Sikeston Ward 2 voters to choose between Baker, Owens for council spot

SIKESTON, Mo. -- On Tuesday, Sikeston voters will take to the polls and elect a new city councilman for Ward 2.

Current Ward 2 Councilman Gerald Settles has reached his term limit and Charles "Vest" Baker and Pershard Owens will be vying for the position.

The following is a Q &A with each candidate.

Describe your background

BAKER: I was raised in New Madrid where I graduated first in my class from New Madrid County Central High School. After graduating from Mississippi State University with my bachelor's degree in General Business Administration, I pursued a career in agriculture and started my family back near my roots where I gained experience serving on the city council and park board. Now that we live in Sikeston, my family and I are as involved in our community as ever. My wife is a school counselor and my children attend Sikeston schools. I am very involved in school sports and youth coaching.

OWENS: My background starts with two hard-working parents. My dad, Percy Owens, is a police in Charleston and my mother, Rosemary, is a teacher. Coming from that background, I know what sacrifice and hard work looks like. I know what it is to put others before you and fight for what's right. I have three sisters and five brothers. I was always taught to treat the custodian the same way you treat the CEO. Meaning that regardless where a person comes from or how much money they have, you treat them with respect.

What do you think the biggest issue the council is likely to face during your term if elected?

BAKER: The current big issue the council will address is the struggles local people are facing with the increasing utility rates. I look forward to bringing my experience to the Sikeston City Council from my past council position in New Madrid, where we faced a very similar predicament. I'm planning to work together with, and not against, our local power source to assist the residents of our city in finding a way to maintain effective, cost efficient electricity.

OWENS: We have all lived through COVID and know that things can change at the drop of a dime, so I don't think there is one specific issue the council will face once I'm elected. However, I do feel that one issue some on the council will have is when they are finally being forced to justify and be held accountable for what they do and have done. I am for the people and they will definitely have to get used to having someone on there that isn't bought and paid for. Someone who isn't just going to go along with something because it's a favor to individuals with certain last names.

What issues do you think are the most important to Sikeston?

BAKER: Sustained growth is an important issue in Sikeston, as many small towns across our landscape are dying out. We have to continue to provide products, services, and opportunities locally to ensure this will not be a problem. Another important issue is that of partnering our community and our school system. I believe the school district and children are the lifeblood of our community. Transparency, communication and teamwork are essential in promoting our schools and attracting qualified professionals to our great city. Lastly, I would like to work with local officials to continue to improve upon public safety.

OWENS: The first issue, is this "Good Ole Boy" system we have. We need to get rid of anyone who is part of it. Next we need to look at economic growth. Why aren't businesses able to come and stay here? We need to find new ways to make Sikeston appealing to businesses. Not only for them to come here, but for people to want to work and stay in Sikeston. Next, with my dad being a police officer, I think we need to work on the relationship with the community and police. We have to have trust between both to help with decrease crime.

If elected, what are your goals?

BAKER: My goals can be easily summarized. To contribute to solving our above issues, I must be open and honest in communication and active problem-solving with all key players. These players include all of Sikeston's residents, our school system, our Department of Public Safety and our local business owners and workers. Having a strong, trusting relationship with everyone involved is essential to performing my duties on City Council. My goal is to be one of the many resources that our city can utilize to address needs, and a sounding board to assist in finding a solution to these needs.

OWENS: Once elected, one of my goals is to try and find a way to make sure the hike in peoples utilities doesn't happen again. One of the biggest things is to make sure there is more transparency between the council and the people. Too many things are done behind closed doors before meetings. Another goal is to get us on track to grow. Sikeston is behind and we need to fix that. We also need to make sure we get the community more involved to find out what they want to see done as well.

Why should the voters pick you?

BAKER: The main reason voters should pick me for this position is my experience and knowledge. I have previously faced a utility crisis in my time on the New Madrid City Council and was able to assist in making New Madrid's utility rates top in the state. I ran for this position because I would like to offer my aptitude in working with others and my ability to cooperate/problem solve that is essential to bring positive change. I believe I am the most dependable and trustworthy candidate for this position, and I look forward to the opportunity to prove this.

OWENS: Voters should elect me, because I am truly for the people. My campaign was formed after I realized I couldn't tell my students to be the change and step up to make change and I wasn't doing the same. I can't tell them to find their voice and speak up when something isn't right if I didn't do the same. I was not handpicked by a group of people who want their pick in to keep padding a select group of peoples' pockets. What you see is what you get with me. My opponent has done nothing but hide any chance he has gotten. He will not attend events where people can ask questions. Why wouldn't Charles Vest Baker want to meet face to face and answer questions from ALL voters? What questions is he running from? I want to unify Sikeston regardless what your last name is, or how much money you have? Why would anyone be against that? If you want Sikeston to start the healing process, you will elect me as the next councilman. Do I know everything, absolutely not, and will never claim to, but I will listen to all options and ask as many of my constituents their opinions before making decisions. It's time we give the people of Sikeston their voice back!