The postponement of the municipal election will not affect the Jefferson City School District Board of Education's uncontested seats.
In light of growing concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order last week postponing all municipal elections slated for April 7 until June 2.
In a story published March 22, the News Tribune incorrectly stated board member Steve Bruce will hold office until the election in June and Jefferson City resident Brad Bates will take office in June.
According to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's Executive Order 20-03, the candidates for which no election is scheduled for April 7 "shall assume the responsibilities of their offices at the same time and in the same manner as if the election had been held on April 7."
The Jefferson City School District had three open seats. Since three candidates filed for those seats and there are no other issues on the ballot, there is deemed to be no election for the Jefferson City School District even though the candidates' names are on the ballot.
Incumbents Lori Massman and board Treasurer Scott Hovis will retain their seats, and Jefferson City resident Brad Bates will take office in April, replacing board member Steve Bruce.
Bates said he is eager to join the school board in April.
"I feel I can help, and I'm willing to do whatever I can to make that happen," Bates said. "I think things are definitely on the upswing, but there is still much to be done, and it must get done."
Jefferson City Council
Elections for five Jefferson City Council members will be delayed, along with a group of changes to the city charter slated to be on the ballot.
The executive order provision above applies only to cases where an election would not be held - because the city election needs to be held to fill two empty council seats and approve the charter changes, it does not apply, City Counselor Ryan Moehlman said.
Three of the City Council seats are held by incumbents who are running unopposed. They will have a continuation of their terms until the election can be held.
Ward 1 Councilman Rick Prather and Ward 2 Councilman Rick Mihalevich cannot seek reelection because of term limits. Their terms will be extended until replacements can be elected.
For Ward 1, Hank Vogt is the only candidate.
Ward 2 has three candidates - Aaron Mealy, Mike Lester and Gregory Butler.