Here’s a voter’s guide for the April 4th ballot to help inform you . There are races in school board, city council, and the Clay County Health Department Board of Trustees. Also appearing on the ballot will be Proposition Lewis and the City of Excelsior Springs is asking for a 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales only.
3% Tax on Recreational Marijuana Sales Within City Limits
The City of Excelsior Springs has written into the question that the funds will be used for public safety and drug abuse prevention purposes. The Excelsior Citizen endorses this measure and encourages you to vote yes. We commend the City for designating the funds, when there is no requirement to do so.
Proposition Lewis Will Build a New Elementary Downtown
This proposition is the last step in a series of renovations, improvements, and new construction of Cornerstone Elementary School. Given the district’s responsible handling and Phase 1 delivery as promised, Excelsior Citizen endorses this campaign.
Candidates for City Council
Malachi Luevano
Malachi describes himself as a husband and father who has lived in Excelsior Springs for the last four years after work brought him here from Kansas City. He lives here, goes to church here, and raises livestock just outside of town.
Gary Renne
Gary describes himself as being a lifetime resident of Excelsior Springs, graduating from ESHS. He has served as a director, pastor, school administrator, retail manager, and been a self-starter.
Jim Rice
Jim Rice has been a resident of Excelsior Springs since August 1981. He raised two daughters who graduated from ESHS and feels he has the time to commit to bettering the community.
Kristi Shewell
Kristi Shewell has lived in Excelsior Springs since 1997, raising a family here that are now raising their own families here, too. She believes her experience in finance, different facets of city government, working with larger budgets, and volunteer work makes her a good candidate.
Reggie St. John
Reggie St. John is a lifelong resident of Excelsior Springs who has raised a daughter here with his wife Kathy. He believes his combination of work experience and serving on city boards has given him the ability to work with others, solve problems, and create solutions.
Candidates for School Board (3 Seats Open)
Jill Evert
Jill grew up in Excelsior Springs and has raised a family here. She’s spent 32 years in education, retiring as a building principal in 2020 after 32 years in the field.
Kenny Manley
Kenny was born and raised here and is now raising his own family here today. He currently sits on the school board and is heavily involved in the community as a local realtor and volunteer in many local clubs and activities.
Darren McKown
Darren was born and raised in Excelsior Springs and is raising his own family here now. He’s currently in his 6th year serving on the board and wants to continue to help make important decisions for future students.
Andy Starkebaum
Andy has been a resident of Excelsior Springs for 14 years and has raised two children in the district. He has served on the school board in the past from 2017 to 2020.
Clay County Sample Ballot
City of Wood Heights Mayor (1 seat)
Frank J. Davitt
Frank is running for Wood Heights Mayor unopposed. He’s lived in Wood Heights for over 20 years and has been Mayor for 3 and a half years.
City of Wood Heights Alderman At-Large (2 seats open)
*candidates presented in alphabetical order by last name
Bernard "Bernie" D. Allen, Jr.
Bernie has been a resident of Wood Heights for approximately 30 years and has served as an Alderman for 13 years under four different mayors.
Kathy Hart
Kathy has lived in Wood Heights for 11 years and has been on the board for over three years.
David Michael Stephens
David moved to Wood Heights 15 months ago and is raising a teenage daughter here.
Ray County (Question 1)
City of Wood Heights Question
