Poplar Bluff City Council Ward II develops into contested race

Poplar Bluff Ward 2 voters have three candidates to choose from Tuesday.

David Boyer, Mack Campbell and Marty Paskel are each seeking the seat currently held by Jerrica Fox, who has decided not to run for re-election. Campbell did not return requests for an interview.

Candidates were asked the same series of questions and their information is shared in ballot order.

Candidates were also asked their opinion of a proposition that would impose a city-wide sales tax of 3% on retail sales of adult-use marijuana within the city limits.

Boyer

Age: 74

Occupation: Retired forest service worker

Education: Associate’s degree in forest technology from where Sierra College and bachelor’s degree in natural resources management California Polytechnic State University

Current Affiliations: None

Boyer hopes to earn a spot on the city council to connect more with the local community.

Retired from the forest service, Boyer aspires to, “make some positive difference and make sure that what’s going on with the city government is related to the citizens in town.”

He wants to cultivate broader participation from residents in attending or viewing city council meetings. Boyer has ample experience serving on city boards, from the Building Standards Board, Historical Preservation Commission, Friends of the Margaret Harwell Art Museum, Rogers Theatre board and the Poplar Bluff History Museum Board.

“I like to get things done,” he affirmed. “I loved projects in my job in the forest service.”

Boyer said he sees many great things about the city but also some areas that need cleaning up through enforcing existing code legislation. He also stated he would prioritize public safety.

“We see it falling apart all over the country. We don’t want that to happen here,” Boyer emphasized.

While he said the council is a good deliberative body, he hopes to empower decision-making at lower levels. Boyer recalled some of his favorite projects have been when individual departments were empowered to collaborate for a common goal.

He said one of the largest challenges facing the city was the availability of good jobs. Boyer speculated many residents were willing to go to work for competitive wages. He foresees the arrival of the interstate in Poplar Bluff as a potential stimulant for local jobs.

Regarding the 3% city sales tax on marijuana on the ballot this year, Boyer stated he did not have a problem with it. However, he asserted the revenue generated from the prospective measure must go to necessities like the fire department and police first over, “something oddball that the city council wanted.”

Lastly, Boyer highlighted his desire to make good decisions for the benefit of Poplar Bluff.

Paskel

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and retired Air Force

Education: Associate’s in fire science and business management from the Air Force Community College

Current Affiliations: None

Marty Paskel is seeking a spot on the city council for a fourth time because, “Priorities need to be addressed.”

Paskel is looking to leverage the experience he gained from working for the government in various capacities. He retired from the Air Force and went on to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also has a background in fire rescue.

Paskel emphasized his practical approach to solving complex problems. While he has goals of his own, he acknowledged the need to collaborate and work as a coalition with the six other members of the city council. For past actions of the council, Paskel felt priorities needed to be addressed.

Referencing the failed Use Tax measures, he criticized proposals that would have used revenues for matters other than the police and fire departments.

“We still need more firemen and policemen,” Paskel asserted.

He perceives the coming growth of Poplar Bluff as a challenge to be handled carefully. While Paskel is excited about the expansion of the north and west sides of town, he is concerned the South and east sides will be left behind.

He would be representing Ward 2, but he hopes to take a holistic approach to the city’s wellbeing. Paskel emphasized the need to protect the neighborhoods on the east and south sides and help businesses grow in those communities. He is excited about the renovations occurring Downtown but wants to see more entrepreneurs move in and revamp the space.

For the proposed city 3% marijuana tax, Paskel said, “If it can be regulated properly, I don’t have a problem with it.”

His main concern is how the money would be collected and spent. Paskel wants to ensure money collected in Poplar Bluff stays in the city and is put to good use. He concluded by committing to honesty.

“I’m an honest guy,” he affirmed. “I’m not going to be swayed just because somebody is my buddy.”

Paskel explained he has been tested several times in his life and will continue to stick to his values.