Council At-Large
I grew up in St. Joseph and founded my own company here that has employed our citizens for over 23 years. I studied pre-professional health and emphasized my education in rehabilitation science and technology with the founding of my company as an Assistive Technology Specialist. And as a businessman and professional, I know results and progress come from teamwork and building consensus. I will bring this same business-minded approach to City Council. I know we must create good-paying jobs that help retain future generations. I will bring a businessman’s perspective to City Council and make the tough decisions to move St. Joseph forward while being mindful of your tax dollars.
Boards
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Our Candidate Summary
Socially Conservative
Fiscal Moderate
These assessments are based on the answers or lack of answers supplied by the candidates. Kenton’s responses indicate a socially conservative and fiscally moderate position.
Kenton on the Issues
Strengths/Assets to Be City Council Member
I will bring a business perspective to St. Joseph City Council. I want to make St. Joseph beautiful and improve our infrastructure. I’m an enthusiastic advocate for growth in St. Joseph, and an optimistic leader with innovative ideas. I am willing to invest the time and efforts necessary to make St Joseph a better place to live, work and thrive.
Do you support competition in Buchanan County’s healthcare?
We would need to address issues in our community first, which in turn would promote healthy competition that would strengthen our community as a whole.
How do you feel the mask mandate went in St. Joseph?
It did not go as planned due to individual decisions, and it wasn’t scientifically proven to be effective.
Do you support policies that would permit males and females to share the same public restrooms, locker rooms, and showers, based on their self-identified gender instead of their natural born gender?
No as I believe that creates a safety threat for women.
If faced with a budget deficit, would you support or oppose cutting spending rather than increasing taxes?
However, I’m only in favor of cutting spending for those things that will not have a long-term impact on necessary items such as infrastructure.
If the council were given $1M to use to fund projects in St. Joseph, what would you fund?
Items that would have a long-term benefit to our community such as infrastructure, beautification, etc.
Priorities for using the 2022 America Rescue Plan Act monies coming to the city.
Long term beautification, safety, reduce crime, and encourage business growth. I will need to see the rules and regulations, as they are updated.
Do you believe in equity (equal outcome) or equality (equal opportunity)?
There’s nothing holding us back from achieving equal opportunity, as it’s based on individual decisions.
How does St. Joseph compare to Kansas City? What lessons can each city learn from each other?
It’s not necessary to compare ourselves to Kansas City as we are a much smaller community. We would benefit from focusing on other communities that are comparable in size and succeeding and growing. Focus on creating a niche to capitalize on.
Are there circumstances where the city council can restrict the church from assembling? If so, under which circumstances?
No, that is violating ethical and personal rights.