Sarah Gladman, Republican
Sarah Gladman was born in Waxahachie, Texas, although her parents were from Fulton. Her father built golf courses for a living, so her family traveled to many different places while she was growing up. She even spent a year on Guam. After returning from Guam in the seventh grade, her family returned to this area.
Gladman graduated from North Callaway High School in 1997 and she started working for the collector's office in 1999. In 2005, she was promoted to chief deputy collector and still holds that position. Gladman resides in Fulton with her husband Owen and children Natalie, Gwen and Reed.
Why are you running?
"I began my campaign in early 2017, knowing the collector's position would be open in 2019. With my 19 years of experience and knowledge, I knew I would be able to efficiently serve Callaway County and its residents as collector. People from the community tend to know my face from working in the courthouse so long, but don't know my name.
"I began getting my name out there, meeting new people and announcing my desire to run. Along with my years in the office, I have attended the collector's annual training conference since 2006. This office is managed according to state statutes.
"Since the resignation of the former collector in March, I've been working to get the office up and running, along with fellow employees and elected officials. I've worked very closely with the State Auditor's office for the past four months. I will promptly implement their suggestions on new procedures for the office.
"Currently, I'm meeting with software companies for a completely new software system to improve everyday collections and data transfers from the Callaway County Assessor's office.
"I look forward to continuing my dedication and service to Callaway County and its residents."
Eva Jones, Republican
Eva Jones was born and raised in Pike County and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in radio and television communications from the University of Missouri. She worked several years as an account executive in radio, then at The Cancer Research Center as director of outreach. She owned and operated a TV guide magazine while in the early stages of raising six children and home-educating them. For more than 13 years, Jones worked as the athletic director for a non-profit athletic association, doing fundraising, scheduling, public relations and team communications. She also did temp work representing a curriculum company at education conferences for several years.
Jones has worked seasonally in the county clerk's office. She also worked as an election official locally and in St. Louis County. She's done Republican campaign work for numerous local and state campaigns, been a political activist and volunteered for several organizations including a field director for one and a state liaison for another. She has represented non-profit associations, including testifying for committee hearings at the Capitol. She has served on boards of non-profit organizations and is currently serving as the president of the Callaway County Republican Women's Club and a member of Missouri Federation of Republican Women.
Her outlet is singing in the Callaway Singers for more than the past dozen years and enjoying her family.
Why are you running?
"I believe it is time for a fresh start in the office. The citizens of Callaway County deserve to have confidence that their hard-earned money, collected to run the county, is going for what it's supposed to. I am astounded at the dollar amounts people contribute to the county for the maintenance and administration of its commitments. For this, the public deserves to be able to trust that their monetary collections are handled fairly and distributed correctly. I believe that out of all the county offices, the collector's office especially demands absolute trust from the people - and again, they deserve it.
"I have always felt it is incumbent upon the citizens, who are able to serve their county or state in ways they are capable, that they should. Just as a member of a church or club or organization need to contribute to the welfare of that entity, for the betterment of our own society, we need people who will pitch in and "get'er done." I have been a part of Republican politics in Callaway County for over 20 years. I've been a committed Republican and that is why I chose to run for the GOP nomination. I have served on the Central Committee and I have helped countless Republicans get elected to office. I would like to continue to help our county by being the Republican nominee for county collector in November."