Jefferson City Ward 2 Councilman Mike Lester has announced his intention to file for re-election.
He is the first to announce his intent to run for the Ward 2 seat on the April 5 ballot. Official filing opens Dec. 7 and closes Dec. 28. There is one seat open for each of Jefferson City's five wards for two-year terms.
Lester was elected to the City Council in 2020.
"Representing Ward 2 has given me insight and understanding of residents' needs and of city government," Lester said in his announcement. "I have enjoyed helping constituents, addressing problems and resolving issues."
Lester serves on the public works and finance committees, represents the city on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization board and is the council liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Housing Authority Board. He also serves on the Missouri State Prison Community Partners Committee.
Outside of his role as a councilman, Lester serves on the Board of Directors for Jefferson City Hands Together - which assists individuals with debt crisis - along with the Historic Southside/Old Munichburg Community Development Corporation Board and is a member of the Old Munichburg Association.
Lester is a retired Oklahoma Department of Human Services employee.
Before being elected to the City Council, he participated in building several city development/improvement plans, including the Capital Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan (adopted 2017), the Historic Southside/Old Munichburg District and Neighborhood Plan (adopted 2017) and the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Plan (2019).
"My experience in government, combined with my involvement with nonprofit organizations here in Jefferson City gives me the breadth of knowledge to represent Ward 2, and I am committed to continuing the work," Lester said.