The Jefferson City West Side Business Association hosted a candidate forum for the upcoming April 6 elections for Jefferson City Council and municipal judge positions Tuesday afternoon.
Candidates had the opportunity to tell the voters about themselves briefly.
Ward 2 council candidate Laura Ward said she's worked with city staff during her time on the council on architecture, building sidewalks and improving safety around the city.
Her opponent, Edith Vogel, said she wants to give back to the community more after her time on the council in the early 2000s.
Ward 3 council candidate Mary Schantz said she wants to focus on economic development and rebuilding the downtown.
Fellow Ward 3 candidate Scott Spencer also said he wants to promote economic development through working with local schools to address the needs of area businesses.
Ward 4 candidate Derrick Spicer said he'd like to work hard to address the needs of the city, such as public safety and stormwater.
Fellow Ward 4 candidate Leonard Steinman said he has started several successful businesses in his lifetime.
Ward 4 candidate Ryan Estes was not in attendance.
Ward 5 Councilman Mark Schreiber said he thinks tourism is a large part of the future of Jefferson City and that he'd like to continue working on development at the Missouri State Penitentiary site.
His opponent, Alicia Edwards, said she wants to work on affordable housing options within the city after many were hit by the 2019 tornado.
Municipal judge candidate Scott Evans said he wants to take ownership in the community and the safety of the city.
Fellow municipal judge candidate Angela Silvey said she wants to find a way to work with City Council to address code violations and better enforce them.