from 8 a.m.-noon May 30. The deadline to cast an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. June 1. The deadline to mail absentee ballots has passed.
With the election postponed, some new issues have emerged that the candidates may face if elected to the council, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the selection of a developer for the Missouri State Penitentiary site, which could be made after the election.
The News Tribune asked the candidates about those issues, as well as one question submitted by a reader.
To submit a question for the candidates to answer in a future edition, email [email protected].
Candidates are listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Aaron Mealy is a Jefferson City native who graduated from Helias High School and attended Lincoln University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He works for the Missouri Department of Social Services and has lived in Ward 2 for about seven years.
If elected, Mealy hopes for a "holistic" approach to solutions for Jefferson City. Issues he has previously prioritized include creating more communication among people of different backgrounds, city infrastructure and the council's financial responsibility.
Are there any issues you feel have been brought to the forefront or that you have noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic that you feel Jefferson City should address?
"The COVID-19 pandemic has presented major issues across the entire country. I am saddened by the loss of life and disastrous effect the pandemic has had on so many good people. As cities look for ways to allow people to be physically distant, I think that creates an incentive to enhance our outdoor public spaces.
"I also think about our residents making retirement communities and nursing facilities their home. This pandemic shows us that more available technologies can help keep families connected, which has a major impact on our community mental health."
The City Council is currently deciding between two proposals for redevelopment of the Missouri State Penitentiary site. If you are on the council when a decision is made, which proposal would you support?
"I am still listening and getting feedback from residents of Jefferson City. Additionally, the city has a survey available for residents to provide feedback, and that survey is still open. I see strengths in both proposals, but I have not made a decision at this time."
Should the city address public hazards like holes in public alleys? (Question submitted by reader John Glenn.)
"A public hazard must be made top priority. I would immediately address and work to fix any public hazard. As councilman, I am committed to being consistently available to all residents."
Mike Lester has lived in Ward 2 since he and his wife moved to Jefferson City in 2002. Until he retired in 2013, Lester worked remotely for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
He has served on the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission since 2009 and has helped develop several city plans including the Capital Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, the Historic Southside/Old Munichburg District and Neighborhood Plan, and the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Plan.
Lester has previously highlighted issues including blight and abandoned buildings in the city's older areas, infrastructure and historic preservation.
Are there any issues you feel have been brought to the forefront or that you have noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic that you feel Jefferson City should address?
"It seems we've responded well to stay-in-place, and I see a lot more people wearing masks out. It seems like our health systems are prepared to deal with the level of virus that we've had which, fortunately, has not been a lot."
The City Council is currently deciding between two proposals for redevelopment of the Missouri State Penitentiary site. If you are on the council when a decision is made, which proposal would you support?
"My opinion about the proposals hasn't changed. I still think the Chesterfield proposal is certainly more in line with what the City Council had in mind in terms of MSP development and in terms of development in that area. I don't see that the Farmer proposal really accomplishes that."
Lester said, at this point, he would support the Chesterfield proposal but acknowledged new information before the vote could change that, should he be elected.
"There's a big difference in terms of cost, related to the two proposals. The Farmers' proposal is certainly a lot less, but we're talking about long-term development in that area, and making Jefferson City a destination for tourism and conventions. I think, long term, the Chesterfield proposal is the much better one."
Should the city address public hazards like holes in public alleys? (Submitted)
"When I was out canvasing, one of the main things I heard about was some of our infrastructure - maintenance of roads, sidewalks and alleys."
Some of the areas Lester saw could be dangerous for people walking around, he said.
"It's definitely an issue of keeping our infrastructure up. That is certainly an issue that needs to be looked at and addressed."
Gregory Butler is a small-business owner in Jefferson City who runs a digital marketing agency.
This would be Butler's first elected office, but he has experience helping others run for elected positions by helping manage their campaigns.
Originally from Chicago, he moved to Jefferson City in 2009 and has lived in Ward 2 for about seven years.
Previously, Butler has spoken to the News Tribune about his concerns with safety in Ward 2, residents' education about city issues and public transportation.
Are there any issues you feel have been brought to the forefront or that you have noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic that you feel Jefferson City should address?
"With the COVID-19 virus still going around, I would like to see a little more regulation set for the citizens due to the fact we are still facing a risk of catching this virus. Recently, I have seen many social gatherings that are not practicing some sort of social distancing. As the future Ward 2 City Councilman of Jefferson City, I feel it is our duty to continue to express our concern for the safety of our constituents and hold everyone accountable to maintain their safety until we are clear of this virus."
The City Council is currently deciding between two proposals for redevelopment of the Missouri State Penitentiary site. If you are on the council when a decision is made, which proposal would you support?
"To answer this question clearly, I would need to gather more information, which I do not have full access to as a citizen. But, as I stated in the Ward 2 candidate forum held on March 11 by the New Tribune, whichever plan benefits the city and its constituents in the near future, I would choose that plan."
Should the city address public hazards like holes in public alleys? (Submitted)
"If this issue is in my ward, I would view this issue in detail, take the issue to public works, get a clear understanding about their priorities, and see what we can do, if any, to get this particular issue resolved in the meantime."