A competition has developed for Poplar Bluff’s Ward 5 seat, which will be decided by voters Tuesday.
Two seats for at-large council members are also open. Only one candidate filed by the deadline to run for the position, but a second candidate has announced a write-in campaign.
Council member Robert Smith has served as the Ward 5 representative since 2017, and had previously served the ward from 2002 to 2014.
He is challenged by Spencer Jones.
Former city manager Mark Massingham filed for one of the two at-large seats, while Robert Duckett is seeking a seat through a write-in campaign.
Those elected will serve three-year terms.
All of the candidates were asked the same questions and those answers are provided in ballot order. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
__Robert Louis Smith__
Age: 70
Occupation: Driver
Education: Associate’s degree in business, Three Rivers College
Current Affiliations: Wheatley Historical Preservation Commission, Poplar Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission and the board of Operation Off-Street
Why are you running for city council? To insure the completion of ongoing projects and to continue the work to improve daily life in Poplar Bluff.
__What are the characteristics that make you a good candidate?__
Care, concern and interest in the city of Poplar Bluff and its citizens, 18 years of experience and being a certified official.
__What do you hope to accomplish?__
New city hall, better streets, improve the homeless situation we have in Poplar Bluff, and (build) a better relationship between the city and the public.
__Are there recent actions you agree or disagree with?__
The location of the police station. It’s really great to have the state of the art station (but) the public wanted it downtown.
__What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city and how would you address them?__
Finances, this is always a challenge. Finding areas to shave the budget without people or critical services (impacted).
__Are there any needs you want to address?__
Too many to name.
__Can you share your thoughts on the use tax?__
The use tax insures a more level field for our local businesses.
__Is there anything else you’d like to share?__
We need to keep working hard and moving forward while providing the best services possible to the people of Poplar Bluff.
__Spencer Jones__
Age: 77
Spouse: Kathy A. Jones
Children: D. E. Jones, 49, Trayson Deshawn Jones, 18, Sherman Steward and M.B. Ellison
Occupation: Clergyman
Education: Bachelor’s degree in religion
Current Affiliations: Churches
__Why are you running for city council?__
To make a difference in Poplar Bluff, to help integrate the police department, fire department and street department and help bring racial understanding to the town.
What are the characteristics that make you a good candidate? Being honest, saving people and working hard.
__What do you hope to accomplish?__
To see improvement .... in the area, to help keep the ward clean, to help people who are struggling get off drugs and alcohol.
__Are there recent actions you agree or disagree with?__
We as a city have not been intentional in reaching out to minorities.
__What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city and how would you address them?__
Old housing, something needs to be done, tear them down and rebuild new ones.
__Are there any needs you want to address?__
I have started them (in earlier answers).
Can you speak on the use tax? I am open. If we need to raise taxes to improve our city, I am open.
__Is there anything else you’d like to share?__
I am looking forward to seeing the people in this ward.
__Mark Massingham__
Age: 64
Spouse: Paula Massingham
Children: Lyndsey, 35, Garrett, 31, Landon, 25
Occupation: Retired
Education: Poplar Bluff High School, Three Rivers College and Southeast Missouri State University
Current Affiliations: Poplar Bluff Historic Preservation Commission, Poplar Bluff (Mark Twain) Museum board and Downtown Poplar Bluff board
__Why are you running for city council?__
After working for the city for almost 30 years, with the last five years being city manager, I’ve missed being involved. Now that the pandemic is behind us, it appears that new businesses are starting to build again. I think Poplar Bluff is going to see another growing spurt that we saw a few years ago. I would just like to be a part of that and help in anyway that I can.
__What are the characteristics that make you a good candidate?__
Working for the city for almost 30 years as finance director and city manager, I feel I have the experience and insight to help our city.
__What do you hope to accomplish?__
I would like to see Interstate 57 completed. If the city is able to construct a new city hall, I would like to see that accomplished. I want to make sure that it is located downtown. There is talk of upgrading the animal control center if the Use Tax is passed. I am very much in favor of that project. I would also like to see the continued progress that is being made downtown.
__Are there recent actions you agree or disagree with?__
I can’t think of any that I really disagree with. I am happy to see that the city is taking advantage of grants for new fire trucks and hopefully additional firefighters. Also, the grants for the street paving project and storm drains.
__What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city and how would you address them?__
One of the biggest challenges is having enough employees to operate the city. They are short firefighters, police officers and dispatchers, and the street department has the smallest work force it has had in probably decades. The city is growing and it takes employees to run the city.
__Are there any needs you want to address?__
Not that I can think of off hand. I think Mr. Winters has done a great job for the last two and half years as city manager. The city has excellent department heads and employees.
__Robert Duckett__
Age: 54
Spouse: JoAndrea Duckett
Children: Seth, 27, Caleb, 25
Occupation: Property manager
Education: Several years of college at Arkansas State and Murray State. Studies in graphic design and special education.
Current Affiliations: Preacher at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Harviell for seven years, sitting member on the Poplar Bluff Arts & Museum Advisory Board, Building Standards Board and Disabilities Board
__Why are you running for city council?__
I am running for council to continue to better our community, promote transparency with the city dealings and to restore confidence in the council and city hall.
__What are the characteristics that make you a good candidate?__
I have diverse experiences I can bring to the table. Having lived from Florida to Alaska, I have seen many successful things in the way of city government that work and can be applied to our city.
__What do you hope to accomplish?__
One of the most important accomplishments I hope to do on the council to is promote the relationship between city council and citizens, for the citizens to know they have ears on the council and their voices will be heard.
__Are there recent actions you agree or disagree with?__
While I support the police and agreed they needed a new facility, I disagreed with the land purchased and location of the new police station.
__What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the city and how would you address them?__
__Are there any needs you want to address?__
One of the biggest challenges is creating a better source of income for the city. With increased internet ordering, the tax base is shrinking. Recently, the city has been awarded grants for various programs but those are temporary patches to the city budget. A solid constant source is needed and thinking outside of the box is needed.
__Are there any needs you want to address?__
Streets are one need to be addressed. There are current plans for newly paved streets and water works for better flow of water but more needs to be done, especially on the south side of town. Another focus I have in mind is to continue to promote the restoration of our historic downtown. Several projects have brought business back to the downtown but more can be done.
__Can you speak on your thoughts about the use tax?__
The use tax is just one way to create revenue for the city... It has been voted down by the citizens of Poplar Bluff several times. It’s had the unfortunate issue of being tied to ballots with other contentious items that has led to the failure of the tax... Should it pass, the city already has projects to funnel the tax. If elected, I would maintain those funds going to the specific projects that it is earmarked for. Transparency and accountability are paramount in the success of these projects.
__Is there anything else you’d like to share?__
I see so much potential in our community that has yet to be tapped into. I hope to promote our city to attract new businesses, a greater sense of pride and build a bridge between businesses, citizens and the city so that together we can create the city we desire.