Compete WBBA interview

WBBA chose to summarize my responses to their interview questions. I’m sharing the interview in its entirety so that Louisiana Citizens have knowledge of my stance on several community issues/topics. Reach out if you have any questions.

WBBA News — Mayoral Candidate Questionnaire

Louisiana

Welcome from WBBA News

SECTION 1: ABOUT YOU

Please tell us a little about yourself.

(Family, background, and what brought you to Louisiana, Missouri.)

How long have you lived in Louisiana, MO?

What is your career or professional background outside of politics?

(Current or past occupations, businesses, or trades.)

What experiences from your career or personal life best prepared you to serve as mayor?

Are you currently involved in any local organizations, churches, boards, or volunteer efforts?

If so, please describe.

Have you held public office before or served on city boards or commissions?

If yes, which roles and for how long?

I moved to Louisiana as a 6th grader. After graduation from LHS in 1970 and attended college and joined the Navy and served 2 years in the medical corp.  I have an Associates Degree in Cardio Pulmonary and a BS from the University of Missouri. I made a career in sales and marketing learning to network with a varied range of customers. At retirement my wife Sally and I made the move “home”, something we both knew we always wanted to do. Since moving back to Louisiana we have planted deep roots in Louisiana. We have both immersed themselves in community service.  I believe in the power of community engagement and try to set an example for others.  I serve on the board for the Louisiana Alumni and Friends Association, on the Louisiana Historic Museum board, on the board of the Buffalo Township United fund, as a Trustee of the Methodist Church and as a Rotarian; being honored as Rotarian of the year this year. I also serve as Co-Director of the Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner.

We enjoy living in Louisiana and share many common interests, all for the betterment of Louisiana residents.

SECTION 2: LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

How would you describe your leadership style? I lead with a calm, steady approach. I’m thoughtful and observant, prefer listening before speaking, and I create space for others to contribute. I focus on trust, clarity, and consistency rather than micromanagement.

What do you believe are the primary responsibilities of the mayor in a city like Louisiana?  Louisiana’s government is SUPPOSED to be structured as a Council/Manager form of government. The Mayor presides over council meetings, Serves as “first among equals” on the council, Represents the town ceremonially and politically, Has little to no direct control over staff or daily operations as that is the role city manager/administrator.  In Louisiana,  the mayor is more of a facilitator and ambassador than a boss.

How would you work with the city council to ensure disagreements do not interfere with effective governance? I believe our council members are elected by the people of their wards to faithfully represent those voices. Our nation was founded on democratic principles, and differing ideas and perspectives are both expected and valued. As elected adults entrusted with public service, we have a responsibility to share our views thoughtfully, act rationally, respect one another, and work toward decisions that serve the best interests of Louisiana. Council meetings will be conducted with professionalism and respect, and each council member will be held in the highest regard for the seat he or she was elected to represent.

SECTION 3: TRANSPARENCY & PUBLIC TRUST

Recent events in Louisiana have raised concerns about transparency and public trust in city government.

How would you work to rebuild trust between residents, city leadership, and city departments? I believe in the residents of Louisiana and think that in the upcoming election that problem will be solved.  There are good people running for seats at the council.  Ones that truly want good for Louisiana, people that are tired of drama at City Hall and want us to see economic success, that want good jobs and decent neighbors with sufficient services from the city. 

How should the city communicate with residents during controversial or high-profile incidents involving city operations or public safety? Within the confines of the law of course.  There are laws and ordinances that the city is required to follow regarding the release of information.  That of course is priority. My main goal is of course to make sure there is NO controversial or High Profile incidents.  If our staff is well trained, led with integrity and earns the respect of the general public, residents trust will be restored.

What standards should guide transparency, including the release of public records, body-camera footage, or investigative information?  Laws are in place that guide the release of such information I believe.  Beyond that I would encourage residents to stay involved, attend meetings when possible etc.  I will encourage quarterly Ward gatherings with the council representatives.  An informal gathering for residents in the neighborhoods to visit with their council person to obtain information and share concerns.

SECTION 4: POLICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

What is your overall philosophy regarding policing and public safety in Louisiana?  

Do you believe any changes are needed in how police interact with residents or handle calls involving private property?

If so, what changes would you support?

How would you strengthen communication and trust between the police department and the community?

I’ll answer these questions with one response. Police take an oath to Protect and Serve.  While they are human, mistakes will happen.  They are often called upon to make snap judgements.  If we provide them with sufficient training, sufficient equipment and clear expectations the only residents that might take issue with them are the ones that need police interaction!  I do believe that the police department needs to fund a K-9 unit.  These have proven to be effective in combating drug problems and building trust among residents.  I’d also like to see us build a better relationship in the school district and provide a resource officer…not an enforcement officer but a resource officer.  One that can build a good report with the students and deliver a clear message to them about becoming respectable and involved citizens.  Visibility in the community by the police department is important too.  I understand there used to be “coffee with cops”, what a great way to get to know the force protecting us.  If our force is more involved in the community, if they are seen as “one of us”, I think a common trust will build.

SECTION 5: ACCOUNTABILITY & CIVIC DISCOURSE

How should elected officials raise concerns or ask difficult questions about city operations while maintaining professionalism and respect?

What role should the mayor play when disagreements or tensions arise between city officials, staff, or departments?

I believe core operational issues within city departments should be managed by department heads. Those department heads should work closely with the City Administrator and the appropriate Council committee for guidance and advisement on matters they are unable to resolve independently. Respect must be maintained at all times in interactions among council members, city staff, and citizens.

As noted, our form of government positions the Mayor as an ambassador for the community. In that role, the Mayor should foster goodwill and common sense and, when called upon to intervene in matters the City Administrator and Council cannot resolve, approach the situation with an open mind. This includes considering applicable laws and ordinances, seeking legal guidance when necessary, and offering recommendations grounded in sound judgment—clearly explaining the reasoning behind those decisions rather than relying on authority alone.

SECTION 6: HISTORIC PRESERVATION & DEVELOPMENT

Louisiana has a strong historic identity. How would you balance historic preservation with economic growth and private property rights?

What role should the city play in helping owners of historic or older properties navigate regulations and improvements?

I’ve recently learned about several programs of interest that I believe have been used previously in Louisiana and will encourage the City Administrator and council to consider implementation again.  It seems there have been many missed opportunities for us in our neglect of working with outside resources.  I’ll be meeting with two people who have made a huge investment in renovating some of our downtown properties in early March. One, as I understand it brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the Historic Tax Credit opportunity.  Mr Carlisle, the City Administrator has already been making contacts with the Missouri Department of Economic Development and I will continue to encourage that partnership.  I’ve also been made aware of some of the services offered by our affiliation with the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments.  We have a Historic Preservation Ordinance and a Historic Preservation Association that have been underutilized in the past as well. 

SECTION 7: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

What are your top priorities for economic development in Louisiana?

What infrastructure needs do you believe require the most attention in the near future?

How would you pursue improvements while remaining mindful of the tax burden on residents?

In my research before deciding to run, I learned that there was an Economic Development committee that helped bring some revitalization into downtown with fundraising, historic preservation grants, facade grants and matching funds through the MDED Community Development Block Grants.  If we can leverage city funds with matching dollars to invest in a prioritized, focused list I believe that we can fund the required needs without burdening the citizens.  With that said, I also believe that if citizens see that the city is properly managing funds, seeking outside interests in investing and “putting our money where our mouths are” they will be more inclined to accept additional taxes if needed.  

SECTION 8: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

How would you approach city budgeting to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency?

What principles should guide decisions about city spending?

In preparing for my term as Mayor, I’ve taken the liberty of visiting with other people in leadership roles.  I’ve been able to form a network of professionals with which I think I can rely on to be called upon when helping the council make important decisions.  Ultimately, the budget I think needs to first address department requirements.  Vigilant oversight by leadership, council committees and the city treasurer will be key to a manageable reasonable budget. I also believe that goods and services should be purchased locally.  While a local vendor may not be “cheapest”, by the city spending dollars IN Louisiana, that business owner in turn pays takes, pays employees who shop locally too.  So the dollar we spend likely comes back into the community five fold.  Budgets and fiscal reports should be filed timely and publicly, adhering to publication laws and requirements as well.  

SECTION 9: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

How would you encourage greater public involvement in city government and decision-making?

What methods would you use to regularly hear from residents and respond to their concerns?

In March I’ll be holding a meeting for each of the wards to meet them IN their neighborhoods; where they live.  I think that during my term I’ll encourage the council members to join me in continuing those meetings. Greet them on their turf, not in City Hall. Not all requests and suggestions of course can be acted upon, but I will ensure citizens a voice and will make certain they understand why (or why not).  I think most just want to be heard. I’d love to see neighborhood watch groups.  I’ll encourage Community Betterment to build on their National Night Out events in our neighborhoods.  We need to build “community”, watch out for one another and help our neighbors. I’d also like to involve more citizens in city committees.  We have a wealth of knowledgeable professions, a diverse group of citizens that I think we should be drawing from to help move us forward. 

SECTION 10: VISION FOR LOUISIANA

What is your vision for Louisiana, Missouri over the next four years?

What do you believe is the single biggest challenge facing the city right now?

What sets you apart from the other candidates in this race?

Why should voters trust you to lead Louisiana as mayor?

My vision for Louisiana is simple.  I want a HOME for our residents that they can be proud of.  A city administration that citizens are confident in, one that they feel comfortable conferring with and one that supports them.  I want a clean, well maintained city, one with “curb appeal” and I believe that we can instill that sense of pride so that it becomes contagious throughout town.  I think our biggest challenge moving forward will be simply letting go of the past.  I will strongly encourage our staff and administration, the council AND citizens to draw a line in the sand April 8th.  We move forward from here. What happened in prior administrations is no reflection on what lies ahead for Louisiana.  I don’t know the other candidates and won’t pass judgement on them. I’ve tried to get to know the council candidates and look forward to developing great working relationships with them and build a respectful, trusting team.  I think those that know me well would testify to my character for voters.  They would share that above all I will lead with respect, EARN the trust of the citizens through transparent and frequent communications and face each challenge with calm resolve and with the best interest of Louisiana at heart.