The General Municipal Election will be taking place in Dent County on Tuesday, April 8. During which, residents of the City of Salem will be able to determine three new aldermen to serve—two east ward aldermen, and one west ward alderman.
Only one candidate is running for the eastward aldermen, two-year term—incumbent Rick Letchworth. Two candidates are running for the eastward aldermen, unexpired term—Nathan Kinsey and Steve Evrard. The westward aldermen race is highly contested with three candidates running—incumbent John Whelan, Roger Brooks, and Brent Klapperich.
All candidates running for office were sent a list of questions by The Salem News to help residents get to know them and their platforms.
The candidates are ordered alphabetically and by positions sought.
East ward Alderman two-year term
Rick Letchworth
Q: Why should you be elected?
A: I moved to Salem in 2004 and began serving the community in 2006. I have many years of experience as a Deputy Detective and currently serve as a Lieutenant and Jail Administrator. I have also served on the Utility Committee. My background enables me to make tough decisions, and my roles as an administrator have provided me with valuable experience in budgeting and fiscal responsibility.
Q: What is an issue of city government that you believe needs to be addressed, and how would you address it?
A: For years, I struggled with the city’s utility department, questioning prices and meter readings. I joined the utility committee for more insight, which proved invaluable. While I still believe the city’s utility infrastructure needs improvement, my appointment as alderman in November has allowed me to learn even more. I have supported several ordinances and agreements to improve water and electric infrastructure for the community.
Q: One of the most important roles of the board is spending tax dollars. Does the city spend too much or not enough? Be specific on where you believe cuts should be made or spending should be increased?
A: As a citizen, I believe in being fiscally responsible for tax dollars. From my time on the utility committee and board, I’ve learned that the city is making significant investments and has done a great job of securing grants to reduce the costs. It wouldn’t be fair for me to suggest where cuts should be made just yet. As the fiscal year ends in June, that will be the appropriate time to closely review the budget and identify areas for potential cuts or increased spending. I strongly believe in balanced budgets and prioritizing essential services.
Q: What does the ideal City of Salem look like to you and what do you think needs to be done to get to it?
A: The ideal City of Salem to me is a place where there are more jobs and opportunities. Where new businesses are encouraged, and current businesses remain strong. The ability to draw resources and keep our young folks here. I believe that it is our job to help promote and encourage new business growth while also looking for ways for current business to succeed. As a citizen of this community, I want to see these things happen.
East ward aldermen, unexpired term
Nathan Kinsey
Q: Why should you be elected?
A: It is my belief that Alderman/Alderwoman must represent all the residents of Salem and not just special interest groups. Salem residents deserve to be represented by leaders who work selflessly for our community. I have spent time on committees and boards when the city needed and asked for help. During this time, we were able, with the help of Alderman/Alderwoman and the utilities committee, to create and fill a reserve fund. This ensured the City of Salem would not have to get a loan in the future for what happened in February 2021, with an estimated $1.73 million dollar bill. Creating that reserve fund encouraged the city administration to create one for sewer and water as well. These funds were started so that hopefully we would have the required funding on hand for any future upgrades, repairs, and anything else we couldn’t project would happen or be needed. I don’t have the capability to change the past, but I will make sure to change our future for the better of all citizens and the City of Salem.
Q: What is an issue of city government that you believe needs to be addressed, and how would you address it?
A: The city’s current governing body, meaning the Mayor and the Alderman/Alderwoman, have done amazing work providing citizens of our community with information and resources. I would like to change some of the city’s ordinances on a few things to be more tailored to Salem and us as residents. Many ordinances are not able to be enforced due to many reasons. Dilapidated building owners need to be held accountable for their buildings. The City needs the means to be able to enforce these codes/ordinances.
Q: One of the most important roles of the board is spending tax dollars. Does the city spend too much or not enough? Be specific on where you believe cuts should be made or spending should be increased?
A: I don’t believe that the most important role of the Board of Aldermen is to spend taxpayers money. The Board of Aldermen should create, pass, and amend local ordinances/laws, as well as approve the City's budget. Making fiscally responsible decisions should be done with all considerations and information available from all boards, committees, and outside resources. It would seem one of the hot topics recently is the water infrastructure. This system has infrastructure that has been repaired for many years. We need a plan to start replacing worst off infrastructure yearly and then begin replacing oldest lines first. The goal is to become more proactive than reactive. In this instance I’d say we don’t spend enough money on the water infrastructure.
Q: What does the ideal City of Salem look like to you and what do you think needs to be done to get that image?
A: The City of Salem isn’t just a city. To me, my family, and many others this is a place we call home. Not just a house you own and live in, but a community to where in times of need we pull together and make accommodations to all in hard times. There’s always room for improvement, but as it stands now l’m proud to say I am a member of this community.
Steve Evrard
Q: Why should you be elected?
A: I am retired after 50 years of self-employed business in commercial and residential construction and construction-related supply. I have hired and managed hundreds of people including subcontractors and suppliers. I have dealt with government regulations and oversight throughout my career. I believe my experience puts me in a unique position to both understand and carry out the responsibilities of an alderman while also being able to work collaboratively with city personnel and the people of Salem.
Q: What is an issue of the city government that you believe needs to be addressed, and how would you address it?
A: Transparency on the behalf of government is critical as is outlined in the City of Salem’s own Ordinances as follows:
Section 106.010 Declaration of Policy.
[Ord. No. 3398, 8-20-2018]
“…The citizens and businesses of the City are entitled to have fair, ethical and accountable local government.”
Section 106.020 Responsibility of Public Office.
[Ord. No. 3398, 8-20-2018]
“…working for the common good of the citizens of the City…” “All person[s], claims and transactions coming before the Board of Aldermen or any City board, commission or committee shall be assured of fair and equal treatment…” Section 106.030 Compliance With Law.
[Ord. No. 3398, 8-20-2018]
“Public officials are agents of public purpose and hold office for the benefit of the public.”
“These laws, include, but are not limited to, the United States and Missouri Constitutions, the laws of the State of Missouri and City ordinances.”
*Note: As long as city ordinances do not conflict with State Law.
I believe what is in the city’s own ordinances as outlined above should dictate a policy of transparency for all and it is incumbent on those representing the people to ensure this is the case.
Q: One of the most important roles of the board is spending tax dollars. Does the city spend too much or not enough?
A: I believe the role of the Board and those in city government is not “spending tax dollars,” but rather to manage the people’s money wisely and in their best interest…
Q: What does the ideal City of Salem look like to you and what do you think needs to be done to get that image?
A: Although no ideal city exists and image can be deceiving, I would like to see adherence to practices and ordinances as outlined above which promote fair and transparent governance for all while always remembering that it is the people who we must hold in the highest esteem as those who provide the income of the city and are to be served.
West ward aldermen, two-year term
Brent Klapperich
Q: Why should you be elected?
A: My name is Brent Klapperich, I am running for West Ward Alderman to bring fresh leadership, integrity, and dedication to our community. With a deep commitment to serving our community of Salem, I believe in creating a safer, cleaner, more vibrant neighborhood where every resident’s voice is heard. With over 20 years’ experience in Engineering and Project Management in the automotive, agricultural and pharmaceutical arenas, I have developed a strong understanding of what our community needs and how to make it thrive. Focusing on key priorities like improving public safety, supporting local businesses, enhancing parks and the city itself. I am ready to work for a better future for all.
As a volunteer youth coach in multiple sports, small business owner and raising a family here, I understand the challenges we face, and am committed to building a stronger, united community for years to come.
Q: What is an issue with city government that you believe need to be addressed, and how would you address it?
A: I believe some major concerns of the people in our community are utility billing methods and city tax money spending/project allocation. I would like to work to give more transparency to these processes for the people of the Salem. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach from all city leadership to focus on transparent governance and rebuilding the public trust in city leadership.
Q: One of the most important roles of the board is spending tax dollars. Does the city spend too much or not enough? Be specific on where you believe cuts should be made or spending should be increased?
A: When it comes to spending tax dollars in the City of Salem, it's essential to strike a balance between maintaining essential services and ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer funds. I see that the city is spending enough or has spent enough in certain areas and has yet to full fill its duty in other areas. The balance of projects and funds is continually changing so there in lies the challenge, which is why I’m running for this position. I believe that the City of Salem can better prioritize the use of funds to improve city amenities, throughways and services to make a better future.
Q: What does the ideal City of Salem look like to you and what do you think needs to be done to get to it?
The ideal city would be a clean, safe, thriving, vibrant community that offers a positive quality of life for all its residents. A place where people are proud to say where they are from and show an incredible amount of community support.
I feel in order to get the culture of a community to become one, it begins with each citizen making the choice to “do better” and “make the community better”, city government can only do so much and many of the minor issues facing Salem can have been resolved by the community members themselves if we address them now. My goal is to be part of the solution to make Salem a great place that I’m proud to call my home.
John Whelan
Q. Why should you be elected?
I am committed to ensuring that the City of Salem continues to grow and prosper while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency. My experience in community development, budgeting, and local governance equips me to make informed decisions that will benefit all residents. I believe in listening to the concerns of our citizens and working toward solutions that enhance quality of life, improve infrastructure, and support local businesses. If elected, I will bring practical leadership, accountability, and a focus on results to the Board of Aldermen.
Q. What is an issue of city government that you believe needs to be addressed, and how would you address it?
One of the key issues facing Salem is infrastructure improvement, particularly road conditions and utility upgrades. Many of our roads are in need of resurfacing, and our water and sewer systems require ongoing maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns. I would advocate for a long-term infrastructure plan that prioritizes repairs based on urgency and available funding. This includes seeking state and federal grants to supplement our budget, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently without unnecessary rate increases.
Q: One of the most important roles of the board is spending tax dollars. Does the city spend too much or not enough? Be specific on where you believe cuts should be made or spending should be increased.
The city does a good job of budgeting responsibly, but I believe some areas require increased investment while others can be optimized for efficiency.
Where spending should increase:
• Public Safety: Our police and fire departments need continued investment in equipment, training, and staffing to keep our community safe.
• Economic Development: Supporting small businesses and attracting new industries to Salem will boost local jobs and revenue.
• Infrastructure: Road repairs, stormwater drainage, and utility upgrades should remain a priority.
Where spending could be reduced or optimized:
• Administrative Costs: The city should look at ways to streamline government operations and reduce unnecessary expenses in administrative overhead.
• Energy Efficiency: Investing in more energy-efficient city facilities can lead to long-term savings on utility costs.
A balanced approach to spending ensures that tax dollars are used effectively while maintaining essential city services.
Q: What does the ideal City of Salem look like to you, and what do you think needs to be done to achieve it?
The ideal Salem is a thriving, safe, and welcoming community with well-maintained roads, strong local businesses, and opportunities for families and young professionals. In order to achieve this vision, we need to:
• Encourage Economic Growth: Create incentives for businesses to invest in Salem and revitalize downtown.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Upgrade roads, water, and sewer systems to prevent costly emergency repairs.
• Enhance Quality of Life: Improve parks, recreational spaces, and community programs for residents of all ages.
• Support Public Safety: Ensure police and fire departments have the resources they need to protect our community.
By focusing on smart budgeting, community engagement, and long-term planning, we can make Salem a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family.
Roger Brooks
Q: Why should you be elected?
A: To use my background of personnel and financial management that I acquired during my 20 years of military service and customer service from the postal service.
Q: What is an issue of city government that you believe needs to be addressed, and how would you address it?
A: Transparency to the citizens.
Q: One of the most important roles of the board is spending tax dollars. Does the city spend too much or not enough? Be specific on where you believe cuts should be made or spending should be increased.
A: Spending tax dollars of hardworking citizens is the most important job of an alderman. This is the first time that I have run for office. I don’t think anyone could make a decision on spending increases or cuts until you see all the information.
Q: What does the ideal City of Salem look like to you, and what do you think needs to be done to achieve it?
A: The ideal town would be one that supports growth and good opportunities for the citizens.
