COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Democrat
Randy B. Holman
Incumbent • No
Age • 49
Home • Festus
Occupation • Department of County Assessor, Jefferson County
Political experience • Board member, Festus School District, 1993 to 2008; assessor, Jefferson County, 1994-present
Website • www.holmanforcountyexecutive.com
What is your highest level of education?
B. S., Southeast Missouri State
What are your three priorities?
1. Economic development and fiscal responsibility. Attracting quality employment opportunities for our residents while providing efficient and cost effective government.
2. Development of a long overdue comprehensive strategic plan that addresses the goals of county government and the strategies to achieve those goals, allowing the council to make sound, informed decisions.
3. Development of a cooperative and focused working relationship between the first elected county executive and new county council.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
> Nearly 24 years of public service
> Sixteen years as an elected county official
> Bachelor of Science degree in business administration
> Established record of successfully working with boards, councils and elected officials
> Years of experience administrating multimillion-dollar budgets with a proven record of fiscal responsibility
> Committed to community service
> Licensed Missouri certified general real estate appraiser
> Missouri Association of Counties executive board member (2007)
> Twelve years as president, Festus R-6 School Board
Chuck Banks
Incumbent • Yes
Age • 56
Home • Pevely
Occupation • County executive, Jefferson County
Political experience • Mayor, Pevely, 1987-1993; presiding commissioner, Jefferson County, 2007-2008, county executive, Jefferson County, 2008-present
Website • www.ChuckBanks.com
What is your highest level of education?
Some college
What are your three priorities?
Jobs - As county executive my top priority is bringing jobs to Jefferson County. I authorized the Jefferson County port study to bring 6,000 jobs and create billions in economic activity.
Support the port - I will aggressively push the Jefferson County Port Authority's plan to develop a regional river port.
Implement the charter - I will make sure that there is a seamless transition of power to our new form of county government.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
As mayor, I worked with a council to successfully create jobs and increase infrastructure without a tax increase. As congressional coordinator, I was the liaison responsible for bringing millions of federal dollars to Jefferson County. As a board member of the EIERA (MODNR) I helped manage millions of dollars of pollution control bonds. As presiding commissioner and county executive, I passed the Unified Development Order and balanced the budget while bringing jobs to Jefferson County.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Republican
Avery A. Fortenberry
Incumbent • No
Age • 63
Home • Barnhart
Occupation • Self-employed-owner, Avery Contracting LLC.
Political experience • Commissioner, Festus Special Road District, 2005-2007
Website • www.averyfortenberry.com
What is your highest level of education?
B.S., Maryville University
What are your three priorities?
1. Implement the charter form of government that the citizens of Jefferson County voted for in an efficient and fiscally frugal manner while controlling taxes.
2. Provide the leadership and give hope for a better future that will make Jefferson County the desired place to live within the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
3. To establish an open, honest and fair communication with the public from all Jefferson County administration officials.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
My background and people skills are diverse and include manufacturing, construction, corporate sales and not-for-profit board of director service. I have taught at the community college level. I am comfortable with problem resolution and difficult decision making from the average person to the heads of corporate America. I believe in fair representation of every man, woman and child in Jefferson County. You want to elect me because I get things done.
Ken Waller
Incumbent • No
Age • 48
Home • Herculaneum
Occupation • Human resource generalist, Sunnyhill Inc.
Political experience • Treasurer, Jefferson County, 2004-2008.
What is your highest level of education?
B.A., University of Missouri-St. Louis
What are your three priorities?
1. With the new charter government starting it is extremely important that we run the county like a business. No more giving jobs to people based on who they are. Get the most qualified person for the job.
2. Maintaining services and even expanding them, if possible, even with the economic downturn.
3. Finally, maintaining current infrastructure including county buildings, roads, parks, etc. Take care of the current county employees.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
Business owner for over 20 years. Held elected position of treasurer from 2004-2008 so I have good knowledge of the budget and how the county spends its money. Audited annually with no problems. Great communicator and leader. Have a bachelor's degree in public administration from UMSL. Active in church and community activities, including helping to coach youth sports through the local YMCA.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Libertarian
Daniel "Dan D." McCarthy III
Incumbent • No
Age • 61
Home • Hillsboro, Mo.
Occupation • Retired
Political experience • Never elected to public office
Website • www.votedanmccarthy.com
What is your highest level of education?
B.A., St. Louis University
What are your three priorities?
Defining the role of the new charter government which is not in place at the present time. How to deal with the transition. Smaller is better. Save the taxpayer as much money as I can and encourage development of a "family arena" and small industry so taxes saved to be spent to improve family life.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
A common-sense approach, a disdain for taxes. A vision for individuals and families to work for a good life and opportunities in Jefferson County.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Democrat
Forrest Wegge
No response received.
COUNTY CLERK
Democrat
Wes Wagner
No response received.
COLLECTOR
Democrat
Beth Mann
No response received.
CIRCUIT CLERK
Democrat
Howard Wagner
No response received.
AUDITOR
Democrat
Dorothy Stafford
No response received.
RECORDER OF DEEDS
Democrat
Marlene Kay Castle
Incumbent • Yes
Age • 60
Home • De Soto
Occupation • Recorder of deeds
Political experience • Recorder of deeds, Jefferson County, 1987-present
What is your highest level of education?
High school
What are your three priorities?
Since land records document recording is one of the longest standing services of local county government and is still vital to our community today, my priorities are the following:
1. To maintain a centralized official repository of property and related documents, to protect and archive while preserving history with our county.
2. To provide easy access to the public documents and related information.
3. To serve the citizens courteously with experienced, knowledgeable office staff.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
Experience and knowledge acquired over the years of service in this office. With advanced technology, many strides have been accomplished. I look forward to successfully fulfilling future obligations with integrity and accountability as I always have done and continuing to serve the citizens of Jefferson County.
Scott Sampson
Incumbent • No
Age • 33
Home • House Springs
Occupation • Payoff and release department representative, bank
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
Associate degree
What are your three priorities?
My first priority will be bringing the recorder's office current with Missouri state statutes. At this time, some of these statutes are being ignored. I will ensure that all documents are cross referenced better. Simply filling in a few more fields would insure that indexing errors would not create so many problems when searches are done. All of this would provide a more user-friendly environment, which is the main goal of these priorities.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
For more than eight years I have worked with county records and it's something I enjoy. I'm not looking to be a politician. I'm trying to create a better county office. While running my own business, I have had the opportunity to work in 11 recorder of deeds offices and learn what works and what doesn't. I come with fresh perspectives, ideas and true goals for this recorder of deeds office.
RECORDER OF DEEDS
Republican
Debbie Dunnegan
Incumbent • No
Age • 46
Home • Morse Mill
Occupation • Office administrator, JD Record Searches Inc.
Political experience • Board member, Grandview School District, 2009-present
What is your highest level of education?
Associate's degree
What are your three priorities?
1. Stop the data entry errors. For years, errors have been input in the records index. When pointed out, this is shrugged off as "human error". This is unacceptable.
2. Correct errors in the indexes. This is a daunting task, but one I am determined to complete.
3. Use the software to its maximum potential. A system exists to search records in a multitude of sequences. The current administration only uses one, ignoring state law.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
For ten years now, I have been working as office administrator for a company specializing in land-record research. I have been searching records and examining documents in the counties of Jefferson, Franklin, St. Charles, St. Louis and St. Louis city. My family has been involved in the land title industry for 45 years. I also have 15 years management experience. I am determined, diligent and dedicated. I take pride in a job well done.
COUNCIL MEMBER 1ST DISTRICT
Democrat
Danny Tuggle
Incumbent • No
Age • 62
Home • House Springs
Occupation • , House Springs Golf Course
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
High school
What are your three priorities?
To serve the people in District #1 for the betterment of Jeff. County.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I have served on many boards, which gives me an insight into the needs and wants of my constituents.
Thomas "Tom" Willey
Incumbent • No
Age • 66
Home • Fenton area
Occupation • Retired
Political experience • Never elected to public office
Website • www.willeywill.com
What is your highest level of education?
Some college, engineering
What are your three priorities?
To work with the sheriff to keep Jeffco safer by attacking the meth-making problem. To encourage growth, but manage it to preserve our beauty and country atmosphere. To create new high-paying, safe jobs in our county, while protecting our existing ones.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
My 25-year experience as a union representative has taught me to listen to both sides and be able to compromise when necessary, to resolve problems. My 30 years being involved in politics, including the eight years I served on planning and zoning, means I know the people who work in government. So I can hit the ground running to ensure a smooth transition to our new form of government.
COUNCIL MEMBER 1ST DISTRICT
Republican
Nelson O. Weber
Incumbent • No
Age • 71
Home • High Ridge
Occupation • Semi-retired consultant engineer
Political experience • Board member, Northwest School District, 2004-2010
What is your highest level of education?
B.S., Missouri University
What are your three priorities?
1. Bringing District 1 needs and issues to the council — each and every concern — small or large. I will be your choice for District 1.
2. Being a dedicated and qualified council member to make sure a "rock foundation" is built for Jefferson County's new charter government.
3. Not raise taxes on our citizens. I'm in favor of a small, efficient, fair and effective county government.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
> Elected - Northwest R-1 School Board (2004-2010).
> Appointed - Board of directors - Ferguson Roofing Corp (2007-2010).
> Selected - Northwest R-1 board delegate to Missouri School Boards Association (2004-2010).
> Volunteer - Memories Car Club president for three years.
> Volunteer - SCOPE (Science & Citizens Organized for Purpose of Exploration) (2007-2010).
> Many years of experience - retired in 1994 as career engineer from Boeing, then self employed as professional consultant engineer, now semi-retired.
Don Bickowski
Incumbent • No
Age • 53
Home • Eureka
Occupation • I.T. director, Cenveo - St. Louis
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
College
What are your three priorities?
With the new county charter a major priority needs to be representation of the citizen. It's time for our representatives to be responsible to the citizens and not beholding to the political machines. In addition to cleaning up the good old boy system, the top priority is positioning Jefferson County as the most business-job friendly area in the region.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
Thirty-five plus years of accounting and extensive audit experience in mid size ($30k) to large corporations (1.2b). Budget and cost control management in a wide variety of diverse businesses.
COUNCIL MEMBER 2ND DISTRICT
Democrat
Rene E. Dulle
Incumbent • No
Age • 37
Home • Fenton
Occupation • Student and volunteer
Political experience • Never elected to public office
Website • www.electdulle.com
What is your highest level of education?
M.B.A., St. Louis University
What are your three priorities?
1. Improved communication between municipalities, unincorporated areas, and county residents providing a greater opportunity for collaboration, participation in the legislative process and access to current information regarding progress.
2. Collaborate in developing a sustainable growth and development plan for the county and focus on areas that make sense for economic development to attract businesses and create job opportunities.
3. Attract tourism dollars by increasing public green space, linking hiking, trail-riding, and biking trails.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I have several years' experience in change management and balancing multimillion-dollar budgets in a corporate environment. I am an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council and will earn a degree in environmental science in December. This education and experience will prove beneficial when taking account of the real costs and benefits of potential legislation. Lastly, I am the third generation to raise a family in Jefferson County.
COUNCIL MEMBER 2ND DISTRICT
Republican
Don J. Kersten
Incumbent • No
Age • 72
Home • Arnold
Occupation • Retired
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
2-3 years college
What are your three priorities?
1. Abolish personal property tax (through alternative means).
2. Work with economic development to construct a "factory outlet mall" in the Highway 55 and Main Street (Imperial) area.
3. Work to obtain funding for county residents with disabilities.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
> 40-year resident of Jefferson County.
> Six years on the board of adjustment.
> Six years arbitrator with the Better Business Bureau.
> Six years reserve-full time Jefferson County Deputy.
> 3 1/2 years Navy.
> 22 years retired Air National Missouri Guard.
Renee Reuter
Incumbent • No
Age • 41
Home • Imperial
Occupation • Attorney, Enterprise Holdings Inc.
Political experience • Never elected to public office
Website • votereuter.com
What is your highest level of education?
Juris Doctor, St. Louis University School of Law
What are your three priorities?
After elected to the Jefferson County Council, I will:
1. Create more jobs in Jefferson County for residents.
2. Advocate for local business growth to increase economic stability and local resources for residents.
3. Provide strong leadership for our new charter government.
Serious times call for serious leaders. Jefferson County residents deserve strong leadership from dedicated and qualified public servants who listen and promptly respond to local concerns with thoughtful, executable plans.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
Jefferson County has been my home for 27 years. I have long-term dedication to this county. I hold political science and law degrees. My education makes me highly qualified. Practical sense makes me the best candidate. As a department manager for a major corporation and vice president of a nonprofit Christ-based organization, I am a strong leader. I am well prepared and the most qualified candidate for 2nd District representative.
Robert E. Vescovo Jr.
No response received.
COUNCIL MEMBER 3RD DISTRICT
Democrat
Pete Nicholas
Incumbent • No
Age • 60
Home • Arnold
Occupation • Electrician, IBEW Local #1
Political experience • Board member, Fox School District, 2001-present; director, Rock Community Fire Protection District, 2008-present
What is your highest level of education?
Some college
What are your three priorities?
1. Stimulate economic development.
2. Improve county-wide infrastructure.
3. Reasonable tax rates.
I am running for the 3rd District county council to ensure that the constituents are represented in a fair and equitable manner. I want to ensure that the constituents of the 3rd District receive their fair share of the economic development of Jefferson County.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
My school board experience of 12 years, working with a $120 million budget, 1200 employees. The Fox C-6 School District has been awarded state and national recognition. After winning my seat on the Rock Community fire board (which has a budget of $5 million and 75 employees), we have the most progressive fire district in Jefferson County. Because of these experiences I believe I will bring knowledge and experience to the new county commission.
Phil Amato
Incumbent • No
Age • 56
Home • Arnold
Occupation • Retired
Political experience • Councilman, 3rd Ward, Arnold, 1980-1982; 2001-2009
Website • www.fulltimephil.com
What is your highest level of education?
Associate degree, St. Louis Community College-Meramec
What are your three priorities?
1. Implement an economic plan that will attract new jobs to Jefferson County.
2. Establish cost saving measures that will save residents thousands of dollars for road repairs, new sewer construction, low-cost home improvement loans and a trash co-op for the unincorporated area that will save the average homeowner $200 per year.
3. Freeze property taxes for seniors on a fixed income.
View my entire 10-point plan at www.FullTimePhil.com
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
Jefferson County judges appointed me to the charter commission that wrote the charter. I was also honored to be elected as an Arnold city councilman for five terms. The Arnold City Council elected me mayor pro-tem six times in 10 years.
Chaired committees that brought:
1. Libraries to northern Jefferson County
2. A recreation center to Arnold
3. First tornado sirens to Jefferson County
I have served on the Library Board 19 years.
COUNCIL MEMBER 3RD DISTRICT
Republican
Bob Boyer
Incumbent • No
Age • 28
Home • Arnold
Occupation • Land surveyor, Stock & Associates Consulting Engineers Inc.
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
A.A.S., Jefferson College
What are your three priorities?
We need to keep taxes low in the county. This will promote economic activity and attract shoppers to the county instead of the cities or other areas.
Fight to protect property rights. Eminent domain should never be used for private use.
Stop the corporate welfare, like TIF, TDDs or other tax abatements that would put the county's fiscal future at risk.
Enact real solutions to combat the county's growing drug and DWI problems.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I am a husband and father to two young boys. We live in a modest house with a decent income and live within our means. I will understand more than the other candidates how people try to raise a family in these tough economic times. And how government can help, or hurt, people in those situations.
I am a registered land surveyor; I have the knowledge and people skills to get things done.
COUNCIL MEMBER 4TH DISTRICT
Democrat
Frances "Fran" Newkirk
Incumbent • No
Age • 65
Home • Barnhart
Occupation • Director, Antonia Fire Protection District
Political experience • Director, Antonia Fire Protection District, 2000-present
Website • www.greataol.com
What is your highest level of education?
A.A., Jefferson College
What are your three priorities?
1. Representing the 4th District and the citizens of Jefferson County to the best of my abilities.
2. Increase senior citizen support through communication and education on programs available. To assist them in their daily lives.
3. Protect taxpayers funds through fiscal responsibility.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I served on the charter commission helping in writing the charter for Jefferson County. I am familiar with the process within the new government.
Having lived in Jefferson County the past 45 years, raising a family and working here. I feel I can represent the citizens well, and I'm willing to listen and assist them in a resolution to their problems
Gregory "Greg" Dohack
Incumbent • No
Age • 48
Home • Barnhart
Occupation • Quality control manager, Fred Weber Inc.
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
Associate degree, Jefferson College
What are your three priorities?
Jobs: Attract new business to the county and retain the jobs we already have in Jefferson County.
Infrastructure: Improve on the transportation network within the county as well as making a port in Jefferson County a reality.
Public safety: Work to get better pay for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and put more officers on the road.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I am a proud lifelong resident of this county and I am committed to making Jefferson County a better place for all of us to work, live and raise a family.
COUNCIL MEMBER 4TH DISTRICT
Republican
Charles Groeteke
Incumbent • No
Age • 55
Home • Barnhart
Occupation • Union maintenance machinist, Marquette Tool and Die
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
High school diploma
What are your three priorities?
I have only one priority. To provide a conservative voice on the new county council for the voters of the 4th District.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
Common sense, courage, competence and conviction.
COUNCIL MEMBER 5TH DISTRICT
Democrat
Joshua Ly
Incumbent • No
Age • 25
Home • Crystal City
Occupation • IRA tax associate, Wells Fargo Advisors
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
Master, University of Missouri St. Louis, accounting.
What are your three priorities?
1. Prevent government-imposed smoking ban on private property. The government should not dictate legal activities in private businesses.
2. Prevent red light cameras. Exceptions may be made at historically high-accident locations, but we absolutely need to maintain the fine line between public safety and right to privacy.
3. Reduce unnecessary government regulations. We need to clean up existing laws and prevent new regulations that do not make common sense.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
County council members essentially approve budgets and work with the communities to pass laws. My accounting degree and experience helping customers at Wells Fargo Advisors will contribute to making good decisions. I am a life-long resident of Jefferson County, so naturally I have this county's interests at heart. I employ creativity and partnerships to get things done - it's not how much we can grow the budget, but how wisely we use it.
David M. Venable
Incumbent • No
Age • 45
Home • Pevely
Occupation • Teacher, Fox C-6 School District
Political experience • Councilman, 2nd Ward, Arnold, 2002-2007
What is your highest level of education?
M. A., Southwest Baptist University, education
What are your three priorities?
My first goal on the county council will be to work toward economic growth in Jefferson County by focusing on the completion of the port project along the Mississippi.
Second, I will focus on enacting a smoke-free public spaces ordinance.
Finally, I would like to work with the Jefferson County Library System to bring library services to areas currently not served by a quality library system.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
My nearly six years of service on the Arnold City Council has provided me with the needed insight to help Jefferson County make the transition to the new, voter-approved, council system of government a smooth one.
Along with previous council service, I am a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, an Air Force veteran, an advocate for special needs individuals and I have worked for 18 years in the Fox District.
William Wegge
Incumbent • No
Age • 68
Home • Festus
Occupation • Lawyer, self-employed
Political experience • Associate circuit judge, Circuit 23, Division 11, 1991-2007
What is your highest level of education?
J.D. St. Louis University School of Law
What are your three priorities?
1. Most important is retaining county jobs in this economic recession.
2. Following January 1, 2011, implementation of county charter government will ensue with new, completely separate legislative and executive functions. Establishing these checks and balances is a high priority so the legislative council doesn't become a "rubber stamp" of the county executive.
3. Passing new and necessary ordinances that are constitutional and well drafted to make the new charter government efficient and beneficial.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
The county council serves a legislative function separate from the executive function. It is important to have an individual on the new county council with a legal background. The county council will have to deal not only with many new legislative enactments dealing with matters that are currently dealt with by state statute, but will also deal with legal interpretations of the county charter document itself and necessary amendments to be made to it.
COUNCIL MEMBER 5TH DISTRICT
Republican
Donald Wright
Incumbent • No
Age • 57
Home • Festus
Occupation • Security manager, Science Applications International Corp.
Political experience • Never elected to public office
Website • www.wrightforyou.org
What is your highest level of education?
Some college
What are your three priorities?
Top-down leadership in America has failed us and mismanaged our money. It's time for some bottom-up leadership, conservative, grass roots leadership that reflects a common-sense approach to money management, balanced budgets and lowering taxes wherever possible. The new county council must work as a team to enact initiatives that will attract new businesses to Jefferson County. New businesses will bring new jobs and new tax revenues for our county.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I've served 34 years in the defense department, intelligence community and currently as a defense contractor in positions responsible for protecting national security information and physical assets. I served four years in the Air Force as a security policeman. I work well with people and can deal with pressure. I've conducted high profile investigations and participated in high performance teams. I have a positive work ethic and believe in the team concept.
Teresa "Terri" Kreitler
Incumbent • No
Age • 51
Home • Festus
Occupation • Accountant
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
Some college
What are your three priorities?
1. My highest priority is smart spending. We must be wise in our spending habits these days while our economy is in a recession.
2. Bringing jobs to Jefferson County — white collar and blue collar jobs.
3. Most important is to keep our taxes low with little governmental intervention in our private lives.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I've lived in Jefferson County for almost 24 years, raised a family here, and want to see it thrive economically. We need to be conservative to do that. As an accountant, it's easy to see the numbers. I have served as a Plattin Township Republican committeewoman from August 2008 until the present. I want citizens to see that we are running their government as wisely as they would run their own homes.
John Paul Le Boube
Incumbent • No
Age • 58
Home • Herculaneum
Occupation • Retired firefighter-paramedic
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
B.S., Southeast Missouri State University
What are your three priorities?
1. As a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, I fully understand the needs of a growing county and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
2. My commitment to limited government is centered on (1) low taxes, (2) more jobs and (3) better living conditions.
3. We must make competent and sensible decisions on all levels and build on a dynamic and prosperous future that will benefit all citizens.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
With 33 years in paid public safety, I have extensive experience in the following areas of government management and operations:
a. Crisis/risk/emergency management.
b. Budget formulation and implementation (RFPs, and RFQs).
c. Policy maker (rules/regulations, suggested operating procedures, personnel appraisal guidelines).
d. Labor/management negotiations.
The above listed skill sets translate into an officeholder who understands and will strive to make government efficient, competent and effective for all citizens of Jefferson County.
COUNCIL MEMBER 6TH DISTRICT
Democrat
Cliff Lane
Incumbent • No
Age • 73
Home • De Soto
Occupation • Self-employed
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
12th grade
What are your three priorities?
I don't have any priorities other than to help get the new charter government started off on the right foot. The new council needs to protect the money and rights of all of the citizens of Jefferson County.
I am not wanting to be elected for any prior agenda.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
My qualifications for the office come from my past experiences of running my own company for 52 years and all the boards I have been on.
Among them are:
> Pony Bird Inc., 33 years currently
> Vice chairman, Jefferson County Building Commission, 22-plus years
> Jefferson County Board of Equalization
> Jefferson County Board of Appeals
> Jefferson County EDC
> De Soto IDA
> De Soto EDC
> De Soto Community Foundation
> Highway 21 Task Force
> De Soto Planning and Zoning Commission
Bruce Degrant
Incumbent • No
Age • 53
Home • De Soto
Occupation •
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
High school
What are your three priorities?
Health care, economy, jobs
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I have held UAW offices, work well with people and feel that for every problem there is a solution
COUNCIL MEMBER 7TH DISTRICT
Democrat
Del Viehland
No response received.
Douglas Bjornstad
Incumbent • No
Age • 48
Home • House Springs
Occupation • Civil engineer
Political experience • Never elected to public office
What is your highest level of education?
B. S., Kansas State University
What are your three priorities?
1. Ensure the quality and safety of roads and bridges and county infrastructure throughout Jefferson County.
2. Create an open atmosphere of communication with you the citizen and your representative in the county government.
3. Protect the quality of life for my constituents during the transition to a new form of county government.
4. Ensure any growth is sustainable and complimentary to our area
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
As a licensed engineer in three states, I have worked with city, county, state and federal governments to develop and complete road, bridge and infrastructure projects. Working with these entities and agencies provides me with the experience and familiarity to make sound decisions for the people of Jefferson County. I have been a resident in Jefferson County for the past ten years and my family's roots to this area extend back three generations.
COUNCIL MEMBER 7TH DISTRICT
Republican
Kelly Waymon
No response received.
CIRCUIT JUDGE CIRCUIT 23
DIVISION 3
Democrat
Nathan B. Stewart
Incumbent • No
Age • 44
Home • Hillsboro
Occupation • Associate circuit judge, Jefferson County
Political experience • Associate circuit judge, Circuit 23, Division 14, 2005-present
What is your highest level of education?
J.D. University of Missouri
What are your three priorities?
1. As a judge my main priority is to apply the law in a fair and impartial manner, while upholding the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Missouri.
2. To listen to those citizens appearing before me.
3. Being committed to diligence and hard work on behalf of Jefferson County and the State of Missouri.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I have now been hearing cases for 11 years in Jefferson County. During that time my caseload has encompassed nearly every type of matter before the courts. My family and I have lived in Jefferson County since 1970 and we have a feel for the day-to-day issues of life in our area. I am proud that my record as a judge has led me to be running unopposed for circuit judge.
ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE
CIRCUIT 23 DIVISION 10
Republican
Darrell Missey
No response received.
ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE
CIRCUIT 23 DIVISION 11
Democrat
Ray Dickhaner
No response received.
ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE
CIRCUIT 23 DIVISION 12
Democrat
Stephen D. Bouchard
No response received.
ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE
CIRCUIT 23 DIVISION 13
Democrat
Patricia A. Riehl
No response received.
ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE
CIRCUIT 23 DIVISION 14
Democrat
Tim Miller
Incumbent • No
Age • 45
Home • Crystal City
Occupation • Judge (part-time); attorney, Timothy S. Miller, P.C.
Political experience •
What is your highest level of education?
J.D., Washington University School of Law
What are your three priorities?
To serve the citizens of Jefferson County as a fair, competent, and experienced judge.
To help uphold the tradition of legal knowledge and ethical behavior already established in our Jefferson County judiciary.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I have lived in Jefferson County all my life and have practiced law in Jefferson County for nearly 20 years. I have been a judge in Jefferson County for six years. My law practice and my judicial experience cover all the areas of the law that I would handle as an associate circuit judge. I am the most qualified of the candidates for this position, and look forward to continue serving Jefferson countians.
Joseph "Joe" Rathert
Incumbent • No
Age • 47
Home • Barnhart
Occupation • Attorney
Political experience • Alderman, 1st Ward, Sunset Hills, 2000-2004
Website • www.joerathert.com
What is your highest level of education?
Law degree
What are your three priorities?
As an attorney who is in the courtroom four-five days per week for the last 22 years, I can bring a unique perspective to the bench because of the wide variety of cases that I have tried. We need to assign cases to judges who have experience in the specific subject matter, keep the repeat offenders off of the streets and expedite cases from the time of filing to final disposition.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
As a practicing attorney for 22 years, I have tried to a judge or jury complicated cases at both the state and federal level, including murder, armed robbery, medical malpractice, wrongful death, amputation, brain injury and thousands of family law Issues. I am also a court appointed attorney for children who are abused and incapacitated seniors. I have have served two terms as the elected Jefferson County Bar Association president.
ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE
CIRCUIT 23 DIVISION 15
Democrat
Shannon R. Dougherty
Incumbent • Yes
Age • 37
Home • Dittmer
Occupation • Associate circuit judge, Division 15
Political experience • Associate circuit judge, Circuit 23, Division 15, 2007-present
What is your highest level of education?
Juris Doctor
What are your three priorities?
As I have been serving for the past three and a half years in my present position, my priorities for my next term continue to be maintaining the integrity of the judiciary, making decisions based on the facts and applicable laws and being involved in committees and groups collaborating to improve the judicial system.
What are your qualifications for the office you seek?
I have been employed in the legal system for almost 15 years. I have served as the associate circuit judge in Division 15 since 2007. I was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jefferson County from 2002-2006. I was a probation and parole officer for the state of Missouri from 1995-2001. I hold a juris doctor from St. Louis University and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
