Jefferson City Ward 4 Councilman Ron Fitzwater has announced his intention to file for re-election.
He is the first to announce his intent to run for the Ward 4 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.
In April, Fitzwater announced he plans to run for mayor in 2023 when Mayor Carrie Tergin reaches the end of her term.
Fitzwater was elected to the City Council in 2017 when he filled an unexpired term.
"When I first filed for council in December 2016, citizens indicated a desire for me to use my conservative business background to focus on three key issues - public safety, infrastructure and economic development," he said. "Throughout my time on council, I have focused on those three critical issues. Although we have made some headway, there is still work to be done. I am committed to being the voice that asked the tough questions so that we can fully address and implement real solutions to these issues."
Fitzwater serves on the Public Works and Planning Committee and the Administration Committee. He is the City Council liaison to the Housing Authority Board, the Airport Advisory Committee, the Boards of Electrical and Plumbing Exam Review.
Fitzwater serves as chairman of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and is a member of the Missouri State Penitentiary Partnership.
Prior to joining the City Council, he served on the transportation and traffic commission and as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
"As chairman of the Public Works and Planning Committee, I have a unique opportunity to work first hand to help our city find solutions to our stormwater issues, public infrastructure, deteriorating homes and buildings, downtown parking, road resurfacing and overlays, our critical airport facilities, public transit and a number of other issues that come before our committee," he said.
If elected to another term, Fitzwater said he plans to continue finding ways to adequately fund critical services such as public safety (police and fire), infrastructure (roads, bridges and storm water) and other key city services.
Fitzwater and his wife, Karen, have three children and 10 grandchildren.