Marion County Ballot Features Major Road Proposal, School Races and Uncontested Seats

MARION COUNTY — Voters across Marion County will face a wide-ranging ballot in the April 7 General Municipal Election, with key decisions on transportation funding, local leadership and school board representation — along with a number of candidates who will take
office without opposition.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at multiple locations across the county, including sites in Hannibal, Palmyra, Monroe City and surrounding rural precincts.
At the county level, voters will consider a proposed homestead property tax credit that would limit tax increases on primary residences beyond a set base year.
One of the most significant issues on the ballot is Proposition 61, which would establish the Hannibal Expressway Transportation Development District. The proposal includes upgrades along the U.S. Highway 61 corridor and the potential construction of a new expressway west of
Hannibal. If approved, the district could impose a one-half cent sales tax for up to 25 years to fund the project.
Voters will also decide on a $15 million revenue bond issue for Marion County Public Water Supply District No. 1, aimed at expanding and improving the district’s water system.
Several school board races are contested. In the Monroe City R-I School District, four candidates — Jennifer Hinds, John E. Long, Mechele Ogle and Tyler Mudd — are seeking three seats. In the Marion County R-II District, Mike Lauber, Wesley Joe Tuley, Jason (Reed) Plunkett and
Jennifer Corey are competing for three openings.
The Lewis County C-I School District also features a contested race with five candidates vying for three positions.
Municipal races will draw interest in several communities. In Monroe City, Ronnie Miller and Kenneth L. Pryor are running for mayor, while a contested race for Ward II alderman pits Michael Schneider against Don Giltner.
Voters there will also decide Proposition No. 1, which would allow the city to appoint a chief of police rather than elect the position.
In Palmyra, the only contested race is in the Second Ward, where Clay O. Thornburg faces Terry Robertson for a council seat.
Hannibal voters will see uncontested council races in the Fifth and Sixth wards, along with Proposition R, which asks voters to approve a $1.90 monthly recycling fee for three years to support citywide recycling services.
In addition, the R-4 Fire Protection District race features David Keith and Kent Richmond competing for a six-year term.

Uncontested races also appear across the county. Zach James is the lone candidate for Monroe City marshal, while Kevin O’Bryan is unopposed for Ward I alderman. In Palmyra, Kelly Walotka (First Ward) and Eddie Kamm (Third Ward) are unopposed for council seats.
Hannibal’s Michael Fleetwood (Fifth Ward) and Nathan Munger (Sixth Ward) are also running without opposition.
Several additional offices will not appear on the ballot at all due to a lack of contested races.
Under Missouri law, those candidates will automatically assume office. They include Charles Webster for the Maple Lawn Nursing Home Board; Stacey L. Graves, Dennis Michael Westbrook and Charles E. Huston Jr. for the Hannibal 60 School Board; Jeff Weaver, Doug Meyers and Leisa Hinkle for the Palmyra R-I School Board; Hermann Henry Spilker for Shelby County Public Water Supply District No. 1; Brian J. Fowler and Elizabeth Marie Frankenbach for the Marion County Ambulance District; Connie Thurman for the Monroe City Ambulance District; Kelly Crook and Travis Cunningham for Marion County Public Water Supply District
No. 1; Donnie Hays for the Monroe City Area Fire Protection District; and Aaron Ball and Joseph Strode for Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Ralls County.
With major infrastructure proposals, competitive school and city races, and a number of uncontested offices already decided, the April 7 election will shape leadership and development across Marion County for years to come