Interest increasing in Joplin council, school board seats
Dec. 13—Interest is growing in candidacy to fill seats on the Joplin City Council and the Joplin School Board in the April election.
The number of people who have obtained petitions to run for the five seats that will be available next year on the City Council has increased from seven to 11. Four of them have indicated interest in the two-year unexpired term to be filled for the general seat vacated by Kate Spencer. She resigned last month, citing family needs.
During a recent effort to select someone to serve in the vacated seat temporarily until the election, 12 people had applied. The council appointed a former council member, Anthony Monteleone, for that position.
Those who have picked up petitions to potentially run for the full four-year term of that seat are Jeffery Salem, Natasha Klue-Michael, Doris Carlin and Joe Johnson.
Two general seats other than the one formerly held by Spencer will be available. One incumbent, Keenan Cortez Sr., is circulating petitions for his seat. Another resident, Jon Thomas Buck, is asking for voter signatures to run for one of those seats. He was one of four candidates in the 2022 election for a general seat that was won by Spencer.
Another pursuing candidacy for a general seat is Joshua Bard. He had first indicated interest in the two-year unexpired term, but he has now changed his pursuit to a four-year general seat.
A general seat incumbent, Christina Williams, has not declared interest in reelection at this point.
There are two petitioners who designated interested in the Zone 3 seat currently held by Phil Stinnett, a longtime member of the council and former mayor. They are Steve Urie-Ross, who ran against Stinnett in the 2020 election, and William Ryan Jackson, who also has previously sought election. He ran in 2012 in a four-way race.
The Zone 2 incumbent, Charles "Chuck" Copple, is circulating petitions for reelection. A race could develop in this zone. Michelle Cramer has declared interest by obtaining petitions. She had initially indicated interest in the general four-year term.
Residents who wish to become council candidates must seek 150 signatures on petitions for candidacy that are available from the city clerk on the second floor of City Hall, 602 S. Main St. The filing period for the council posts closes Jan. 9.
Joplin Board of Education
Two people have filed for the Joplin Board of Education since the filing period opened Dec. 5. Board member John Hird, whose term expires next year, has filed along with Victor Sly. The term of Riley Hartwell, board president, also will be filled in the April election.
People interested in becoming a candidate may obtain a packet of information at the district's administration building, 825 S. Pearl Ave., in Joplin. Filing for the offices also is done there. Offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays except Christmas Day. The filing period for board posts closes Dec. 26.
