At least three Springfieldians are preparing to run for City Council seats in the April municipal elections.
On Sept. 23, retired police officer Andrew McPherson announced his plans to run for General Seat C, currently occupied by Councilman Doug Burlison. He said supporting police officers and firefighters would be a priority.
“It is imperative that the citizens know that the police force is large enough to keep the streets safe for all and that our firefighters are able to keep our homes and businesses safe,” McPherson said in a news release.
On Sept. 20, attorney Kristi Fulnecky, who owns construction management firm Fulnecky Enterprises LLC, held a launch party for her candidacy.
In a phone interview this morning, Fulnecky said she plans to focus on retaining existing businesses, recruiting new companies to town and supporting economic development efforts. She said she plans to run for either Burlison’s seat or General Seat D, which is occupied by Councilman Mike Carroll.
“My main reason for running is to be an advocate for businesses small and large,” Fulnecky said, adding she supports the use of tax abatements on new improvements as an incentive for redevelopment in the city. “I want people to know that we are a business-friendly community.”
After announcing on Facebook in August that he planned to run, Journal Broadcast Group Account Executive Buck Van Hooser said this morning he would seek the Zone 2 seat, which serves northeast Springfield. Van Hooser said he is not running in support any one issue, but he wants to serve the city and weigh all sides in matters before council.
“I’ve always wanted to run for elected office, and this was the first opportunity that fits my vision of what I can do to make a difference in the community,” Van Hooser said.
City Clerk Brenda Cirtin said the filing period for candidates runs Dec. 2-Jan. 20. A total of five seats will be on the April ballot: mayor, Zone 2, Zone 3, General Seat C and General Seat D. Those seats are currently held by Bob Stephens, Cindy Rushefsky, Jerry Compton, Burlison and Carroll, respectively.[[In-content Ad]]
