April 5th Election Candidate Profiles: Camdenton Alderman & Mid-County Fire Trustee

On Tuesday, April 5, locals will go to the polls to elect officials to serve in a wide range of offices — from school boards to fire districts to city mayors and aldermen. LakeExpo.com spoke with candidates from many of the contested races around the Lake...

View sample ballots: CAMDEN -- MILLER -- MORGAN

Spring Elections: Who's On The Ballot In Mayoral, School Board, Fire District Races

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — Voters will head to the ballot box on Tuesday, April 5 to elect a …

CITY OF CAMDENTON

Camdenton Ward II Alderman - Two-Year Term - One Position Open

SANDY GENTRY

Years in City: 36 years

Education: Leadership and accounting

Occupation: Camdenton Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant.

Previous political experience: Camdenton City council member

Family: Ron with two children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Why are you running for alderman? The city has just completed a comprehensive plan and I want to be a part of seeing it fulfilled. It was great to see the all the city employees and businesses unite together to move the city forward with this comprehensive plan. I see a lot of growth coming and I want to continue to serve the residents of Ward II and I will continue to be available for them to come to me with their questions and concerns.

Camdenton Ward II Alderman - Two-Year Term - One Position Open

BRENDA WEIR

Years in City: 39 years

Education: Graduate from Camdenton R-III School District

Occupation: Department Manager at a local retailer

Previous political experience: Camden County Assessor’s Office for 28 years

Family: Married with two children

Why are you running for alderman? I am running to serve the citizens of Camdenton. To follow through with the Destination Camdenton Plan. There are some great ideas that will make the city even better. I would also like to ask voters to vote no on the sales tax issue. A no vote will ensure that this will provide money for the city.

Mid-County Fire Protection District Trustee - Six-Year Term - Two Positions Open

GARY CUENDET

Years in district: 36 years

Education: Joe Herndon Technical College, Missouri Association of Pupil Transportation Training, 24 years.

Occupation: Transportation Director for the Camdenton RIII School District for 24 years.

Previous political experience: MCFPD board member/secretary/assistant chairman, all together for 12 years, National Wild Turkey Federation and Kids Harbor board member.

Family: Married to Susan for 34 years with two children and five grandchildren.

Why are you running for a board position? I want to see our taxpayers have the safest and best fire prevention district in the state of Missouri and I want to take care of our firefighters in the areas of safety, equipment and income.

David Edwards - Candidate for Mid-County Fire Trustee

Mid-County Fire Protection District Trustee - Six-Year Term - Two Positions Open

DAVID W. EDWARDS

Years in district: Entire life.

Education: Fire Service, Law Enforcement and EMS training over the past 40 years. Too many different trainings to list them all.

Occupation: Law Enforcement

Previous political experience: I have served on the MCFPD board before and I currently serve on the Republican Central Committee.

Family: Married with four children and nine grandchildren.

Why are you running for a board position? I have always served the citizens of the county and this is another way to serve them. I have always been open and honest even when they didn't want to hear the truth.

Mid-County Fire Protection District Trustee - Six-Year Term - Two Positions Open

WILLIAM “BILL” CASSIDY

Years in Camdenton: 3 years

Education: Rockwood Community Education Class; University of Missouri, Columbia; Forest Park Community College; National Fire Academy; Missouri Division of Fire Safety; and firefighter for Ballwin Fire Protection District for 15 years.

Occupation: Retired after nine successful years owning and operating Osage Beach Bait & Tackle in Osage Beach.

Previous Political Experience: Helping Ballwin Fire Protection District with three successful bond issues.

Family: Married to wife, Olivia, for 41 years with four children, one of which is a second generation firefighter, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Why are you running for a board position? I am seeking a board position on behalf of the community I live in. I believe my experience in the fire service gives me a unique prospective and insight into the workings of a well-run and successful fire department. With my experience, I believe I can help the MCFPD move forward in a positive direction to fulfill the growing needs of the district.