Welcome to our Election Guide for the April 2, 2024, Municipal Elections. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower voters in Clay and Ray Counties with all the information they need to participate confidently in the upcoming elections. Inside, you’ll find detailed sample ballots, alongside insightful Candidate Question and Answers for pivotal races including the Clay County Health Board, Ray County 911 Board, City Council, and School Board. Our goal is to provide a clear, concise overview of each candidate’s platform and the issues at stake, ensuring you’re well-informed and ready to make your voice heard.
Clay County, Missouri Sample Ballot
Ray County, Missouri Sample Ballot
Clay County Health Board of Trustees (3 Seats)
Debbie Florido
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
My name is Debbie Florido, and I am running for re-election to the Clay County Health Board. I have been a resident of Clay County since 2000. I have been married for 22 years. My husband is a Kansas City Missouri Law Enforcement Officer, and we have five children and one grandchild. I have lived in the Liberty area since 2005 and travel to Excelsior Springs occasionally; most recently to attend the Chamber of Commerce meetings.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
I was elected to the Clay County Health Board in April of 2023 to complete the one-year term of a Trustee who resigned. I am seeking re-election because I am highly qualified to perform the position of Health Board Trustee and would like to continue to work for the citizens of Clay County.
I have been a registered nurse for 37 years and have held many different nursing positions; all of which have given me significant experience to lead. Some examples include:
My experience as a nurse manager at St. Luke’s Hospital Mid-America Heart institute helped me obtain valuable experience with balancing budgets, maintaining fiscal accountability, and management of staff. Prior to managing, I cared for patients at the bedside and saw first-hand the public health issues that plague our area.
I have also held the position of Nursing Supervisor at Liberty Hospital. There, I was Acting Administrator for the hospital and was also responsible for allocating staff, responding to patient emergencies and was a member of the Trauma team in the Emergency department.
I am currently an Ambulatory Clinic Nurse Care Coordinator for two respected orthopedic spine surgeons at The University of Kansas Medical Center. I oversee 2 very busy physician clinics and manage all the patient population for both physicians.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
There are many challenges in public health. It is important to prioritize these issues and act for the greater good of all Clay County residents. While some problems are ongoing, there are new challenges that we also face. It imperative that we, as a Health Board, have a keen awareness of the problems our residents face and act quickly to preserve the health and well-being of our citizens. As an elected official, I will work for you, and I will represent the community of Clay County well.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
Transparency is key to the success of the Health Department and its relationship with our citizens. It is important to give ALL information, pro and con, regarding the treatments offered at the CCPHC. Information should be readily available and easy to find.
Fiscal accountability of taxpayer dollars is key to a successful Health Department. I will make sure that tax dollars are spent wisely and on programs that will benefit the public health of Clay County residents.
I would like to see more statistics reported regarding drug overdoses and deaths. Fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death in our young adult population. Education is the key to combatting this phenomenon. I look forward to continuing the partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and the Opioid Task Force.
Please feel free to contact me via email with any questions or concerns.
Jim Dixson
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
My name is Dr. Jim Dixson, and I’ve lived in Clay County for the last 20+ years with my wife, Leigh Anne, and 4 children. I graduated from William Jewel College in 1992, and I’ve been a dentist for 27 years, opening my private practice here in Clay County in 2004. As a business owner, I have knowledge and experience with balancing budgets and long-term strategic planning which will assist me well as a Board Trustee.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
As a Member of the Board of Health, a primary concern of mine will be to ensure that the 2023-2026 strategic plan remains reflective of the needs of the citizens of Clay County and that it is equipped not only to respond to public health events; but to do so in a way respects individual freedom and the protects the community at large.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
My leadership experience as the owner of a dental practice with multiple employees will allow me to bring experience to the Board to ensure that we are not just meeting metrics but are effectively responding to needs, planning for the future, and ensuring that not just the strong are healthy– but that the vulnerable in our community receive the best we have to offer, as well.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I would like to oversee the Health Center’s dental program to ensure it provides access to all fixed-income Clay County citizens Education and prevention is key when it comes to good dental health, so we need to be more aggressive in our approach to educating younger people so they know what to do to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, which can cause so many other health issues.
Ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency to Clay County taxpayers. It’s important to me that Clay County citizens know that their taxes to the Health Center are being spent wisely.
Dave Ferrara
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
My name is Dave Ferrara, and I’m a long-time Clay County resident. I currently live in the Kansas City Northland, but my wife Erica grew up in Excelsior Springs. For 20 years, I fondly helped my father-in-law run Fisher Electrical Service Company in the area.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
I was a Kansas City Fire Department First Responder and EMT for 31 years. I recently retired after 31 years. I am well-equipped to deal with emergency management processes and procedures. Preparedness and critical thinking are two essential components when serving on a health board, and my background has prepared me to do just that.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
I’m willing to face any challenges in this position. I am an excellent listener, and I thoroughly process before I make decisions. However, if confronted with an emergency, I can act quickly if necessary. I can work with all kinds of personalities and can take on any project, so I am up for any challenge!
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I look forward to partnering with the Sheriff’s Department on the Opioid Task Force. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for people aged 18-45 here in America and Clay County needs to do its best to protect its citizens, especially its children from this deadly, highly addictive drug. Secondly, ensuring that our veterans and first responders have access to mental health services here in Clay County is essential. We can do more to connect with this demographic, and I’m just the person to do that. Finally, I believe full transparency and accountability is important when receiving taxpayer dollars. I want the citizens of Clay County to know that I am here to serve them and answer any questions or concern they may have.
Courtney Cole
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
My name is Courtney Cole, a lifelong resident and advocate of Excelsior Springs, where I was born, raised, and graduated in 2000. My commitment to public service is deeply ingrained, having served as Chamber Director, Educational Foundation Director, and in various other community roles, including Vice Chair for the Good Samaritan Center and board member for the ES Chamber. My leadership extends to being a former president of the ES Business Women of Missouri and active involvement in local organizations like PEO Chapter CJ and the Rotary Club. My faith, family, and work, including founding the Excelsior Citizen, reflect my dedication to our community’s prosperity and well-being. Serving on the Clay County Health Board for five years, I’ve aimed to enhance the health and vitality of Excelsior Springs, living here with my husband Jason, our daughter Mackenzie, and our pets, fully embracing the responsibility to contribute positively to our town’s story.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
In my five years on the Clay County Health Board, I’ve demonstrated unwavering commitment and leadership in public health. As Secretary, then Treasurer, I’ve been pivotal in launching innovative health initiatives, like the online immunization registration and combating opioid misuse through significant grants. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, administering over 138,000 vaccinations, showcased our ability to meet unprecedented challenges head-on. I’ve overseen financial decisions saving taxpayers $750,000 and led efforts achieving national accreditation, enhancing our community’s health transparency and trust. My experience, proven track record in crisis management, financial stewardship, and dedication to public health, uniquely qualify me to continue serving and advancing our community’s well-being.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
While Clay County Public Health has demonstrated exceptional fiscal management and resourcefulness in securing grants and partnerships, ensuring the public health needs of residents are met without raising the tax levy, there’s always room for improvement in public health infrastructure. To further enhance our capacity to serve the community effectively, I would advocate for enhancing mental health services, expanding preventive care, and improving emergency preparedness to better serve our community’s evolving health requirements without compromising our financial stewardship.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
As I seek re-election to the Clay County Health Board, my focus is clear:
1) Empower our health department staff and new director, ensuring they have the support to succeed and innovate. Our team’s well-being is paramount for our community’s health.
2) Intensify our fight against the opioid crisis. This includes expanding access to Narcan and developing comprehensive strategies to prevent opioid misuse. Saving lives and supporting recovery are at the forefront of our mission.
3) Strengthen and grow youth prevention programs. By educating our youth on health risks and healthy choices, we’re investing in a healthier future for Clay County.
These priorities are guided by a commitment to public health, community well-being, and proactive leadership. Together, we can build on our achievements for a safer, healthier future.
Emma Shankland
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
Hi! My name is Emma Shankland. I grew up in Clay County, graduated from North Kansas City High School, and returned to live in Clay County when I moved back to the area in 2017. I am the running for the Health Board to improve the well-being of all residents of Clay County. My connection to Excelsior Springs is through being an active Clay County resident and I look forward to deepening my connection to the community during my time on the Board of Health if elected.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
I have an educational background in science and health and many years of experience with politics, policy, and advocacy. Recently, I served one term on the KCMO Health Commission from 2020-2023 and was appointed as the Policy and Advocacy Collaborative Co-chair. Currently, I am the Director of Food Policy at a local non-profit organization.
I have a proven record of being a fierce advocate for public health policy that
challenges systemic issues that are the root of health inequities in our community. I
will continue to be a champion for policies that aim to reduce health inequities and
meet the needs of our community members. Together we can make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of Clay County residents.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
One challenge for those on the Board of Health will be to ensure that the Health
Department continues to have the ability to effectively address core public health issues and operate in a way consistent with data-driven scientific methods. Over the past few years, there has been growing vocal opposition to some of these core functions of public health departments and this opposition has the potential to put the entire county at-risk if it prevents the department from being able to adequately address those needs. To help overcome that challenge, I will be a fierce advocate for ensuring that the Health Department has the authority and resources necessary to adequately address such issues, including efforts for disease prevention, education, and mitigation. In addition, I will encourage the Health Board and the Health Department to engage in efforts to build relationships and strengthen relationships with communities to build trust amongst the communities around disease prevention and mitigation efforts, particularly in low-access communities.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
During my time on the Board of Health, I will fight to protect the health department’s ability to respond to emergent health risks. The department needs the resources and the authority necessary to be able to adequately respond to these situations, like disease outbreaks, through the implementation of data-driven response efforts. I’m committed to investing in justice-centered strategies to address the top three health issues identified by Northland Health Alliance’s 2023-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan: access to mental and behavioral health services, food access, and transportation. In addition, I will advocate for expanding our efforts to implement harm reduction strategies that can save lives. Educational campaigned targeted at preventing opioid use certainly have an important role, but we must also arm our community members with tools that could help save the lives of individuals who are already engaging with substances.
Excelsior Springs City Council (2 seats)
Stephen Spear
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
I have lived in Excelsior Springs my entire life. Over the course of my 35+ year career in the financial services industry, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States visiting all but 2 states, however, there is something special about Excelsior Springs and the great community we have here. Many of my family members live here and my wife and I share our home with 2 dogs, June and Jack.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
As I stated 3 years ago when I first campaigned, I am not a politician – I am a businessman. My entire career has been in the financial services industry serving corporate clients and working with their executive committees with the retirement plans they offer their employees. My wife can testify that I’m a budget conscious, numbers person and always have been (though I do open my wallet during my favorite holiday, Christmas 🙂). I have learned to embrace this as a strength and have found it to be a valuable asset in my career, various committees & boards that I have served on as well as serving this community for the past 3 years on Excelsior Springs City Council.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
As I look back over the past 3 years of serving on City Council, I am reminded of all of the major milestones that we have accomplished, creating a tremendous positive momentum. Just to name a few, the RAISE Grant for Safe Streets and Sidewalks which will be a complete game changer for our community, completion of the Outdoor Aquatic Center at the Community Center, participating in the hiring of a phenomenal police chief, working to get the airport budget out of the red, the sale of the city owned golf course residential lots which were previously generating $0 in tax revenue. We have so much positive momentum going in our community that I believe our next challenge will be to develop a Master Plan so as to guide and confirm that each move forward is in-line with and fits well within our objectives. Are we a perfect community? Not at all, but I would challenge each citizen to focus on what is going well in our community and to look for opportunities to get involved.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
Specifically, the development of an updated Master Plan is a top priority – “Plan Your Work, Then Work Your Plan”. In addition, for construction to begin as a result of the RAISE Grant (please keep in mind this will be a multi-year process that will not be completed quickly). On a broader level, I want to continue sharing my perspective on making wise financial decisions that benefit our community, to continue being transparent, operating with integrity and seeing our great community prosper. I hope you’ll join me in these efforts for our future and appreciate the trust you have placed in me to serve these past 3 years.
John McGovern
Introduce yourself and tell us a little about your personal connections with Excelsior Springs.
I’m John McGovern, a candidate for the Excelsior Springs City Council. Having lived in Excelsior Springs since 1974, I’ve immersed myself in the community’s fabric, working for the City since 1973, and serving in various progressive capacities, including 35 years as a department head, until my retirement in 2016. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration, my commitment extends to community service, actively participating in committees such as the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee and the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Additionally, I represent Excelsior Springs on the Clay County Children’s Services Fund Board and the Clay County Senior Services Board. My journey from a rank and file employee to department manager and now as a citizen provides me with a comprehensive understanding of the city’s operation and its evolving needs. I have served three terms on the Excelsior Springs School Board. I am married and have one adult child.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve?
With 35 years as Police Chief, I bring extensive experience in municipal governance, offering vital leadership and management skills crucial for this position. I’ve spearheaded various initiatives to modernize the department, including pioneering programs like the school resource officer and the field training officer programs, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility—over budget only once in those 35 years. My tenure includes being recruited to be a security supervisor at the AT&T Pavilion in Centennial Park during the 1996 Olympics, which was the site of the bombing incident, where I was able to demonstrate composure under pressure and adaptability in challenging circumstances.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help overcome those challenges?
Addressing budget constraints stands out as a primary challenge. Leveraging my track record of prudent financial management, I’m equipped to navigate these challenges effectively. By prioritizing resources and fostering collaboration among the council, city staff, and community stakeholders, we can optimize resource allocation to address key priorities and initiatives effectively.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
During my term, I prioritize several key goals crucial for Excelsior Springs’ continued progress. First, I’m committed to completing RAISE projects, enhancing workforce environments, and establishing a competitive advantage to attract and retain qualified employees. Additionally, implementing the Fishing River Watershed Plan is essential to address flooding downtown. Moreover, I advocate for fostering collaboration between the city, hospital, school district, and local businesses to create a cohesive framework for growth and development, exemplified in initiatives like Thrive Excelsior. By pursuing these goals, I’m dedicated to ensuring Excelsior Springs thrives and prospers for generation to come.
Excelsior Springs School Board (2 seats)
Kristi Shewell
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs?
We have lived in Excelsior Springs for almost 27 years. My husband of 42 years, Shaun, and I moved to Excelsior Springs because of the school district. When looking to relocate, we thought it was a good fit for our family. All 4 of our children, Kate, David, Brian, and Keegan graduated from ES High School, and now we have grandchildren attending here. I am currently the Business Office Manager for Lawson Manor & Rehab.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
I have previously served on the Excelsior Springs School Board for 9 years. I chose not to rerun a few years ago due to my family and work commitments at the time. Things have slowed down with both, and honestly, I’ve missed it. I bring a lot of prior knowledge of how a school board is to operate and have a financial business sense due to my career.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
Finances and funding are always a challenge. Add in teacher shortages, child hunger, and mental health issues, and smaller districts have a hard time meeting all of the needs of children. So many facets of a students needs must work together to get the full effect of learning. We must try to be competitive with other districts for salaries and benefits. We must challenge ourselves to try and not let our children go hungry, knowing that they learn better when they’re not hungry. We must try to meet the mental health crisis facing our young people, finding help for them before tragedy strikes.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I would like to continue to move this district forward with the upgrading of buidlings, technology, and help to retain good teachers and staff. I would like to help find a way that all meals for students be covered always, not just for a month or two. I would also like to see advancements in helping our students with the ever-changing mental health challenges.
Troy Snelling
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs?
A lifelong Excelsior Springs resident, I was the valedictorian of the class of 1984. I attended Washington and Lee University where I did most of my history work, then finished at Park College when I decided to become an educator. I have a Master’s Degree in Education from Park University and over 30 postgraduate hours in history. For 27 years I taught History and Philosophy at Park Hill High School and served for over a decade as department head, building one of the best quality Social Studies departments in the Midwest. I was Northland Chamber Teacher of the Year for Park Hill in 2015 and twice was VFW Regional Teacher of the Year. I am an active booster for many downtown activities and projects. Since retiring in 2019 I have worked primarily as a professional numismatist. I have served on the Board of Education for 12 years. I am a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, the Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives, the Nelson-Atkins and the American Numismatic Association.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
As a professional classroom educator for three decades and a long-time department chair, I have experience that is deep and varied- I’ve pretty much seen and dealt with it all. I worked in one of the highest rated high schools in the US, in a department legendary for its academic rigor and college preparation. I know what works and what encourages kids to do and be better academically. While I never try to impose or push for particular strategies with the professionals who run the district, I like to think that I make a good sounding board for ideas and have the ability to offer an outside perspective that is steeped in decades of successful teaching. My 12 years of board service have helped me find the “sweet spot” in terms of putting patrons together with the right district folks who can solve problems that arise. I was involved in the planning for Cornerstone and Lewis and look forward to watching our district grow into the amazing facilities we now have. New reading curriculums, new emphasis on academic rigor, and the ever present fight that every teacher engages in to inspire every kid to overcome and excel- those are projects my experience provides a unique and, I believe, helpful perspective.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
The primary challenge facing every public school in Missouri is recruiting and maintaining good teachers. The rising tide of this economic boom has left teachers behind. When I went to work at Park Hill in the early 90’s, the gap between teachers’ starting salaries and other college grads was around 6%. Today it is over 16%. In Missouri this is compounded by the way we fund and pay for teachers. Because poor districts have little, they can pay but little. Rich districts like Lees Summit and Park Hill can pay much more than surrounding districts. Let’s make something clear we seldom talk about- ESSD is NOT a small district. We rank 77th in enrollment, making us a top 15% district. We pay more than 2/3 of the districts in the state. The perception is warped because we neighbor so many huge, rich suburban districts. Still, we have to meet the funding of teachers’ salaries head on. A professional with a Master’s Degree can’t work for 45 or 50K when they can make double that in the private sector and a third more at a neighboring district. This is something we can’t do on our own and unless the state does something to help with this issue, which is unlikely, we will have to find a different solution. We aren’t losing teachers primarily because of salaries, though. The State Legislature and our state legislator in particular, make constant war on public schools, teachers, and any children who don’t fit their cookie-cutter mold of “appropriate”. Teachers feel that they are under constant assault and that our entire institution is under attack- because it is. As a Board we have to stand up for academic freedom, academic integrity, and scientific objectivity.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I would like to see the new reading curriculum and the new Lewis develop over the next three years. I would like to see a renewed emphasis on traditional humanities education and a renewed dedication to preparing every student for a rigorous college education if that is the path they choose. I would like to continue offering my perspective and experience to the continuing success of our district.
Russell Wenz
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
My wife(Angela) and I moved to Excelsior Springs (Rayville) in 2011 with our two daughters (Caroline, Madeleine). Since then, we have added two more daughters (Cassandra & Brooklyn). I’ve spent my free time volunteering in the community. Most of my volunteer time has been spent coaching soccer & basketball. I was awarded the Missouri Parks & Rec Association Outstanding Coach of the Year award in 2021. I sit on three non-profit boards (President of one) all centered around helping youth. Our daughters are at every level of the school district (elementary, middle school & high school) and I’m quite interested in helping the community shape the district to meet our community needs.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
I am a leader when called to be. You can see that thru my non-profit work. Beyond that, though, everything I do is to help children. I coach, I read to schools, I serve when asked. I have children in every school in the district, so I have a vested interest in their future. Being able to guide the school district thru leadership is exactly what we need. I am not an educator, so I offer a different perspective to the board.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
There are quite a few challenges to the school board. Maintaining fiscal responsibility is a high priority. Tackling tough subjects like bullying, which I think our district has a problem with. Finding resources for future growth. Helping to acquire AND retain quality teachers is a HUGE priority. I have ideas on all the above subjects and am ready to face those challenges head on.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I’d really like to work on stability with our teachers & staff. Find ways to hire good teachers AND keep them. I’d like to keep the progress of capital projects consistent and fiscally responsible. I think a good, hard look at the bullying policies of the district should be taken.
Traci White
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
Traci White is aa Graceland University graduate and a seasoned corporate professional. Traci is married to Camron White (a life-time resident of Excelsior Springs), and is a dedicated mother of 3 children – Mac (11), Parker (9) and Mia (6) – all students of Excelsior Springs School District. Traci has resided in Excelsior Springs since 2004
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
With 17 years of corporate business expertise in revenue generation and budget forecasting, plus over 2 years working for ESSD, I bring a unique blend of strategic acumen and ESSD building level insight. My history demonstrates a commitment to excellence, fiscal responsibility, risk mitigation, and student/teacher focused decision-making.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
Primary challenges facing our district include the need for increased state funding or reallocation of current expenditures, recruitment, training, and retention of teachers/staff, safety and well-being of students while on district property, provision of qualified and ample resources for students with special needs, additional personnel to support behavioral challenges in the classroom, transparency between the district and the community, outdated policies and procedures. While some challenges may be beyond the control of current stakeholders, there are systemic issues that I have observed within the district. Despite perceptions that change may be difficult, I believe my background brings a fresh perspective that could prove beneficial in bringing awareness and addressing these challenges.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
During my term, I aim to enhance communication and transparency between our district and the community, particularly parents. Having been both a parent and a former district employee, I have firsthand experience of the benefits that increased transparency can bring to this relationship.
Teacher morale is currently facing challenges due to state mandates, district pressures, and expectations that extend beyond the classroom, impacting the quality of student learning minutes. Addressing these issues is crucial to support our educators and maintain a conducive learning environment for our students. While securing state funding is essential, we must also address the additional burdens placed on teachers to alleviate strain and to help with teacher retention.
Additionally, a thorough review and update of policies and procedures are necessary to mitigate risks, ensure compliance with state regulations, increase safety and well-being of our students, and minimize unnecessary financial impacts on district funds. By focusing on these areas, efforts will be made to strengthen the district’s operations.
Ray County 911 Board - Western Board Member (2 seats)
Matt Nolker
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior
Springs.
My name is Matt Nolker and I am a life-long resident of the area. I served the Excelsior Springs Community for many years as the General Manager of Westlake Hardware. I
also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce for
several years including a term as President. I have been the City Administrator for the
City of Lawson for 5 years. My wife Stacy and I live in Lawson with our son, Trigg.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve
(or continue serving)?
My experience in public service as well as my management background give me a unique skillset. I have managed major capital projects which has been very useful while working on our current building project. I also have experience managing budgets, human resources, community relations and marketing, facility maintenance, and change management. Also, in my current position, I have been directly responsible for obtaining roughly $6,000,000 in grants in the last 3 years for my community.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
Hiring and keeping good dispatchers along with the current state of the facility are the biggest challenges we face. We have raised pay significantly to remain competitive with other dispatch centers in the region as well as other employment options locally. We also continue to look at opportunities to improve the working conditions of our staff. Our facility is outdated and structurally unsound. We have a plan that will build a facility, not just for today’s needs, but for the next 30+ years. We are currently searching for additional funding that will help relieve the taxpayers of bearing the burden of paying for the entire cost of the facility.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I want to see the financing, construction and completion of a new Ray County 911 Dispatch Center. This would be a facility that is storm-hardened and able to withstand any natural disaster, including an F5 tornado! I also would like to see us run at full staff
capacity and have all staff trained and capable at the highest level. Finally, I want to
see Ray County 911 become one of the best places to work in Ray County.
Pete Oulman
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
My name is Pete Oulman. After being Honorably discharged from the U. S. Marine Corps in 1989, I moved to Excelsior Springs to be closer to my Family. I was an Excelsior Springs Police Officer for 15 years, 9 of which I served as a Federal Task
Force Officer. I retired from the Excelsior Springs Police Department in 2021 and am
currently employed by the Metropolitan Community College Police department as a
Sergeant for the Maple Woods Campus as well as being the Districts Investigator. My
wife and I live in Lawson and have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
I have worked as a Law Enforcement Officer for 35 years. During this time I have worked numerous traffic accidents (such as being the first on the scene for the train/car accident which occurred in April of 2007 on McCleary Rd near the ESMO WalMart), responded to all kinds of emergencies and natural disasters, been involved in man hunts for dangerous subjects, search and rescue parties for missing/abducted individuals, organized operations with multiple agencies involved and last but not least, I have dispatched for the police, EMS and fire departments when need. Because of my background, I understand emergency response from an up close and personal level.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
To begin with all agencies nationwide are having issues with hiring and retaining employees. Dispatchers, police officers and EMS/FIRE personnel positions should not be thought of as a temporary or short term jobs. Many who begin a career in these fields end up leaving as it becomes increasingly difficult to support or raise a family due to the salaries, work schedule or stress. These vital community specialties should be a Career choice that an individual stays in for a number of years. Typically, Dispatchers are paid the least of these professions and have some of the worst hours or work rotations, especially if the department is not fully staffed. The way to draw and retain employees is to provide a good work environment and facility, have good leadership, have a competitive and livable financial compensation with benefits and show the employee that they are clearly appreciated and making a difference in their community. Just so there is no confusion, those who are performing these same duties under less than ideal circumstances or compensation generally have a deep commitment to their community and truly love what they are doing. So from my perspective, concentrating on these issues, (work environment, facility, leadership, financial compensation & benefits) the employees will be able to provide the best service to our community.
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I would like to at least see the ground breaking of a new 911 Dispatch Center. A new facility, if constructed correctly, would ensure vital communications are maintained during a natural disaster and upgrade the current services for day to day activities. Ray County is a great place to live and raise a family. We have an opportunity not only to provide the citizens the best possible service but also make Ray County an Industry Leader and example for others to follow.
Lee O'Dell
Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your personal connection with Excelsior Springs.
I am a graduate from Excelsior Springs High School. I have 30+ years experience in the Fire/EMS field including 16+ years as a fire chief. I started my career at ESFD as a cadet while still in high school.
What parts of your experience and background make you the best candidate to serve (or continue serving)?
I have been on the Ray County 911 board since 2020. With my 30+ years in the emergency services I bring a lot of knowledge and skills so we can provide the best 911 service to our citizens
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the position, and how can you help to overcome those challenges?
The current challenges are ensuring the citizens understand what we do at 911 and how we are trying to improve services to them during there emergencies. Being better prepared is the key to providing the best 911 service to our citizens
What are some goals you would like to accomplish during your term?
I want to keep improving communications system so we can communicate with our boarder agencies for the safety of all responders. We currently can not communicate with KC agencies including Excelsior Springs Fire, Excelsior Springs Police, and Clay County as a few examples.
*Disclosure: Excelsior Citizen Co-Founder, Courtney Cole, is on the ballot running for re-election as a trustee for Clay County Health Board.
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I would have liked to have information on the two running for city council. I realize we have to vote for two and there are only two running but if I’m not happy about the two running I would like to be able to write someone in rather than vote for someone I don’t agree with. Thanks for the info on the rest of them. I really helped me make my decisions.
Hello, Linda, You may have missed it but there is a question/answer with both city council candidates in the guide.