Columbia, MO – Today Mayor Sly James was joined by 17 mayors from across the State of Missouri to meet with various candidates running for statewide office to discuss issues that are important to municipal governments. Candidates from both sides of the aisle running for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General were invited to the convening. Among the issues that were discussed included economic development, preemption, education funding, REAL ID laws, strategies to fight crime, transportation funding, and Medicaid reform. Each candidate was given an individual time slot with the mayors and at the end of their sessions, mayors were given a chance to ask questions on issues of general and specific interest.
“As Mayors, we see firsthand how statewide policies impact our constituents,” said Mayor Sly James. “The purpose of today’s meeting was to give mayors from across the state the chance to speak with candidates about the issues that are most important to them. We had a very productive meeting and I’m grateful to the candidates who chose to attend for making this convening a priority.”
Mayors in attendance included:
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Mayor Jeff Davis, City of Belton
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Mayor Jeff McKee, City of Cleveland
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Mayor Brian Treece, City of Columbia
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Mayor Lisa Freeland, City of Creighton
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Mayor Tom Schneider, City of Florissant
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Mayor Levi Weaver, City of Greenwood
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Mayor Bill Kolas, City of Higginsville
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Mayor Lyndell Brenton, City of Liberty
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Pat Kelly, Executive Director, Municipal League of Metro St. Louis
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Richard Sheets, Deputy Director, Missouri Municipal League
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Mayor John Olivarri, Osage Beach
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Mayor John Smedley, City of Platte Woods
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Mayor David Slater, Pleasant Valley
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Mayor Kristofer Turnbow, City of Raymore
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Mayor Kathy Rose, City of Riverside and President of the Missouri Municipal League
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Mayor Don Smith, City of Rockaway Beach
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Mayor Bill Falkner, City of St. Joseph
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Mayor Matt Mallinson, Sugar Creek
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Mayor Eric Schleuter, City of Warrenton
Candidates in attendance included:
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Chris Koster, Candidate for Governor
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Russ Carnahan, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
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Robin Smith, Candidate for Secretary of State
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Judy Baker, Candidate for Treasurer
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Teresa Hensley, Candidate for Attorney General
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