Scott Evans has announced his candidacy for Jefferson City municipal judge.
Evans said in a news release he intends to file as a candidate Dec. 15, the first day candidates can file for the April 6 municipal election at City Hall.
Evans is seeking to fill the vacancy created by current Municipal Judge Brian Stumpe's election to Cole County associate circuit judge. Stumpe defeated Evans for the position in the November general election. Evans ran as a Democrat and Stumpe as a Republican for associate circuit judge; Jefferson City elections are non-partisan.
Evans owns the Law Office of Evans Crow Halcomb and has practiced in Jefferson City since 2012.
Evans noted the municipal court mainly handles misdemeanor cases, traffic matters and citations.
"I believe my experience in all matters heard by the municipal court, as well as my tireless worth ethic makes me the right person to serve Jefferson City," Evans said in his news release. "I am excited for the opportunity to serve Jefferson City as municipal judge. Our judges are responsible for ensuring fair, respectful, and impartial proceedings, which will be a priority for me should I be elected.
"The municipal court is often the first experience people have with the judicial system," Evans concluded. "A strong focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment at this level is paramount to preventing repeat offenders. By utilizing our community resources through the municipal court we can strengthen our community and make Jefferson City a safer place for our families."
Curtis Hanrahan will serve as temporary municipal judge after the start of the new year until the April election, after Mayor Carrie Tergin appointed him to the position.
In addition to a new municipal judge, Jefferson City residents will elect five City Council members and a city prosecutor in April. One council member from each of the city's five wards is up for election each year.
Ward 3 Councilman Ken Hussey, Ward 1 Councilman David Kemna, Ward 2 Councilwoman Laura Ward, Ward 4 Councilman Carlos Graham and Ward 5 Councilman Mark Schreiber will end their current terms in 2021.
Hussey is serving his fourth and final term due to term limits. Mary Schantz has announced she will run for the seat.
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.
Graham was elected for his final term in 2019. His seat will be open in this election.
Schreiber was elected to his third term in 2019 and could run for a fourth and final term in 2021.
Local attorney Gaylin Carver was elected to her first term as city prosecutor in 2019.
Official candidate filing for the April 6 election will open Dec. 15 and close Jan. 19, 2021.
Before a candidate files for a Jefferson 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 "Elections" page.