O'Fallon Candidate Forum: Ward 5 Candidates Discuss Road Safety and Special Projects

Ward 5 Candidates answered questions about road safety and special projects  at the annual candidate forum hosted by the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) on on Tuesday, March 19.

The MYAC is composed of juniors and seniors from local public and private high schools, chosen by their school officials to learn more about local government.

At the forum, each O’Fallon candidate gave a three-minute opening statement and closing statement. After that MYAC members questioned candidates, allowing a three-minute response time.

Meet the Ward 5 Candidates:

Michael Snowden said that he was appointed to serve on City Council in January of 2012 after the former council member resigned. He mentioned that fellow Ward 5 council member Mike Pheney has become a mentor and a friend. "We take a few hours on a Sunday afternoon and drive around the ward," he said, and that has kept them on top of issues.

Snowden has worked in public safety his entire career. He and his family moved to O'Fallon in 2005. "I'm lucky to live in a great city and a great subdivision," he said.

Snowden said that when he first came to the city, he noticed a lack of historical preservation and that he's proud to have been involved with the city's new historical preservation commission. 

"I am able to quickly grasp complex issues," Snowden said. "I enjoy helping people. It's what I've been doing all my life."

Vicki Schneider was not able to attend the forum due to a prior commitment, but she sent a written statement that was read by the forum chair.

Schneider is a former state representative for District 17 in the Missouri House of Representatives. She served as a member of several house committees including ethics and small business. In 2003 she sponsored the Amber Alert Bill to help find abducted children.

Schneider graduated from Fort Zumwalt High School and Mary Institute in O'Fallon. She is president of Schneider Construction

Jeff Houston has been an O'Fallon resident for 22 year and lived in Ward 5 since 2001. Married for 12 years, he said he plans on retiring in this community. Houston is a Xerox technical services engineer.

"I'd like to bring my management skills to the city," Houston said.

He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Missouri National Guard and on the Board of Directors of the O'Fallon Elks Club.

"I have always had an interest in city government," Houston said. "I am an average citizen who wishes to give back to the city."

What makes your campaign stand out from the others?

Snowden said that he has a proven track record, having been in public safety for entire career. "This is what I do," he said. "Because I've been in office 14 months, I have had the chance to prove myself"

Houston said that he's trying to take a different approach. "I believe I'm the kind of guy people want to talk to. I don't have experience being a city council member, but I want to let everyone know that a normal resident with a passion to get involved can try."

What individual concerns do you have for Ward 5, and how do you plan on approaching them?

Houston mentioned that new businesses have tried to come in to Ward 5, but they had to go back and forth so much with Planning and Zoning that they gave up. Streamline the process, he said. He said that the city could fill up the empty spaces if the procedure was a little easier.

Snowden said that his concerns were traffic congestion on Main Street; the Deer Creek extension being planned by St. Charles County; and one-way outer roads along Interstate 70. St. Peters is taking lead with that, he said, and O'Fallon will be next. He said he was also concerned with economic development on the north side of town.

If O'Fallon were to receive fed grant money for a special project, where would you put the money? Why?

Snowden said it would go to downtown O'Fallon. "It is languishing," he said.  Heavy traffic creates a natural barrier on Main Street. "You can't walk from one side of main street to the other," he said.

Shops come in, but it's one here, one there, Snowden said. "O'Fallon Station desperately needs to be developed." O'Fallon needs to create a destination place for outsiders to come spend money.

Houston said that he agreed with Snowden about downtown and also mentioned complaints about train noise.

Hwy. P and Hwy. 79 have experienced many accidents and fatalities over the years. Should it have new speed limits or safety railings?

Houston said that when he moved to O'Fallon 22 years ago, Hwy. K was only two lanes, and he mentioned a problem with deer on Hwy. P. He said that he thought that a plan for widening and railings was in the works. "It's not a safe road for foot traffic," he said.

Snowden said that unfortunately, those roads are controlled by MoDOT. "The city has very little say-so in those roadways." He said that the city can request changes, but that's all that it can do. He mentioned that citizens have asked for a stop light on Hwy. P at Dames Park, and sidewalks.

Closing Remarks

Snowden said that he had been using "we" instead of "I," because he believes in team building and looking for answers to everyone's concerns. The things he is most concerned with moving forward are 1) economic development. City staff are outstanding and will do well; 2) municipal buildings. Civic Hall replacement, needed to be in a sane manner, and not become a Taj Mahal; and 3) city infrastructure.

Houston said that he had one reason for running for office, and it was not the money or the name recognition. "It's the residents of Ward 5," he said. He had the chance to be appointed to the seat, he said, but he wanted to be chosen by the people of Ward 5. "I am one of you and will remain one of you," he said.

Who has your vote for Ward 5 Councilperson? 

 Read More:

• O'Fallon Candidate Forum: Ward 4 Candidates Discuss Communication and Safety Issues