From staff reports
news@joplinglobe.com
Five candidates seeking three general seats on the Joplin City Council will gather at 7 p.m. today for a “Candidate Connection” forum sponsored by the Globe, Empire District Electric Co. and KGCS-TV.
The event will air live on KGCS, and a watch party will be held in Corley Auditorium at Missouri Southern State University. KGCS is the university’s television station.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Woolston is the only incumbent in the race. Other candidates are Jack Golden, Kelly Maddy, Trisha Raney and Kevin York.
Woolston is a real estate broker with Pro 100 Inc. He was appointed to the council in 1997 and 1998, was elected in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and business administration and a paralegal certificate from MSSU.
Golden retired about nine years ago from the city of Joplin as community development director, which included economic development and parks and recreation work. He has not sought public office before. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business with graduate courses in elementary education.
Maddy is a network administrator for Accumax Auto Parts Inc. This is his first bid for public office. He attended MSSU for two years and continues to work toward a degree.
Raney is a paralegal at Leggett & Platt Inc., Carthage. She has not run for public office before. She is a lifetime resident of Joplin and holds a bachelor’s degree in management and a paralegal certificate from MSSU.
York is director of outreach for the Galena Nursing Center. He applied for appointment to the council to fill an unexpired term in 2008. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from MSSU.
Media representatives who will moderate the discussion are Globe Editor Carol Stark and staff writers Debby Woodin and Greg Grisolano; Alexandra Nicolas from The Chart at MSSU; Rhonda Justice from KOAM-TV; and Judy Stiles from KGCS.
The forum will include a panel of Joplin voters who will offer their reactions to the candidates and their answers to questions.
This is the first time in many years that the Globe has put on a candidate forum for the public, Stark said.
“We believe decisions made at the local level of government have far-reaching impact on residents of the community,” she said. “It’s imperative that voters are given ample opportunities to learn about the candidates’ views before the April 6 election. We hope this serves as one of those opportunities.”
The forum may be viewed live on digital Channel 22, Cable One Channel 7 and Mediacom Channel 77.
