Springfield police union makes council endorsements, sits out mayor's race

The Springfield Police Officers Association has endorsed three City Council candidates ahead of the April election, while declining to endorse in Springfield's mayoral contest.

The union endorsed Zone 3 candidate David Nokes, General Seat C candidate Callie Carroll, and General Seat D candidate Derek Lee.

The SPOA did not endorse incumbents Abe McGull and Monica Horton, who are both uncontested in their respective races. They also did not endorse in the mayoral campaign between incumbent Ken McClure and Galloway Village Neighborhood Association President Melanie Bach. The union has in the past endorsed McClure, most recently in 2021.

In a Facebook post announcing the endorsements, the police union states the city needs to get "serious about public safety" and take "meaningful steps" to making Springfieldians safe.

"If people do not feel safe in Springfield, no amount of amenities or entertainment venues will be enough to bring people here and keep them here," reads the SPOA statement.

"We are confident that David Nokes, Callie Carroll, and Derek Lee have what it takes to help us restore safety to our streets and make Springfield the safest city to work, live, and play in our region. Get out and vote this April!"

Nokes is a retired SPD police officer and has made public safety and support of police central to his Zone 3 campaign against state economic development employee Brandon Jenson.

"Having a former police commander like David Nokes on city council is not only progress for this city and the business community, but he is an advocate for our true public safety in our community," reads the SPOA endorsement of Nokes.

"David Nokes truly understands that crime and public safety MUST be a priority in order for the city to thrive. He will be the only person on city council that has worked in law enforcement and understands how proper funding and support allows the Police Department to effectively function."

The union also states Nokes experience as a probation and parole officer gives him an "expertise in open communication, common sense, and an innate ability to identify and solve problems related to public safety."

“What I want to bring to council is that the officers know they're supported," Nokes told the News-Leader in an interview.

More:Generational battle in Zone 3 council race over public safety, equity, neighborhood trust

"The most powerful tool that an officer has on the street is discretion. So the last thing you want an officer to be worried about is ‘Wow, if I make this decision or to arrest somebody, what's my leadership and city going to do?’ I want that far removed from the decision. They need to make the best decision they can at the time on the street and take care of the problem.”

Nokes has previously said that Springfield City Council's adoption of equity and inclusion guidelines last year made it more difficult for the city to recruit new police officers — although he later called the issue a "distraction" when asked by the News-Leader.

"It's a hard profession. I know. Homicides are trending at record rates ... and the mayor and council are focused on pushing Black Lives Matter position of systemic racism. Good luck on hiring cops and retaining them while in line with BLM," Nokes said in public comments to City Council over a year ago.

Carroll is a public relations specialist for Old Missouri Bank and previously worked as a morning broadcast TV anchor and journalist. She is running for General Seat C against Jeremy Dean.

The SPOA says Carroll's community relations experience shows her ability to "build relationships and work well with others."

"Callie recognizes that a strong sense of safety and security is paramount and is devoted to making public safety a priority in our community," reads the endorsement.

Speaking to the News-Leader, Carroll said she thinks "transparency" and "accountability are important" and lauded SPD's service to the community.

More:General C council candidates focus on community and business ties, development divide

Lee is an engineer who's firm has often had projects come before City Council and other city bodies. He is running in General Seat D against architect Bruce Adib-Yazdi.

The SPOA says Lee is dedicated to "addressing the police recruiting and retention issues that are driving crime rates in our city."

"Derek understands that in order for our neighborhoods and business community to be strong and vibrant, police staffing, training, and resources must be addressed first and foremost," reads the endorsement.

Lee told the News-Leader that addressing crime is his "top priority."

If we want to have safe neighborhoods, we want to have a place in Springfield where people want to live — we have got to provide a safe environment where people aren't afraid to go out, people aren't afraid to park their vehicle outside because things are going to get stolen or they're going to get hurt ...," Lee said. "I just want to support our police."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Police union makes City Council endorsements, sits out mayor's race