Richard "Rick" Battelle, Candidate for O'Fallon City Council, Ward 3

Name: Richard "Rick" Battelle
Age:45
Family: My son Brad is 18 and graduating from Timberland High School this spring. My daughter Ava is 8 years old and has Down Syndrome. She's the light of my family and reminds me everyday not to sweat the small stuff.
Education: BS Criminal Justice Administration, Columbia, MO
Occupation: Director at Express Scripts, Program Integrity Department, and Retired Police Officer from St. Louis County Police.
Previous elected offices: O'Fallon Councilman, 2011 to present
Number of years living in O'Fallon: 4 years
Organizations: Crime Stoppers - Board Member; National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators - Board Member; Down Syndrome Association; Special Olympics.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

1. What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
My desire to run for re-election is to ensure O'Fallon remains committed to Public Safety, Economic Development, Job Creation and Fiscal Responsibility.

2. What will be your single most important priority if you are elected?
In addition to increasing our budgeting for Street Repairs in Ward 3's aging subdivisions, I want to concentrate my efforts on aligning our economic development initiatives by significantly increasing our outreach to our existing businesses.
The development of O'Day Park, with a lodge facility for our residents to utilize will be instrumental influencing property values on Highway DD just south of Highway 40. Nature and fitness trails throughout the park may connect our residents with the parks and future business development in the area.

3. What's your favorite thing about O'Fallon?
Those who make up our community. The involvement of our citizens makes this a great city to live and raise a family. People genuinely care about one another!

4. What is the biggest problem you see in O'Fallon?
We must attract new businesses to sustain our growth and exemplary city services.

5. What is your vision for O'Fallon?
My vision for O'Fallon is to sustain growth and attract responsible development to areas of our city that has been stagnant for years. Attractive park systems that connect the community to nature and each other. Ensure property and businesses are well maintained. O'Fallon has a vast array of services anchored by a well-funded police department. That being said, we must always do more to ensure we maintain our ranking as one of the Safest Cities in America in which to live. Complacency is not a good thing; we should strive and challenge each other in a collaborative environment with integrity and mutual respect.

6. If an incumbent, why do you think you should retain your seat?
Simply put, two years is not enough time. Our voters have an important decision to make on April 2nd. I am proud that I represented my constituents the last two years with a great deal of integrity and honesty. I've stood up for some issues that aren't always popular but believe the future of O'Fallon demands leaders to be honest and open. Our cities retention rates for commercial property has increased over the last two years as well as new business startups. The economic outlook is very positive, and we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us and we need leadership at all levels of the city to ensure responsible growth that makes sense for O'Fallon. We have more work to do for our future and believe my leadership experience benefits our great city.