Two sitting councilors in Scott City face challengers

In the Scott City City Council race, incumbents in Wards 2 and 3 face new challengers.

Meanwhile, officeholders in Wards 1 and 4 are uncontested, keeping Mike Ellison (Ward 1) and Randy Morse in their current positions.

In the election Tuesday, Ward 2 incumbent Pat Brazel is facing Jonathan Rasnic. In Ward 3, incumbent Ron Cummins faces Bobby Bollinger II.

Brazel, 68, has served on the city council for three years. Brazel, a retired BNSF railroad engineer, said he believes he is good for the council based on his decision-making ability.

A large project Brazel faced is the city's reconstruction of its wastewater treatment plant. He said while the project is required by state law, it is important to keep costs as low as possible for residents.

Jonathan Rasnic

"As a councilman, we are responsible to ensure our money is spent wisely to benefit the community as a whole, not just a few," Brazel said.

Rasnic, 25, is the youngest candidate in the race, but said his experience working for the city makes him a good choice for councilman.

"I worked for the city part time from 2007 until December, so I have a good idea of the way the city operates," he said.

Rasnic works at Marmic Fire & Safety Inc. as a fire and suppression system technician.

"By getting elected onto council, I would want to help things run more smoothly in council meetings," Rasnic said.

Ron Cummins

In Ward 3, Cummins, 50, has served in his position for about 12 years.

"I'm familiar with projects the city has scheduled, am dedicated to the people to help keep costs down on these projects as much as possible, [and] I would like to see new things introduced to our town to keep our children involved," Cummins said.

Cummins owns Cummins Pool Professional, a pool repair business.

He said he believes utility costs and wastewater projects are a major issue facing Scott City and wants to keep those costs as low as possible.

"As a councilman, we are responsible to ensure the money [for future projects] is spent wisely for things that will benefit the community and improve the existing facilities within the city," he said.

Bobby Bollinger II

Bollinger, 43, said he hopes to keep Scott City a beautiful place to live.

"Scott City is a wonderful place to live and raise children," Bollinger said. "The most important issue facing us is to ensure that Scott City remains a wonderful place for years to come, by having the appropriate infrastructure for our children and our children's children."

Bollinger also said public safety is another important issue in Scott City. Being a training coordinator for Southeast Missouri State University's Law Enforcement Academy, he said he believes his career could be beneficial for "a representative with a strong public safety background to help navigate these uncertain times."

smaue@semissourian.com

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