Incumbent Valerie Sebacher will square off against Mike West - a former council member - for the two-year term as Ward 1 councilperson on the Fulton City Council in the Tuesday, April 6, general municipal election.
Sebacher is seeking a second term.
Valerie Sebacher
Valerie Sebacher was born in St. Louis and moved to Callaway County in 1991. She graduated from South Callaway High School and attended William Woods University as an adult student, earning her associate's degree in 2015.
Sebacher worked for the city of Fulton for 11 years and is currently the executive director for the Fulton Housing Authority. She is a member of the SERVE, Inc., board of directors and acts as a liaison for the Human Rights Commission.
Sebacher and her husband, Scott, have been married for 19 years and have three children, who all attend Fulton Public Schools.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
"I decided to run again because Fulton is important to me," Sebacher said. "Serving on the council has taught me so much. I've formed wonderful relationships and I believe there is still work to be done.
"It's important to me to be a voice who represents all of my ward and the city, rather than using my personal beliefs when voting."
What are your qualifications?
"My qualifications are, first and foremost, my time working for the city of Fulton," Sebacher said. "I know how it feels to be on both sides of the council chambers.
"Also, with this potentially being my second term, I can draw on the last two years of experience."
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Ward 1?
"I would say the most pressing issue in Ward 1 would be the Rec Center," Sebacher said. "There have been so many misnomers about the program and I think it's important to make sure our community has the correct information and knows they can contact any of us with questions."
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing the city of Fulton, and how do you plan to solve it?
"As far as the city, there are many issues," Sebacher said. "Currently, we are dealing with the recent gas crisis and how that will affect the citizens. There is always a concern for the streets and sidewalks to ensure safe travels, and of course how our tax dollars are being spent."
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Mike West
Mike West and his wife, Susan, have been married for nearly 43 years and have lived in Fulton for 41. The couple have three children, one granddaughter and are awaiting the arrival of a grandson on April 12.
West has served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts, and has also been a soccer and softball coach. He is active in the Knights of Columbus and with the St. Peter Catholic Church.
Why did you run for this position?
"I am running for city council because I want to serve the people," West said. "Fulton is a great place to live and raise a family. I enjoyed my years on the City Council and feel I have made a positive contribution to the betterment of the city.
"I want to see the city continue to grow and prosper."
What are your qualifications?
"I previously served 14 years on the City Council - four in the Fourth Ward and 10 in the First Ward," West said. "I have also served on the Park Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission. I am a Missouri Municipal League certified municipal official.
"I also have good working relationships at the county, state and federal levels of government. Hopefully, these relationships can be put to good use for the citizens of Fulton."
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Ward 1?
"The biggest issue facing Ward 1 is the condition of the streets and sidewalks," West said. "As I have walked around the ward, I have noticed that many of the streets and sidewalks are in need of repair.
"The same is true of many of the streets and sidewalks throughout town."
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing the city of Fulton, and how do you plan to solve it?
"The biggest issue facing the city is economic development in both industrial and retail areas," West said. "Industrial development provides good-paying jobs that will increase the population in town. Retail development will provide jobs and also increase sales tax revenue to provide services such as fire, police and parks and recreation.
"Fulton needs to work with the FADC (Fulton Area Development Corporation), other local governments and businesses to identify locations and incentives to attract industry and retail to Fulton."