Two candidates are running for the Third Ward City Council seat in the April 7 General Municipal election.
Incumbent Bob Hiller and newcomer David Covington are running to earn a two-year term.
Answers were limited to 150 words and have only been edited for grammar, clarity and punctuation.
Why are you running for office?
Covington: I am running for Third Ward City Council to serve, listen, and work hard for my neighbors on their behalf. Sedalia is a beautiful place to live, and I believe we are all in this together. To listen to the concerns and respond to the community quickly and effectively.
Hiller: I have been on the city council for the last three years. I want to see several projects (especially the east side of Sedalia completed) that I have been a part of getting started and completed.
What are your qualifications?
Covington: I have experience with local government since 1995. I have served four years with the City of Zebulon, North Carolina 2015-2019 in The Planning Department. I oversaw the development within the town such as zoning, building permits, code enforcement and geographic information systems.
Hiller: For 27 years in the Chevrolet dealership I have always worked with the public. I managed the AAA tow truck at the dealership which taught me the importance of taking care of the equipment. For the last 35 years I have kept the Sedalia DARE drug program funded and going in this community. The average life of this program is 5 years because they get no city or state funding. The car show and the support of businesses in Sedalia to the car show have raised enough money to have its own account and not a part of the city of Sedalia budget. We have two scholarships of $1,000 each that are handed out to a senior from Sedalia Smith-Cotton and one for Sacred Heart senior. We have 17 years left on each scholarship. I started with nothing and have built it to what it is today
What would be your top priorities in office?
Covington: My top priorities in office. Building trust, community involvement, public safety, transparency and honesty. Communicating and listening to the concerns or issues that are brought to my attention is very important.
Hiller: I want to see the Washington street bridge opened back up. Should be in April this year. I am pushing in the direction of trying to get a second overpass bridge across the railroad tracks further east of the Washington bridge. I would like to see the infrastructure continue to grow.In any direction you go in Sedalia, there is growth or plans of growth.
What goals do you have for office if you are elected?
Covington: To revitalize and attract businesses in the downtown area of Sedalia. To expand and work with the community to create a quality of life.
Hiller: The infrastructure to grow with the match of growth of Sedalia.to provide the proper equipment. To the employees to help them do the job more efficiently and to work together. I feel we have a great group of people with the present council and Mayor. We are striving to make this happen.
Why should people vote for you?
Covington: I have a heart and compassion for the people. I am devoted to public service. I am committed to working on behalf of the people of Sedalia. To get the people involved with their local government. Sedalia is growing and progressing. We need progressive and responsible leaders on our council and I am that leader.
Hiller: I am asking people to vote for me because I am involved with the city and what is in the works to make Sedalia the home I wish to live in. I came in 1980 and I chose Sedalia over three other cities. to live here. I adopted two sons and I did not want to raise them in Kansas City. I care about people's property just like I care for mine. I am a retired, hard working man. You can call me anytime. I am a Third Ward councilman, but I am also a citizen of Sedalia.
Compiled by Chris Howell.
