Scott Spencer has announced his run for the open Ward 3 seat on the Jefferson City Council.
Spencer retired in 2018 after serving 25 years for the Jefferson City Fire Department. For part of that time, he was a rescue squad captain.
Spencer now works as an account specialist for Firehouse Design Studio Inc., a marketing firm operated by his wife, Tisha.
A lifelong Jefferson City resident and Jefferson City High School graduate, Spencer has been an active community member. He has served on the Cole and Miller County Long Term Recovery Committee to help with flood and tornado recovery.
He is a leadership team member at Memorial Baptist Church, and he was a board member and volunteer for the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association.
Spencer said his experience as a city employee gave him an understanding of how city government operates, and his time as a firefighter gave him experience serving the community.
He decided to run for City Council to make a difference in the community for future generations, including his own two daughters.
"I want our community to grow responsibly," Spencer said.
Priorities for Spencer include public safety, infrastructure and economic development.
Within public safety, Spencer said he would want to be aware of the needs of the department, which includes police and fire.
"Sometimes those needs change based on the issues and dealings within the public, whether that be the pandemic we're dealing with currently or police and public relations within the city," Spencer said.
Infrastructure is another area of focus for Spencer.
"You can walk along a lot of neighborhoods in the 3rd Ward and see curb and gutter deterioration," Spencer said. "Stormwater issues are also a big concern."
Spencer would also like to see Jefferson City be a welcoming climate for business growth and productivity.
He has chosen to self-fund his campaign to keep an open mind and not feel beholden to anyone except the city's residents.
"I want our 3rd Ward to be engaged with the issues, not only with what we're dealing with in the 3rd Ward but the city as a whole, and I want to use my qualities to serve the 3rd Ward residents," he said. "I want to listen, and I want to understand their needs and their concerns."
Spencer said any residents with concerns can reach out to him at 573-203-5316 or [email protected].
Spencer will face Mary Schantz in the April 6 election. Ward 3 Councilman Ken Hussey is finishing his last term, leaving the seat open.
Council seats from the city's other four wards will also be on the ballot.
As of Thursday, current council members David Kemna and Laura Ward are running unopposed for their respective Ward 1 and Ward 2 seats.
Derrick Spicer is currently unopposed for the Ward 4 seat being left vacant by Councilman Carlos Graham.
Councilman Mark Schreiber is facing Alicia Edwards for the Ward 5 seat.
Voters will also elect a municipal judge and city prosecutor. Currently the only candidates are Scott Evans and incumbent Gaylin Carver, respectively.
Candidate filing ends Jan. 19.