Meet the Candidates: Ward 2

Twelve candidates are vying  for six open seats on the .

The terms of Bill Gardner, Rose Mack, Bob Howell and Mike Pheney end in April, leaving one seat open in each of the following wards: 1, 2, 4 and 5.

Ward 3 has one two-year position and one three-year seat open. The two-year seat is left by Dan Haney's resignation in October. The three year seat is left by John Haman Jr.’s term ending in April.

O'Fallon Patch sent each of the city council candidates a questionnaire. Candidates submitted answers by e-mail. O'Fallon Patch will feature the each Tuesday throughout the month of March. 

This week, we meet Ward 2 candidates, incumbent Rose Mack and challenger Stephen E. McFarland. 

Name:  Rose Mack

Where do you live: 16 Beckewith Trail
 
What is your current job/position? O'Fallon Councilwoman Ward 2

Why are you running for city council? 

To insure that O'Fallon remains one of the best and safest cities in the United States
 
Relevant experience: 

Past alderwoman and President Pro Tem for City of O'Fallon; President/CEO - O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce-14 years; Alderwoman/Finance officer-City of Vinita Park;  Planning and Zoning Committee member-City of O'Fallon; Board of Directors- St. Charles County Municipal League; Vice-President Route K Transportation Corporation
 
What do you think you can bring to this position? 

Experience, knowledge, dedication and vision
 
Please tell us about one goal you have for this position. 

Continuing to make street improvements a priority

Contact information: rnmack2@msn.com or 636-926-9126
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Name: Stephen E. McFarland

Where do you live? Pheasant Point Subdivision

What is your current job and/or position? President, Grounds Management, Incorporated

Why are you running for City Council? 

My wife and I moved to O'Fallon when we got married over 18 years ago.  We have loved raising our family of five in this community.  I believe it is every citizen's responsibility and privilege to get involved in their government in whatever capacity they are able. I want to serve O'Fallon and her residents by making conservative, fiscally responsible decisions with a view toward providing for the long-term health and vitality of the city.

Relevant Experience: 

I have managed my own lawncare/landscape business for over 20 years.  Every day in my business I have to manage people, projects, clients' desires, time and budgets in order to stay profitable and successful.  I plan to bring my strengths and years of business management experience to O'Fallon City Council.  I believe in hard work and ethical business dealings.

What do you think you can bring to this position? 

I know that I can listen to the issues, study the options and prayerfully, carefully make sound decisions based upon what is best for O'Fallon residents.  I have children of my own growing up in this city and I want my legacy to be that I passed on to them and your children, a better, stronger, more stable community.  I have limited government experience and I see that as an asset and not a liability. I can bring a practical and common sense view point to the issues.  I am very simply, a concerned citizen who will listen, study and act in the best interest of my O'Fallon neighbors.  

Please tell us about one goal you have for this position. 

We live in a great city, and I want to be an example to our state and federal government of how to manage our affairs and finances. O'Fallon's rapid growth and expansion has left the city with debt.  It is my goal to develop a plan forward to pay off debt and place O'Fallon in a fiscally sound position so that our children can raise their families here without crushing tax burden or crumbling infrastructure. 

Contact information: semmcfarland@gmail.com or Stephen McFarland O'Fallon, MO Ward 2