Mt. Vernon Board of Alderman candidates slated for April 2 election

Next week is the general election in Lawrence County. The following are contested candidates for Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen.
Ward I:
Scott Beckley
Years lived in the area: Six
Family: Wife, Caroline, five children, 16 grandchildren
Education: Graduated 1978 from Stockton R1, numerous certifications in industrial maintenance, safety and health. Graduated from Farmer’s University.
Occupation: Maintenance manager at the Lawrence County Manor
Why would you be a good choice for the board? A deep need to be a problem solver in whatever endeavor I accept. Strong leadership traits, and an honest reputation. Additionally: President of the board and fire chief for Jerico Springs rural fire protection district for twenty years (1993-2013)

James Greene (incumbent)
Years lived in the area: 27
Family: Married, three children, three grandchildren.
Education: Graduate mechanical engineer and MD physician; Military service: I served in the Navy for four years as a flight surgeon, 1963-1967. Discharged honorably as Lt. Commander.
Occupation: Retired physician
Why would you be a good choice for the council? I have had the blessing of a wide-ranging education, (and I am) interested in the future of the city.

Ward IV:
Jason Haymes (incumbent)
Years lived in Mt. Vernon: 27
Family: Wife Krista, four children, eight grandchildren
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture, Murray State University; Master’s of Science in Agricultural Education, Murray State University; Educational Specialist in Career and Technical Education, MU Columbia.
Occupation: Retired educator, self-employed businessman, landlord, farmer
Why would you be a good choice for the board? I have served the people of Mt. Vernon as alderman since 2013. I have been involved in numerous community activities and projects throughout the years we have lived in Mt. Vernon. I am committed to serving our community and to being a reasonable voice for the people of Mt. Vernon.

Paula Brockwell
Years lived in the area: Three
Family: Married 26 years, five children
Education: Graduate, Glendale High School in Springfield
Occupation: Retired medical professional
Why would you be a good choice for the board? I have been consistent in attending the town meetings for the past two years. As an interested and concerned citizen, I have only missed about six of approximately forty-four meetings.
Miller candidates
Miller Mayor:
Name: Stacy Daniels, incumbent
Education: Graduate of Miller High School, hold Associate’s of Applied Science, certified medical assistant
Family: Husband Ron, three daughters, two granddaughters
Occupation: Miller Schools substitute teacher
Years lived in Miller: Born and raised in Miller, left in 1987. Returned in 2013.
What would make you a good choice to serve as mayor? The state of Missouri states that a mayor “must be at least 25 years of age, and has lived in the community in which it serves for at least one year.” I meet those qualifications. As far as experience and skills, I have always worked with the public. I have worked in a business office where I was responsible for a department and budget. I have been in management. Those are all areas that I feel have helped position me to manage the city.

Miller Board of Aldermen
Name: Christa Adams
Occupation: Owner of a small cleaning business
Family: Married, four children and five grandchildren
Years lived in Miller: Lifelong resident
Other positions held: Has been on the Board of Aldermen twice
Education: High school graduate
What makes you a good choice for the board? I don’t really know that I have any qualifications except a love for our town.

Miller R-2 School Board
Name: Barbara Wagner, incumbent
Education: Graduate, Miller High School, one year of college
Occupation: Human Resources Assistant at Mercy Hospital, Springfield
Years lived in Miller: Lifelong resident, minus nine years lived in a neighboring district.
Family: Husband Carl, two sons.
What makes you a good choice for the school board? I have served on the board for nine years, serving as president for the past five. I am very involved in activities throughout the Miller School District. I work hard and am willing to bring forth new ideas and/or concerns from the community. I am very focused on making sure our school district provides the best education possible to our students. My hope is when each student graduates, they are ready and successful in whatever they choose to do.

Name: Jared “Bo” Stockton
Education: Bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, emphasis finance and management, from Missouri State University
Occupation: Supply manager at Pennington Seed
Years lived in Miller: Lifelong resident
Family: Wife Lily, three daughters, all enrolled in the Miller School District
What makes you a good choice to be on the school board? I am an analytical driven leader that wants to see the whole picture before making decisions. I own a small farm that creates opportunities for problem solving.

Name: Isaac Hulbert
Education: 1999 graduate of Miller High School, bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University
Occupation: Testing administrator at Expedia
Years lived in Miller: 36
Family: Married, three children
What makes you a good choice to be on the school board? My wife and I have three kids that currently attend Miller Schools and are involved in all types of activities that keep us on our toes.  My extended family is deeply rooted in the Miller Community as many of my family members have taught, coached, or graduated at Miller.

Name: Lynn Andrews
Education: Graduate of Miller High School, Bachelor’s of Science in agriculture economics
Occupation: Farming, raising soybeans, cattle, corn and wheat.
Years lived in Miller: 47
Family: Wife Becky, two sons, a daughter, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren.
What makes you a good choice to be on the school board? Serving on other boards along with being an employer.
Aurora City Council
Name: Dawn Marie Oplinger, current mayor of Aurora
Occupation: Employed at AFB International
Family: Friends and colleagues
Years lived in Aurora: 33 years
Education: Studied at Ozark Technical College
What makes you a good choice for the council? I always try hard to look for the good in everyone and give them the benefit of the doubt. I always do my homework and ask questions. I am honest, accountable and trustworthy. I will always listen.