Michael Lester announced Wednesday he will run for the open Ward 2 Jefferson City Council seat in the April municipal election.
Lester has served on the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission since 2009 and has helped develop several city plans, including the Capital Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, the Historic Southside/Old Munichburg District and Neighborhood Plan, and the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Plan, according to a news release announcing his candidacy.
"(I) just wanted to try and help as much as I can to see that some of those ideas and plans for improvement get implemented and I thought being on council would be a good way to do that," Lester said.
Addressing the need for more affordable housing and beautifying the Capital City are two goals Lester said he wants to work toward.
Lester said his experience on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Jefferson City Environmental Quality Commission gives him a better understanding of developments in Jefferson City and the inner workings of city government.
"Being on Planning and Zoning, you really get to know in detail the city and what's developing in different parts of the city and you become familiar with really all the different aspects of Jefferson City," he said.
Lester currently serves on the Jefferson City Hands Together board of directors and Historic Southside/Old Munichburg Community Development Corporation board. He has also served with Court Appointed Special Advocates.
After moving to Jefferson City in 2002, Lester worked remotely for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services until he retired in 2013.
Ward 2 Councilman Rick Mihalevich and Ward 1 Councilman Rick Prather will term out in April, and their seats will be open. Mihalevich recently announced his candidacy for Cole County Eastern District commissioner.
Ward 3 Councilwoman Erin Wiseman, Ward 4 Councilman Ron Fitzwater and Ward 5 Councilman Jon Hensley's seats are up for election. None have formally announced whether they intend to seek another term.
City election filing for the April 7 ballot opens at 8 a.m. Dec. 17 and ends at 5 p.m. Jan. 21.
Before a candidate may file for a 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 information can be found at jeffersoncitymo.gov/government/city_elections.php.