It's
Offutt vs. Brooks
for
Platte City mayor
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Frank Offutt
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Dave Brooks
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Platte City Mayor Frank Offutt, who promotes himself
as a lifelong Platte Citian and third generation politician,
will face a challenge from Dave Brooks, who sees himself
as a "people person," in the April 2 vote for
the mayoral seat in Platte City.
For the 30th mayor of Platte City, the decision to run
for re-election came after some speculation by members
of the community.
"I still have deep concerns and interests in the
community of Platte City," stated Offutt. "I'm
a lifelong resident of Platte City, a five generation
Platte Countian, a third generation politician and my
family has been actively involved in local government
over the last 70 years."
But for Offutt, those figures aren't the top reason he
decided to pursue his third term.
"As far as my specific interests to re-run for mayor,
I have a great interest in the quality of life in this
community because this is where I call home."
As to his past two terms in office, Offutt is pleased
with the numerous projects the city has spearheaded and
completed .
"I think the results are in the pudding," explained
Offutt. "We've seen three to four years of successful
projects in Platte City. For example, the completion of
the civic center, the newly constructed public works facilities,
the sewer treatment plant, Main Street renovations, our
street and alley improvements, the establishment of the
stormwater commission, as well as the recycling program."
Offutt continued that the major projects and improvements
in town won't cease if elected to another term.
"If you like what you've seen, there's more to come."
According to Offutt, one way this is true is through
the CIP (Capital Improvements Program) Plan, which was
approved by voters in August of 1998. The project, which
has seen the completion of three stages and is entering
into its fourth, focuses on some needed changes in Platte
City that were determined by the city, as well as by long-time
residents of the community.
"You have to take ownership in your city and this
mentality is what led us to develop the CIP Plan,"
explained Offutt. "We worked closely with long-time
residents of the community who helped put pieces together
as to why things were done a certain way before and where
we needed to go for the future.
"The CIP Plan is an overall benefit to the community.
Not only as taxpayers did they invest their money back
into their community, but the plan also encourages the
economic development of Platte City in the future."
With the implementation of the CIP Plan by the community
and city, the plan will help prepare Platte City for the
projected growth it will experience in the upcoming years.
"I believe Platte City will see a significant growth
over the next 20 years," stated Offutt. "The
people that will be moving in are going to make more of
an impact than we can begin to predict now. If we don't
plan for that growth or for the costs and the impact it
is going to make on our community, then the city will
be behind when the development does take place."
Along with the continued implementation of the CIP Plan
Phases, Offutt would like to focus on the renewal of downtown.
"I would like to see Main Street become an economic
and viable district," explained Offutt.
According to Offutt, he also stated a main topic currently
underway in the city will prove to be a long-term focus
for the community.
"The implementation of the storm water commission
will not only help us with current situations that pose
the city, but will take a look at areas currently not
annexed as Platte City, to shed some future views we may
need to consider for future development," stated
Offutt.
Besides seeking a third-term as mayor, Offutt currently
serves as district secretary for the Platte City Special
Road District and has served on the road district since
1995. He has worked in Platte City since 1991, and is
a Platte County R-3 High School graduate. He holds a bachelor
of science degree from Northwest Missouri State University
in Maryville.
According to Offutt, while there may be many traits that
comprise an ideal mayor of a city, there is one that he
believes has helped him lead the city over the past four
years and will come through again in the next two years
if elected.
"While I haven't found any one trait that makes
for an exemplary mayor, there is one consistent characteristic
and that's commitment."
For current alderman Dave Brooks, his position as a candidate
in the upcoming mayoral race is centered around the need
to get back to an old philosophy that he says has seemed
to diminish: Caring about people.
"I think I have a lot to offer the city," stated
Brooks. "My first concern is the people and how it
affects the people. We need to keep them in mind when
making decisions."
Brooks states that his goal as mayor will be, "to
provide communication not intimidation to the residents
of Platte City."
He added: "If elected, we will have an open door
policy at city hall. I see communication between the office
and the public the key to a successful administration,"
stated Brooks.
Brooks, who currently serves as alderman of Ward 1, has
had over 30 years of small town government experience.
He currently serves as a member of the public safety committee,
as well as the Platte City Area Development Association.
According to Brooks, one of the key characteristics that
makes him a successful candidate is his knowledge of finances
and upper management experience.
"I see being mayor of a city the same as being an
owner of a business. You have income, expenses and employees,"
explained Brooks. "I've been an owner of a business
and have been in senior management over the last 30-years
and I know that outside experience will help in the mayoral
position."
The caring about people philosophy around which Brooks
centers himself is expressed throughout his campaign agenda.
One of his first issues is the need to take care of the
current businesses in the community. "Our city's
growing, in fact it's one of the fastest growing counties
in Missouri and in the country, but I believe in constructive
growth," explained Brooks. "We need to keep
in mind the businesses that are already here in town and
that have been here for several years."
Brooks also stated that a main focus as mayor needs to
be the support of families who use the ball fields in
the community. According to Brooks, there are over 500
children that play over 200 games on the city's ball fields.
"The city needs to work with the parks board to
provide facilities for our families in the community,"
stated Brooks. "There's a need out there and we need
to provide for that."
He said he also recognizes the importance of the completion
of the Capital Improvement Program that is in progress,
but recognizes one problem that he says seems to be following
the projects.
"One concern of many citizens with the CIP Plan
is that the property that has been worked on isn't restored
back to the way it was before the program was started.
"If elected, my administration will concentrate on
those concerns and try to eliminate the conditions in
which the city has been known to leave property following
repairs."
Brooks stated he also intends to keep the issue of a tax
increase on the back burner as much as possible.
"I will always work very hard not to raise taxes,
but at the same time there is no way the city, the mayor
or the city administrator can guarantee that there won't
be a tax increase," said Brooks.
Brooks, along with his wife Mary Ann, have resided in
downtown Platte City for 24 years, and own two other properties
within the community.
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