Two candidates are running for the Fourth Ward City Council seat in the April 7 General Municipal election.
Incumbent city councilwoman Rhiannon Foster is facing challenger Spencer Redford for the Fourth Ward City.
Answers were limited to 150 words and have only been edited for grammar, clarity and punctuation.
Why are you running for office?
Foster: Sedalia is my hometown, and I care deeply about our future. I'm seeking reelection because experience, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to public service matter. I'm focused on responsible decision making, collaboration and ensuring that our community’s voice is heard. For example, street improvements are an issue. Last year we repaired more than 64 blocks of roadway, I pushed to increase that funding allowing crews to make further progress in the upcoming year. Sedalia is a strong community with great potential, I will help ensure it continues to grow in ways that support families, businesses and future generations. Together we've made progress to be proud of and I would be honored to continue serving the people of our community.
Redford: I am running for office because I believe our community deserves leadership that is transparent and committed to getting things done. Too often, people feel unheard or disconnected from local decisions that affect their daily lives. I want to change that by being a representative who listens, communicates openly, and takes real action on the issues that matter most.
What are your qualifications?
Foster: It’s been an honor to represent the Fourth Ward for the last six years. Before City Council, I served seven years on the Sedalia Park Board, where I was involved with securing the development of the Heckart Community Center. I interned for a year at the Missouri House of Representatives while completing my Bachelor of Science degree in political science, which helps me understand how government works and how local decisions connect with state policy and resources. I’m active on the Whiteman Air Force Base community council, a member of the Sedalia Senior Center board and have completed the Missouri Municipal League’s municipal governance institute training. I earned an advanced certification and municipal official designation and serve on the Missouri Municipal League Environmental Energy and Sustainable Development Policy Committee which allows the community a voice in state legislation. My experience in serving fuels my passion of collaboration, support and growth.
Redford: I am a 32-year-old small business owner who runs a lawn and landscape company. Through my business, I’ve developed strong skills in budgeting, problem-solving, time management, and customer service. I understand what it takes to work hard, meet deadlines, and deliver results. I also interact with people in the community every day, which gives me a grounded, real-world perspective on the challenges people face.
What would be your top priorities in office?
Foster: In daily conversations with residents, I hear most complaints about potholes and road conditions as streets are a never ending challenge. I had it 100% my way, we would have unlimited funding for street improvements, but we’re restricted by weather, staffing, time and funding. When it’s warm enough for the asphalt plant to be open it's also storm season and when we have storm damage street crews were pulled away to clean up that damage. We did increase the funding to $1.5 million to assist in improvements at Missouri Weather to keep our roads open. Rain, snow, extreme heat and cold cause constant damage but we have purchased new equipment and invested in additional training to help us get a better handle on ground deterioration but again it is a never ending battle.
Redford: My top priorities would be improving transparency, seeing what is going on with sewer issues and road issues, ensuring community voices are heard, and addressing the ideal needs of our area. This includes maintaining infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and making sure resources are used efficiently and responsibly. I want to focus on solutions that have a direct, positive impact on residents.
What goals do you have for office if you are elected?
Foster: Our crews are very proud of the progress that we've made in the recent years and are hopeful for more with the additional funds for this coming year. Our crews worked night and day to repair more than 64 blocks of roads last year and that isn't including the countless potholes. I am quite proud of their dedication and hard work and look forward to their progress in the coming year. We have many new housing developments in the works and have been selling city lots for development, although titles may cause issues and slow down the process. The end goal is for those lots to be developed. We are hearing that affordable housing is needed, and I would love to find more ways to help make that happen. I'm very excited about the improvements coming to South Limit Avenue and 32nd Street intersection and other road improvements.
Redford: If elected, my goals are to create more open communication between officials and the public, streamline processes to get things done more efficiently. I also want to establish clear, measurable outcomes so people can see progress
Why should people vote for you?
Foster: I'm seeking reelection because I believe leadership is a daily choice. I choose to listen first, I choose courage and hard conversations and I choose community over ego. I'm an independent thinker not a puppet. My deep connection and love of our community drives me to work to continue positive growth in our fantastic city.
Redford: People should vote for me because I bring a fresh perspective, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to serving the community—not personal or political interests. I’m someone who understands hard work, values honesty, and genuinely wants people to feel like their voice matters. I will show up, listen, and follow through.
Compiled by Chris Howell.
