Perryville mayor candidate profiles

Debbie Gahan

Age: 59

Spouse: John W. Gahan

Children: Stepchildren Michael, 50; Jack, 49; Patrick, 47 and Brigid Gahan Megee, 42. They attended school in various cities including Oklahoma City, Cleveland and Chicago.

Employment: Retired, part-time writer, columnist, artist and proofreader for The Republic-Monitor in Perryville.

Education: Drake University, BFA with teaching certificate, 1970; various certifications from the EPA, CDC and Southern Building Codes.

Memberships: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church member, choir member, nursing home volunteer and Sodality member; First ACT Community Theatre actor, board member, business manager and scholarship committee; Otahki Council of Girl Scouts nominating committee; Perryville Country Club past board member and secretary; Perryville Planning and Zoning Commission; Perryville Art Alliance; Perryville, St. Vincent and Saxony high school drama clubs volunteer in set construction; Relay for Life charter team member 1999-2007; St. Vincent Variety Show chorus member and emcee; Friends of the Library member and donor; American Legion Auxiliary; Seminary Picnic bingo worker; Ministerial Alliance concert choir, Adopt-A-Family donor and designer and CERT.

Reasons for running: When our previous mayor Bob Miget died there was a gigantic void left in the government of Perryville. I knew Bob and knew how and what he did for the city, and feel strongly that I can carry on his approach to making this city a true hometown for everyone. I have the support of his family. I have no personal agenda other than using my skills, my enthusiasm and my creativity to take advantage of every possibility to grow Perryville.

Experience: My background and training in environmental and public health, housing and building codes has helped familiarize me with the systems involved in operating a municipality, such as public works, employee relations, grants, zoning and codes enforcement. I've worked for other local governments — Des Moines, Iowa and Little Rock, Ark. — and bring that experience from both sides of the table to Perryville. My work as an outreach advocate for seniors in New York acquainted me with the needs of that growing demographic in Perryville. And I was cross-trained to do animal control while working in public health, so I am very familiar with that as well.

Main challenges: Our existing subdivision regulations are so restrictive that builders are "priced out" of building infrastructure within the city limits. The current board of aldermen is addressing this by revising the ordinance, but there still are hurdles to making residential development more viable. Our housing stock is aging, and many structures in some neighborhoods are in serious need of major repairs, especially the rental properties. We need to actively seek additional industry and commerce, and use groups such as the Mississippi River Hills Association to promote the businesses we have. We need to prepare ourselves for any emergency by expanding our CERT training.

Main assets: The people of Perryville are its greatest asset. There is never a need or an event or a charity that they don't rally behind and support. A lot of that has to do with the faith-based communities and the strong family ties. Other assets are our beautiful park system, soccer field and center, our schools and our many groups which offer support to anyone who needs it.

Communication: Well, it doesn't hurt that I work for the newspaper. And my involvement in a lot of organizations helps spread the word. But I also plan to have prayer breakfasts and town hall meetings if elected mayor of Perryville. I'm very approachable and am willing to listen, as well as discuss.

Van Naeger

Age: 42

Children: Danielle, 13; Andrew, 10; Gabriel, 9; Abigail, 7; all attend St. Vincent de Paul in Perryville.

Spouse: Janet

Occupation: Self-employed real estate investor

Education: St. Vincent High School/Army veteran

Memberships: Missouri Farm Bureau, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, St. Vincent de Paul Parish.

Reasons for running: I would like to see the city grow with new business and industry but still keep the small-town feel that I love so much about this town. I have four children I would like to see stay and raise their families here in Perryville so the more opportunities they have, the greater chance of them and other people's children staying and calling Perryville home. To accomplish this I will use all the authority and privileges of the office of mayor to do whatever possible to achieve these goals.

Experience: I started my adult life off by enlisting in the U.S. Army at age 17. As anyone who has served in the military will tell you, it's more than about training you for war, it trains you for life. The army taught me respect, honor, courage, decision-making under pressure and working with other people accomplishing tasks that seemed almost impossible. Shortly after being honorably discharged from my military service, I went to work as a corrections officer for the state of Missouri. The main job of a corrections office is custody, security and control of a prison institution, but also supervising people in all aspects of everyday life. I was the general manager of Respond First Aid Systems for six years and I have been a successful real estate investor for the past 10 years. But the most important is 18 years of marriage to my wife Julie and the everyday learning experience of raising four children.

Main challenges: Lack of new housing development is a weakness for the city. For a city to grow and prosper, you have to have new people move here and call Perryville home.

Main assets: The city of Perryville is certainly a very beautiful city. We have a major Interstate close to the center of town. The city has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the area. The Perry Park Center has been a big asset to the community. We have great schools, churches and civic organizations. I think the city of Perryville is a great town to live and raise a family.

Communication: I feel that it's important for the mayor to be accessible and approachable at all times. My name and number are in the phone book. If elected mayor, I will make it clear that anyone can call me to address any problems or concerns they have.

Jackie L. Patton

Age: 65

Children: Amanda R. Patton, 26; Melissa Patton-Boxdorfer, 39; both graduates of Perryville District 32.

Occupation: Retired

Education: Meadow Heights High School, Patton

Memberships: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Perryville

Reason for running: resident for 44 years in the city, to be involved with community growth, showing citizens working together for a safe economical way of living.

Main challenges: Notifying developers, industry leaders and organizations for greater expansion of housing for industries and families for relocating here in the city with all family assets for a safer and economical way of living.

Main assets: Small enough for good neighbors, large enough for a hospital, Perry Park Center, larger schools, police force, industrial centers for greater employment opportunities and greater population growth.

Communication: A friend and leader among all citizens, giving respectful, courteous attention to city business industrial leaders, all developing agencies.

Unavailable

Information for Marvin Ruehling and Mark Leuckel was unavailable.