 The
polls will open at 6 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, as Holden and Kingsville-area
voters will decide the outcome of many city, school board and
other races.
In Holden, with Mayor Terry Hedglin’s decision not
to run again, Holden fire chief Michael Wakeman and former police
officer Shane Hutchison will square off in that race.
Although there are six Holden city council seats to be filled,
there is only one contested race and that is in Ward I’s
one-year term. In that match, Veronica Burt will go up
against former city councilman Cecil Bloss. Bloss filed
as a write-in candidate for the open seat.
Councilwoman Brenda Stumpff is running unopposed in Ward I’s
two-year term. Nobody filed for the one-year term in Ward
II, while Charles “Butch” Shore is running unopposed
in that ward’s two-year term. The two-year term in
Ward III is without a candidate, while Michael Zumwalt is the
only one who filed in Ward IV’s two-year term.
In Kingsville’s board of alderman races, incumbents Pete
Montgomery, south ward; and Ed Courtney, north ward, have filed
seeking re-election and will run without opposition.
The Holden R-III district school board election has four candidates
hoping to fill the two open slots. Running are Maria Buller,
Joseph Burnor Jr., Michael L. Watterson and Pat Zvacek.
The Kingsville R-1 school board will not have an election this
year, as only two candidates filed for two open positions. Winning
the seats automatically are Kristel Spies and Ed Barnett.
Larry Brunner and James L. Nauser square off against each other
in the race for the three-year term for subdistrict No. 1 board
of directors of the Public Water Supply District No. 2.
Steve Flick will face James Nauser for the six-year term of the
Johnson County Fire Protection district #2 board of directors
seat.
Running unopposed for the Johnson County Community Health trustee
position is Alex Wales.
Precinct and township polling places are: North and South
Holden, Kingsville and Rose Hill will vote at the Holden Community
Activity Center. Pittsville voters will go to Enon Baptist
Church, while Centerview voters will vote at the Youth Community
Building at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Gunn City Christian
Church is the site for Cass County, Gunn City Precinct #18 voters,
while Chilhowee voters will participate at Chilhowee Baptist
Church.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Holden-area
citizens will have the chance to hear and be heard on the possibility
of the city of Holden maintaining its own municipal court, as
the police committee has called their next meeting to be in conjunction
with a public hearing on the matter Tuesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
at City Hall.
The decision to have the meeting and hearing combined was made
at the police committee meeting Monday night, also held at City
Hall.
A staunch supporter of the home-based municipal court, Holden
Police Chief Ed Bone invited Currie Myers, with Integrity Correctional
Centers and former Johnson County, KS sheriff, to explain to
the committee what that facility could do for the city of Holden.
Since there are no jail facilities in Holden, Myers is offering
two free jail spaces at ICC that can be used to house arrestees
either in an adjudicated or non-adjudicated status for both short
and long-term stays.
At present, if somebody in the city of Holden is arrested for
driving while intoxicated or family violence, for example, he
or she is processed and released if there is no outstanding Johnson
County warrant.
If a court and agreement with ICC were in place, the individual
arrested could be transported to that facility after booking.
Myers also explained that any jail space over and above the two
free spaces could come at the rate of $38 per day for males and
$43 for females. Presently, the city pays $48 to the Johnson
County facility.
The chief presented a fact sheet that explained areas of moving
the court back to Holden that the committee has already covered.
The list included: The old library space located in city
hall could be used as the new courtroom; the adjacent room would
be used as the judge’s chamber; the police department could
furnish bailiffs; there is plenty of storage area for records.
He also stated that there would be a need for two persons to
serve as clerks, with the city mayor appointing a judge with
the consent of the council.
In a study made by Police Officer Lisa Ambrusko of the
system in place at Knob Noster, she stated that their
judge comes at no cost, because he is from Central Missouri State
University’s criminal justice department. She also
said that Knob Noster collected approximately a net $78,000 in
costs last year.
Chief Bone firmly stated that the court in Holden would not be
a “kangaroo court.” He said it would have to
be fair and supervised by the city council.
Councilman Brenda Stumpff, another strong proponent of the court
stated that she would like to see the court up and running by
January 2007.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
In an effort
to comply with a law recently passed by the State of Missouri
that would require telecommunications companies to
send their franchise fees through the state instead of directly
to the municipalities, the Holden City Council held a special
meeting Monday night to set the business license tax rate at
five percent.
The rate, which is the present rate, is authorized by Missouri
statutes, and is required to be passed prior to April 1.
According to mayor Terry Hedglin, “The net effect is that
there is no change for us as taxpayers. But, we had to
be sure and get the rate set so we wouldn’t lose the $15,000
to $16,000 franchise fee. This is not a new tax.”
In the other order of business at the special meeting, the council
gave the mayor approval to enter into a contract with MGCC, LLC
of Warrensburg to install a new replacement ceiling at the Holden
Water Treatment Plant at the city lake for the amount of $4,900.
The contract calls for the installation of the ceiling of painted
plywood over existing filters. Removal of existing drywall
is not required. This work will be accomplished with beams
supporting a work platform covering approximately 25 percent
of the filter area at a time. The new plywood ceiling will
be spaced and the spaces covered with battens
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Four candidates
will be vying for two positions on the Holden R-III School Board
in the April 4 election. They are, Maria
Buller, Joseph Burnor, Mike Watterson and Pat Zvacek. The
candidates have each answered questions posed to them by
the Holden Image.
Why have you chosen to run for school board?
Maria Buller
I have chosen to run for the school board because I feel I can
make a positive difference in the education for our students.
I have a bachelor of science in public relations, and I will
have my master of arts in communication this year. I have
over 60 hours of elementary and middle school undergraduate credits. I
believe that Holden has a superior staff.
Joseph Burnor
I have been in the Holden community for over eight years, my
three children are attending school here in Holden. I have
decided it is time to give back to the community, my 20+ years
of experience in management, and my knowledge with the school
will allow me to be a positive influence to the school and the
school board. I have a B.S. degree in management and human
relations, and have held various positions in my company in marketing,
training, and management.
Mike Watterson
I am completing my second term as school board member. I
have enjoyed serving the school district as school board member
and will continue to do so if elected.
Pat Zvacek
I have chosen to run for school board because I have always had
an interest in the education of children. I feel that
we as citizens should give back to our communities for the educations
that we have received by being involved in our schools and civic
organizations.
What do you see as the main short-term goal for the R-III District?
Maria Buller
In the short-term, I would like to see an increase in participation
by the staff and community on major issues. To make an
informed decision about anything, the board needs to be able
to see and weigh all sides of an argument.
Joseph Burnor
I believe the main short-term goal would be to provide an environment
of encouragement, support and understanding to enable each child
the opportunity to develop his/her full potential. I believe
the school board has a responsibility to the community, the students,
faculty and the parents to ensure that every student is supported
and receives the best education possible.
Mike Watterson
With regard to issues directly related to students the main short-term
goal in my mind is to improve student achievement. However,
when you consider facilities I believe our main short-term goal
needs to be improvements/additions to the high school building.
Pat Zvacek
As the main short-term goal for the R-III District, I would like
to see the district concentrate on raising test scores and raising
our academic excellence. I also want to see our financial
security stay sound.
What do you see as the main long-term goal of the R-III District?
Maria Buller
In the long-term, I think that the A+ and the Missouri High Schools
That Work are steps in the right direction. The students
of Holden need to be prepared to take advantage of every opportunity
available to them.
Joseph Burnor
We need to address the growth of the community and the impact
of growth surrounding the district. There is a lot of
growth north of Holden; we need to assess this effect and to
support these students. The key to this, in my opinion,
is a strong school system, and if we can provide that, I’m
sure they would support the district and if necessary any tax
levy that may be required to continue this growth. It is
important for the board to work with the community, teachers,
administration, parents and students to make sure we create a
great school environment.
Mike Watterson
The most important long-term goal for our school district is
to provide our students with an education that will best provide
them with the opportunity for success after they leave Holden
High School.
Pat Zvacek
As the main long-term goal for the R-III District, I would like
to see the district continue working on the academic excellence;
also on the facilities that house our students, making sure the
buildings are not overcrowded; I would like to see our athletic
facilities (track and football field) updated where we are able
to have track meets again and the community can use the track
for exercise.
Where do you stand on raising the tax levy to address overcrowding
at the high school?
Maria Buller
I think that raising the taxes will be of great benefit to the
district. The community should be informed of the advantages
it could bring and exactly what the increase would go for. I
could not support a tax increase without holding myself and every
member of the board accountable for where it was going to be
spent.
Joseph Burnor
I do not have an issue with raising the tax levy, as long as
it is for the “right” reason. Costs and taxes
are up for everything, gas is more expensive, expenses continue
to increase. As a homeowner in the district, I am also
concerned with any levy increase. If it is for the right
reason, and there are guidelines put in place to make sure it
is followed, I would not have a problem with supporting this. Ultimately
it would be up to the voters of the district to decide. It
is up to the board and the administrators to design the right
plan.
Mike Watterson
We have held our tax levy at the current rate for several years. Also,
our tax levy is one of the lowest as compared to surrounding
districts. I do believe that with voter support we should
raise our current levy to allow for an upgrade to our high school.
Pat Zvacek
If the district can produce evidence, and educate the district
patrons of the need of a tax levy, due to the overcrowding at
the high school, I am one who feels we need to support our children’s
education, and if it takes a tax levy to ensure additions to
buildings, I would have to support it.
What are your views on adding more sports to the high school,
such as soccer or tennis?
Maria Buller
I think if there is a great enough interest, I am in support
of adding additional sports programs. They will need to
be properly promoted in the community. I see the board
working hand-in-hand with the Holden community for a better future
through excellence in education and advantages through opportunities
for our students.
Joseph Burnor
I believe that sports and other extracurricular activities are
important in a student’s education, and help create a well-rounded
individual. In Holden we have some great sports teams. I
also know that only 1/3 of our students participate in school
sports. We need to design a program wherein all students can
participate in sports that they enjoy. This will ultimately
help the district as well. Many parents look at the schools
and their sport programs when they look at a place to live and
raise their families.
Mike Watterson
I think all sports and extra-curricular activities have a positive
impact on the educational experience. I also would like
to see us be able to have more activities such as soccer or tennis
inasmuch as we have funds to allow.
Pat Zvacek
My view on adding more sports to the high school, such as soccer
or tennis is this - I feel it is important to have a slot for
all students. We have students who play football, basketball,
volleyball, or participate in the music program, so if there
are students who are interested in soccer or tennis and the numbers
are there and the district can support the program, then I would
have to support it. I also understand that it cannot be
done overnight; funds have to be budgeted for these projects.
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In
a special meeting of the Holden Board of Public Works, president
Earl Peacock brought out some concerns he felt needed to be clarified.
The 15-year veteran of the BPW, explained that the ordinance which states
that a homeowner can have an on-site septic or holding tank if the resident does
not live within 100 feet of a sewer line should be amended so that all people
living in the city limits would have to hook up to a city sewer line.
Water superintendent Tony Lerda agreed that the ordinance is “somewhat
obsolete,” but felt that the city should retain the flexibility to decide
which is best for the city instead of having a blanket policy. As the ordinance
stands now, the city has to approve an on-site system and this give’s the
city the flexibility to decide what is most beneficial or feasible in each individual
case.
In another matter, Peacock, who will resign from the board next month, was concerned
with the city and rural water district boundaries. In some instances rural
water is servicing city customers and in others, city water is servicing rural
customers.
Board member Darwin Brower stated that the boards needed to get together and
discuss the matter.
Lerda stated that we need to redefine the boundaries and get an agreement so
we’re all on the same page. He also stated that water is a natural
resource and we need to serve the public as best we can.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
The
following are answers to questions posed by the Holden Image to
Shane Hutchison and Mike Wakeman, candidates for mayor of Holden.
Why have you chosen to run for mayor?
Shane Hutchison
Because I believe that the city of Holden needs leadership that
will represent all the residents of Holden. I believe that
I can make a positive difference here in Holden. By working
with the council, chamber and residents we can make this a city
to be proud of.
Mike Wakeman
I chose to run for mayor because I feel that working for the city
of Holden full time and as a volunteer firefighter for 21 years
and was born and raised in Holden, I have a passion to see the
city of Holden grow and prosper.
What experience do you have that would make you a good mayor?
Shane Hutchison
The experience I gained working with the police department for
over a decade gave me the ability to communicate with the public,
leadership abilities and common sense approaches to problem solving.
Mike Wakeman
My experience in the city of Holden is working for the city. I
have worked within the structure of the police department, fire
department, code enforcement, and the street department and have
had the opportunity to manage or help manage budgets in two of
those departments. I feel that one of my strong points is
listening to people, which I feel the citizens of
Holden want and
need.
Are there any significant issues facing the city you would like
to comment on?
Shane Hutchison
There are many significant issues facing this city. Until
we have more information on the ICC issue there can be no decision
made. This issue is controversial and we need input from
the residents. Once we have the information then we need
to present it to the residents, perhaps as a vote, for their stances
on this subject. We need to look at upgrading/replacing our
water/sewer system, replacing our streets, adding curbing, guttering
and installing sidewalks throughout the city, just to name a few. The
key to assist us in achieving these goals is hiring a great grant
writer to enable us to secure funding assistance for these projects.
Mike Wakeman
I feel that we have many issues that need to be addressed. 1.
WE MUST promote the industrial park; we cannot expect industry
to come to Holden if we don’t open the industrial park property
and give them something to look at. Currently you have to
look through a 12 foot fence. Along with this, the city council
must formulate a plan for the industrial park property, such as
tax breaks, tax credits, donation of land, and grants to build
a warehouse building or buildings. This can be accomplished
by forming an economic development committee and hiring a grant
writer to pursue these grants. 2. Streets and sidewalks;
this is an issue that will take a lot of money. My plan is
to go to the citizens and hold town hall meetings to allow the
citizens to tell us what the best option is to pay for this type
of project. 3. Tractor trailer parking; it is important to come
up with a solution to tractor trailer parking in the city. We
have a lot of truck drivers who live in Holden and we need to find
a solution to their parking issues. I propose a permit fee
at the industrial park for the tractor trailers. Permit fees
would off-set the cost of gravel and maintenance and the fee would
be determined by the city council. 4. Water line service
and replacement.
What can you see the city council doing to aid the chamber of commerce
in their efforts to renovate downtown Holden?
Shane Hutchison
As far as your question as to how the council can assist the chamber
in renovating downtown Holden I feel that it is an admirable endeavor
and downtown does need to be renovated; however, we need to renovate
the entire city, not just downtown.
Mike Wakeman
I believe this is a project that should fall under economic development. Working
with a grant writer and the economic development committee, the
city of Holden and the Holden Chamber of Commerce should formulate
a plan and pursue a Missouri Community Development grant, that
are currently available. We have other resources to also
pursue grants and loans to revitalize downtown. We have
to be willing as a city and chamber to work as a team by joining
our local resources and talent to make it happen. I want
to help form the team.
Please discuss your short-term and long-term goals for Holden.
Shane Hutchison
My short-term goals are to get an awesome, cooperative, supportive
council, boards and committees in place. Without that I don’t
see being able to achieve anything substantial toward bettering
the conditions in Holden. We need to set forth a functional
codes enforcement department and finish the projects that the city
started. My long-term goals are to maintain our improvements,
educate the entire city government on the proper procedures needed
to be followed in order to maintain the forward progress that we,
as a city, collectively, envision. To leave to future generations
a working and viable system of government, business, education
and residency.
Mike Wakeman
My short-term goals are to promote the industrial park and pursue
grants to get industry into the park. Over time this will
generate more money in taxes for the city to provide better services
and better roads and sidewalks without putting all the burden on
the taxpayers of Holden. Another short-term goal is to double
our asphalt project in Holden. Currently the city is laying
a mile of asphalt a year, which puts us behind the curve for street
maintenance. My goal in the 06-07 budget is to do two miles
of road a year. My long-term goals are to see the downtown
business district within two years have new sidewalks and curbing,
light poles, trash cans, etc. Other long-term goals include
water and sewer projects, which I know the Board of Public Works
are already working on. Our water supply system is old and
for future growth to occur, there have to be larger mains, and
new hydrants for fire protection. Storm sewers are
another long-term goal. The city is in the process of completing
a storm sewer study to try to come up with a plan to fix and replace
drainage problems. My goal is to work with citizens again
to help us come up with a financial solution to upgrade our storm
sewer system. TEAM-Trust Everyone Around Me.
The following
are the answers to questions posed by the Holden Image to candidates
involved in the contested race for the Holden City Council.
Why have you chosen to run for city council?
Cecil Bloss-write-in candidate for Ward 1
I have chosen to run for city council again to help the city grow,
and to improve services that the city provides.
Veronica Burt-Ward 1 candidate
I’m running for council because I feel that the city needs
strong, positive leadership. I am willing to stand up for
what I believe is in the best interests of the city as a whole.
What experience do you have that will make you a good councilman?
Cecil Bloss - I served on the city council from August, 2004 to
July, 2005. While on the council, I served on the fire, police,
parks, zoning, and street committees. In September, 2005
I was appointed to the Board of Public Works and still continue
to serve.
Veronica Burt - I have worked in numerous positions of leadership
through the years. I have always been able to assimilate
information quickly, reach a solid solution, implement it and lead
others to reach their optimum potential.
Are there any significant issues facing the city you would like
to comment on?
Cecil Bloss - I feel that Holden needs to attract some sort of
small industry to our industrial park to create more jobs in our
city. I also feel that Holden needs to look at annexation
in order to grow.
Veronica Burt - Many issues face this city. The annexation
of the ICC center has been controversial. I have repeatedly
asked questions on this issue. No one will answer those questions
and without the information, you can’t make a sound decision. If
it’s this frustrating for me to get answers, then I imagine
everyone else is even more frustrated. Our streets, sidewalks,
sewer and water lines, after school activities for our children,
programs for our teens, business development, residential development,
to name a few, are other key issues.
What can you see the city council doing to aid the chamber of commerce
in their efforts to renovate downtown Holden?
Cecil Bloss - I have attended a couple of recent chamber meetings
on this matter and feel that it will be important for the council
and chamber to work together closely to develop a comprehensive
plan for downtown renovation. We will also need to work together
to obtain the funding to complete the project. This is a
project that I feel we need to move forward with as quickly as
possible.
Veronica Burt - Renovating downtown Holden? That’s a wonderful
idea. My question is, what about the rest of Holden? I
feel that it benefits the entire city more if we work from the
outside into the downtown area. Once that’s accomplished,
bring everyone together, grant writer, council, historical society,
chamber and the business owners and determine what, foremost, the
business owners are willing to do, see what the grant writer can
come up with and so on.
Please discuss your short-term and long-term goals for Holden.
Cecil Bloss- My short-term goals for Holden are to renovate
downtown, and hopefully attract an industry to our industrial park. My
long-term goals for Holden are annexation, looking into a new police
station/jail, and providing the community with a full time fire
department.
Veronica Burt - My short-term goals are to get the city government
and residents together on determining what the residents think
should be our primary goals for improving our city and then proceeding
forward to accomplish those goals as expediently as possible. My
long-term goals are to beautify this town, attract more businesses
and residents, thus increasing our tax base. Restructuring
and bolstering our city departments, i.e. fire, police, etc. and
implementing programs that assure that the city maintains all the
improvements, past and future.
The Western
Johnson County Medical Clinic (WJCMC) in Kingsville recently received
two pieces of good news as they were federally certified as a Rural
Health Clinic and also approved to be part of the Vaccines Free
for Children (VFC) program.
With designation as a VFC clinic, qualified children will be able
to begin receiving free vaccinations in April. According
to Debbie Robledo, clinic office manager, “We will give the
vaccinations during regular clinic hours. Just call us at
597-3500 and make an appointment.”
Qualified children are those who have no insurance, insurance without
vaccination coverage, under-insured children, any child in a Missouri
Medicaid program, Native Americans and Alaska natives.
The VFC program is federally funded and administered by the state. It
has improved continuity of care and has contributed to high vaccination
levels in children.
Being certified as a rural health clinic, the WJCMC became one
of approximately 1,600 independent clinics in the United States
to have that distinction.
The concept originated from the passage of the Rural Health Clinic
Act in the U.S. Congress in 1977. The bill called for starting
clinics with the main goal of improving access to primary health
care in rural under-served communities. In order to carry
the distinction, the facility has to be in a non-urbanized area
as defined by the Bureau of Census.
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