Board of Aldermen candidate Q&A

3/23/2023

Four candidates are on the ballot for Grain Valley's Board of Aldermen. Only one of the City’s three wards will have more than one candidate. In Ward I, incumbent Tom Cleaver will face former mayor Chuck Johnston in April. In Ward II, incumbent Darren Mills is running unopposed. In Ward III, Brian Bray is running for the seat currently held by alderman Shea Bass.
Each candidate responded to the following series of questions from Valley News. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, and other than minor spelling or grammatical corrections, the candidates' responses are provided as written.

Brian Bray, Ward III

What motivates you to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
Really just a desire to further serve my community. Having been a member, Vice President and President of the Park Board starting in 2018 I feel like I have had an impact on a small corner of our city. The trails system that is currently a large focus there is definitely something that can differentiate Grain Valley from some of our neighboring communities. However, I felt that it was time to move on to a larger role in city government and help guide the city in a broader manner moving forward.

What are the top 3 priorities for the City in the next five years? How will you work with the Mayor, Aldermen, and City staff to address these issues?
I feel like the top 3 priorities are all really connected with each other. Responsible and well managed growth being the driving issue. Around that comes infrastructure and funding to support that growth. While I welcome it, I believe that the growth is coming whether we like it or not. Getting in front of that growth and managing it responsibly is the key to our future success as a city.

When talking with constituents, what are the concerns you hear most often? What can the Board do to address these concerns?
I hear a lot about sidewalks and trails and the connectivity issue between north and south reaches of Grain Valley as well as the lack of park space north of I-70 but that may be due to my connection to the Park Board. This is something I have been and will continue to work on for the community of Grain Valley. Beyond that most of the people I have spoken with are excited about the new businesses and growth that is coming to town. QT, Starbucks and Culvers along with the other restaurant options on the North side have people pretty excited. They seem to be eager to get more options in the future perhaps some sit-down dining and shopping.
To keep this moving forward the board can ensure that the greenspace is allocated with new development north of I-70 for parks and trails. There are some areas where we need to go back and figure out how to get sidewalks in place. As far as the business growth we will need to stick to the plan that city and consulting firm are currently in the process of creating.
I will add here though, that it is not just the Board of Aldermen or it’s members that need to work to get this done. We need everyone to get involved. Come out to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Parks Master Plan workshops and let the board know what you expect or would like to see.

What should the City's priorities be in terms of economic development (attracting new businesses, housing, developing downtown, improving the environment for existing businesses, etc.)?
I think we are on the right track here. The new businesses that have come to town recently along with the blend of single family, multi-family and multi-unit housing are on track with what I would want to see. I think once the Comprehensive Plan is complete, we will be in a position to fine tune things and strike the most responsible plan for how we grow into the next 15-25 years.

Tom Cleaver, Ward I

What motivates you to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
I want to see our City prosper and continue to be a great place to raise a family.

What are the top 3 priorities for the City in the next five years? How will you work with the Mayor, Aldermen, and City staff to address these issues?
Revenue, city streets/sidewalks and new city facilities. City hall/ Community center. I will continue to work with and support the Mayor, Board and City staff to help retain business, bring in new business and support a good sound budget that address’s these issues.

When talking with constituents, what are the concerns you hear most often? What can the Board do to address these concerns?
Taxes, streets, more sit down restaurants. By continuing on the path we are on to attract new business and continue the budgeting for the street improvements.

What should the City's priorities be in terms of economic development (attracting new businesses, housing, developing downtown, improving the environment for existing businesses, etc.)?
We need retain our current businesses, attract new business, more affordable single family homes and improving our downtown.

Chuck Johnston, Ward I

What motivates you to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
I’m driven by the same thing that that has always driven me. My love for the city and the people of the city. I feel there’s a lot I can do in helping guide the city in the right direction. I think I’ve shown in the diversity of things I’ve done for the city over the years, my true commitment to it.

What are the top 3 priorities for the City in the next five years? How will you work with the Mayor, Aldermen, and City staff to address these issues?

This town has grown by leaps and bounds since I’ve lived in Grain Valley. While there have been a lot of changes, the biggest concerns have always been taxes, road, curb and sidewalk maintenance and the city just not listening to the people. It’s important that we focus on all three of those things for the betterment of the city.

When talking with constituents, what are the concerns you hear most often? What can the Board do to address these concerns?
You can hardly have a conversation where the railroad tracks are brought up. Unfortunately, I think everybody knows that that’s something that can’t be changed. This town was developed around the railroad tracks and it’s just a fact of life. On the things that actually something can be done about it's about addressing the needs of the people.
The existing board of aldermen was almost entirely in favor of the $60 million City Hall complex being built at the corner of Buckner, Tarsney and Sni-a-bar Road. That was overwhelmingly voted down. We need a better mindset of just with the citizens do you want and strive make that happen. All the men are elected to carry out the bill to people not to dictate what they want if it isn’t for the best interest of the people.

What should the City's priorities be in terms of economic development (attracting new businesses, housing, developing downtown, improving the environment for existing businesses, etc.)?
I think the city has done an excellent job in trying to focus on what citizens want. The downtown area needs developed into something that everyone can be proud of and provide some amenities so many citizens want. We have an excellent opportunity to turn it into a show place, and that’s what the city needs.

Darren Mills, Ward II

What motivates you to serve on the Board of Aldermen?
The residents motivate me. So many want change and improvements to the city but not all are comfortable being the "voice". From the Navy to now, I have always held a management type roll and have no problem being the "Voice" for Ward 2.

What are the top 3 priorities for the City in the next five years? How will you work with the Mayor, Aldermen, and City staff to address these issues?
First would be seeing that the plans for road improvements stays its course. I will work with the City and Board to make sure this stays in the budget until it is complete.
Second, I want to make sure we continue with the rebranding and the revitalization efforts of downtown. I personally want to attend as many of the workshops and help everyone involved to get the word out. I will be happy to assist anyway I can with City Staff and those on the committee.
Third, I would like to see our Police department back up and running full staff, everyone happy and get the VIPS program up and running full throttle again. I would ask the City and the other Aldermen to stand beside me on this. We need to make sure we always have enough money in the city budget for the correct equipment for the Officers and hire and maintain officers.

When talking with constituents, what are the concerns you hear most often? What can the Board do to address these concerns?
Usually its street conditions first and family style restaurant second. This has been ongoing the 2 years I have been in office. The Board of Aldermen are always aware of and we do our best to pass Resolutions and Ordinances that make since for the city to help with these.

What should the City's priorities be in terms of economic development (attracting new businesses, housing, developing downtown, improving the environment for existing businesses, etc.)?
I still want to see a new Community Center and City Hall. I hope we can come up with another plan and budget to present to the voters for approval. This will only help with the econimic development. I am looking forward to the completion of the new Police Station, which originally was part of the initial City development that was voted down in the past. We need the proper ratio of single family, multifamily type development along with staying on point with the revitalization of downtown. We need the Partnership/Commerce to visit existing business more and ask "what can we do for you?"

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