Meet Mayor Ken!
Deep Springfield Roots
I was blessed with a hardworking family that cemented my work ethic early in life as I helped my dad in his appliance store in downtown Springfield. That early experience was the foundation of my love of this community.
Lifetime Of Service
I am proud of our city, and I am proud of the opportunities I have had to contribute. I have also had many professional opportunities that have enriched and informed me, including serving as Chief of Staff to then-Governor Matt Blunt, as Associate General Manager-Administration for City Utilities of Springfield, as Deputy Director-Administration of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and as Associate Vice President and later Vice President for Administrative and Information Services with Missouri State University.
In April 2015, I was elected to serve as a member of the Springfield City Council and selected by my peers to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. In 2017 and again in 2019 and 2021, the citizens of Springfield entrusted me with the privilege of serving as Mayor.
Proven Leadership
My primary motivation in seeking what will be my final term is fighting and reducing crime. To make meaningful long-term progress on this goal, we must have a fully-staffed, well-trained police department. That is my top priority and vital to stopping crime. We’ve taken some steps in that direction like strategic investments in technology, approving retention pay and retirement policy changes, but there is much more work to do. Achievements over the past several years we can continue to build on:
- Retention pay for police and fire
- Ensuring long-term sustained funding for public safety capital needs like police vehicle replacement and much-needed new fire stations
- The Springfield area’s economic growth is trending above the state and nation
- Balanced budget and strong financial position – revenue trend is up over the last 12 months by nearly 16% compared to budget
Issues
PUBLIC SAFETY
Ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods and our city continues to be a top priority. That’s why I am proud to stand with our brave law enforcement community to crack down on violence, property crimes, and drug abuse.
I am also proud to stand alongside our firefighters and first responders, to ensure they have the support, resources, and training they need to keep Springfield’s families and businesses safe.
FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY
The pandemic and global economic downturn proved the importance of remaining fiscally responsible and enacting commonsense policies to keep our community in a sound financial position. It is critically important to me to be a good steward of your taxpayer dollars and ensure the city spends those proceeds on your priorities.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Our strong local economy put us in a good position heading into 2023. We are growing much faster than the average communities in Missouri and throughout the nation. However, the global economic challenges, including inflation, present significant challenges for Springfield.
We must continue to work together to support local small businesses. We count on them for family-supporting jobs, and for the vitality that gives Springfield our own unique identity. As Mayor, I will continue to work with Council to ensure our agenda and city resources are focused on getting us back on track for a full economic recovery that benefits all our citizens.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION
We have incredible education resources in this community that are working hard to develop the leaders of our future. I believe that quality jobs are the keys to success, and access to training and education are the elements that pave the way.
Our coordinated efforts with K-12 and higher education are building the talent pipeline we must have to meet the needs of employers while giving people the tools and training they need to have access to better jobs.
I will continue to ensure we are doing all we can to facilitate growth in our working population so that local businesses can work to grow quality jobs.
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Working together, I believe Springfield should be the strongest transportation hub in the region. This takes planning and engagement at the state and federal levels. We are already on our way to this goal. I will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to get this done.
We must continue to listen and be accountable and transparent in our “completed as promised” transportation and capital improvement programs.
Donate
Corporate contributions are prohibited. LLC/Partnership donations may be permissible if not taxed as a corporation.
If you would like to send your donation by mail, please make checks payable to:
Citizens for Ken McClure
1000 W. Sunshine
Springfield, MO 65807
Paid for by Citizens for Ken McClure - Gordon Elliott, Treasurer
