Springfield mayor, 4 council seats open in spring

Councilperson Matthew Simpson is actively soliciting signatures for reelection.

Opportunity is knocking at City Hall. 

More than half the seats on Springfield City Council are opening up in the spring. Of the nine council spots, five will be on the election ballot in April 2021:  

• Mayor, which is currently occupied by Ken McClure;
• Zone 1 Councilmember, currently occupied by Phyllis Ferguson;
• Zone 4 Councilmember, currently occupied by Matthew Simpson;
• General Councilmember A, currently occupied by Jan Fisk; and
• General Council Member B, currently occupied by Craig Hosmer. 

At least one councilperson, Matthew Simpson, appears to be actively running for reelection. 

In a Facebook post today, Simpson is soliciting signatures to get his name on the ballot. Simpson was appointed by council two years ago and was elected by voters in April 2019. 

“Anyone who lives in Zone 4, southeast Springfield can sign,” Simpson said in the post.  

Melissa Haase, assistant director of public information and civic engagement, said McClure and Hosmer also have picked up candidate packets. Those interested in running for a seat can obtain a candidate packet at the city clerk’s office, 840 Boonville Ave. 

“The deadline to turn in completed petitions is not until January, so this does not necessarily mean that they will or will not run again,” Haase said via email. “Fisk has stated in a public meeting that she will not run again.” 

Phyllis Ferguson did not respond to inquiries about her plans by deadline. 

To run for council, individuals must meet the following criteria, according to the city’s website: 

• a registered voter in Springfield;
• a resident of Springfield for a minimum of two years immediately prior to the election;
• live inthe zone one’s seeking to represent for at least one year immediately prior to the election; 
• agree not to run forother paid public office, except for the National Guard, Naval or military reserve, or notary public; and 
• do not work for the city of Springfield or any of its departments (except for Public Safety), boards or agencies during or for one year after serving on council.