Cassville City Council candidates answer top questions
1. Please provide a brief bio about yourself/your family.
Jon Horner: Cassville is my home. I grew up in Cassville, graduating from CHS in 1981. For almost all of my adult life I have lived and worked in Cassville. My wife, Darla, is a teacher for the Exeter School District. Our son, Chase, is a recent graduate of CHS and is a Freshman at Crowder College in Cassville. Our daughter, Madison, is a Junior at CHS.
Ann Hennigan: I am a grandma of three, mother of five, wife to my best friend and adopted child of Cassville. I grew up on a fishing resort on a small lake near a small town in Wisconsin. We worked hard, fished often and enjoyed the fishermen and our guests. When I left home, I spent several years in customer service. In the 90’s I took a factory job to secure insurance for my family. I worked my way up to Quality Assurance Manager. Later, I learned production control, bookkeeping & payroll. That led to handling finances for million dollar establishments. Dreading another cold winter prompted us to find our new hometown in 2006. The natural beauty of the area and good school system made it a no-brainer for us to choose Cassville. Most weekends, you can find me working in my gardens or treasure hunting in antique stores and flea markets.
Jan Anthony: I was born and raised in Cassville and my parents Russell and Rubye Moore ran MOORE’S ECONOMY STORE on the square for years. I met my husband in Denver where I worked as a Supervisor for First Denver Mortgage Co. My husband joined the Navy and we were stationed in San Diego where I was a Property Supervisor for a large property management co. My duties were supervising managers, ass’t managers, maintenance personnel and overseeing budgets and procedures for the co. After getting divorced, my daughter and I move back to Cassville, “HOME” to stay. My daughter Jordanna is a counselor at Cassville High School. Her husband Kerry (D.J.) is from this area and works in the accounting division for a large company in Springfield. I have 2 wonderful little granddaughters 2 and 4 years old.
Cindy Carr: I was born and raised in Barry County for most of my life. I have three beautiful children, Aaron 25, Abby 22, and Caroline 17. I have worked in real estate in Cassville for most of the last 20 years. I like to spend time with my children, Watch movies, go to the lake, just being outside in general. I am getting ready to be an “empty Nester.”
• Please provide a brief history of your community service involvement.
Jon Horner: When I was growing up in Cassville, my parents always talked about the importance of supporting the community, whether it’s through your church, the chamber, school, etc. Because of this, I have made community service a priority ever since I started working in Cassville in 1987. It has been a pleasure to serve as president of the Cassville Chamber of Commerce in 1993 and 1999 and the Cassville Industrial Development Corporation in 2007. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to serve on the boards of South Barry County Hospital and the Cassville United Methodist Church. Currently I am president of the Cassville Rotary Club, president of Barry County 911, serve on the Cassville Board of Education, and Crowder College Foundation Board. I also served as a coach for the Cassville Softball and Cassville Youth Soccer leagues for several years.
Ann Hennigan: Community service is a funny thing. Sometimes, you don’t realize your involvement until you are asked to reflect on it. United Way, Relay for Life, Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer for many civic & school events over the years have become an unrealized part of who I am. What I have realized is that commitment to a single endeavor produces superior results; I’d rather do a great job at one thing than a mediocre job at many. When I entered public service as Office Manager at the 911 Center in 2010, I felt a renewed desire to make a positive impact on my community. In January 2012, I was appointed as North Ward Alderman and I ran unopposed in the last election. So far, I have committed 1/3 of my Cassville life as a steward for the citizens of Cassville. I have served as Mayor Pro Tem since August 2013.
Jan Anthony: My community service involvement at this time is City Council. I don’t believe a long list of community services is what this is about, as you can spread yourself so thin that you are not doing a good job on any of the organizations in which you are involved. I felt compelled to run for City Council as I think a diverse group is better than being all the same. There is something to be said for “brain storming” and how is that to be done if everyone thinks the same?
Cindy Carr: No comment provided.
• Why did you choose to run for City Council?
Jon Horner: With the passage of the transportation tax last April, the City has a great opportunity to put together a plan of action to address our street and infrastructure needs. I decided it was time to be a part of the solutions for Cassville’s future. I want to bring common sense approach to the issues and opportunities in our great community. It is my desire that results of efforts will cause people to look back in 10 or 20 years and say, “The Cassville City Council put together a plan of action that made Cassville better. People and businesses want to call Cassville their home because the City took a pro-active approach to its issues and turned them into opportunities.”
Ann Hennigan: My interest in Cassville City government began in 2011, during the widely contested water and sewer rate increase. I began attending council meetings to see firsthand how the city was handling my tax dollars. In January 2012, a vacancy on council prompted me to pursue the seat. Making decisions for a City and her residents during a down economy is not an easy task, but it has been rewarding. Last year’s 6% sales tax revenue increase, passage of the transportation tax and final payment of the aquatic center bond have enabled the city to begin moving forward, but funds must be disbursed cautiously and strategically. Over the past three years, I have endorsed a conservative spending plan and I believe that my voice will continue to provide vigilant management of city funds while moving improvement projects forward for the city, without overlooking the needs of the north ward.
Jan Anthony: I am running for a second term which if elected again will give me even a more in depth understanding of what is needed to serve on City Council. I like to be involved in decisions being made concerning ALL of us in Cassville. I feel my ideas are valuable not only to the Council, but the citizens of Cassville as well. Dedication to the job is a big factor and blending ideas with others for a positive outcome for Cassville is what I bring to the table. Re-electing me will be a plus for you because I am one of you. I am not self-serving but I give of myself to our town and want only the best for all of us.
Cindy Carr: I chose to run for city council to show my appreciation for a town that has been wonderful to me. My children are all grown up now, and I can take time and try to give back to the community that has given me so much.
• What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing the city presently? How would you propose to deal with those challenges?
Jon Horner: Our biggest challenges are streets/ infrastructure and jobs. We must have improvements in these areas in order to improve the quality of life for our residents and attract new businesses. In turn, this will make a positive impression for those looking at Cassville to call their home. The passage of the transportation sales tax provides the City with a golden opportunity to effectively address these issues. The key is to spend the tax money wisely and effectively. I want to be a part of smart plan of action to improve Cassville. Regarding job creation, this objective is tied directly to improving streets and infrastructure. However, we need to also be actively recruiting prospective businesses to Cassville. It’s kind of like fishing, if you go fishing one day a year, you won’t reel in many lunker trout. You have to fish everyday to know where the fish are and what lures are working.
Ann Hennigan: Job creation & economic growth are a huge challenge for Cassville. We have empty manufacturing buildings and empty retail storefronts. With fiber optics becoming available as early as summer of 2016, the potential to entice a call center is a possibility for Cassville. Combining forces with the Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Committee and the County Commission to define available resources, actively seek out businesses and by introducing a standardize guide for prospective clients we may generate interest to bring business and jobs to Cassville.
Infrastructure. Storm water inadequacies, repair and replacement of water & sewer lines and resurfacing 68 miles of streets in a way that is most beneficial to the city will prove to be a monumental demonstration of organization. The projects should be done in unison, but the available funds for each piece of a street’s puzzle differ since these projects are funded through three separate mechanisms.
Jan Anthony: Nearly every day there are new challenges facing the city of Cassville. For instance we needed many of our streets repaired. You understood this and voted for a transportation tax. This combined with budgeted money will eventually get our streets up to par. But the most important challenge we as a city face is getting YOU the citizens involved in the decisions being made. HOW? Email us, come to our meetings, stay informed as to what is going on. Don’t leave decisions for YOUR town up to 5 people. We need to work together to make Cassville work for us ALL!
Cindy Carr: I would say that some of the biggest challenges that Cassville faces right now are the lack of local employment, the infrastructure and plans for future development.
In order to fix these problems, At this time I am unsure as to what I should do. But I am very willing to listen , learn and give my time to make Cassville a better place for future families.
• What do you think the role or philosophy of a city council member is?
Jon Horner: A city council member must be a good steward of the tax payer’s money. Secondly, you must be responsive to the needs of residents and business owners in our great town. Third, you need to have a vision and plan for what Cassville needs in order to grow and prosper in the future. I want Cassville to grow so that young men and women will have job opportunities and raise their families here.
Ann Hennigan: An alderman is one voice without individual authority. Only the board as a whole can make decisions for our community. Once majority rules, it is an alderman’s responsibility to embrace the decision and to formulate the best solutions for our citizens. An alderman needs to remember that while we think as individuals, we represent the people. It is every alderman’s responsibility to keep an open mind, be educated and fully understand city business and to always consider the needs our residents. We need to make decisions to improve our community without negatively impacting the livelihood of the families and individuals that call our city home. An alderman must remember that every tax, every bond & every decision affects the bottom dollar of our families. We can never assume that a modest increase won’t affect a family that is just barely making it.
Jan Anthony: A city council member needs to be informed! That is really the MOST important factor in representing you the people. There are people running for city council this election who have NEVER even been to a meeting. Does that make sense to you? Another reason for me being on City Council is to serve you and meet the challenges head on with your concerns in mind! In closing, if you live in the southward, please come out April 7th and vote for me, JAN ANTHONY. I not only want your vote but I need your vote so I can continue to represent “us” on “our” city council!
Cindy Carr: Cassville City Council member should be someone who cares about the town, is willing to listen to subjective viewpoints, and willing to put forth the effort to make positive changes for the entire community.
Jon Horner: Cassville is my home. I grew up in Cassville, graduating from CHS in 1981. For almost all of my adult life I have lived and worked in Cassville. My wife, Darla, is a teacher for the Exeter School District. Our son, Chase, is a recent graduate of CHS and is a Freshman at Crowder College in Cassville. Our daughter, Madison, is a Junior at CHS.
Ann Hennigan: I am a grandma of three, mother of five, wife to my best friend and adopted child of Cassville. I grew up on a fishing resort on a small lake near a small town in Wisconsin. We worked hard, fished often and enjoyed the fishermen and our guests. When I left home, I spent several years in customer service. In the 90’s I took a factory job to secure insurance for my family. I worked my way up to Quality Assurance Manager. Later, I learned production control, bookkeeping & payroll. That led to handling finances for million dollar establishments. Dreading another cold winter prompted us to find our new hometown in 2006. The natural beauty of the area and good school system made it a no-brainer for us to choose Cassville. Most weekends, you can find me working in my gardens or treasure hunting in antique stores and flea markets.
Jan Anthony: I was born and raised in Cassville and my parents Russell and Rubye Moore ran MOORE’S ECONOMY STORE on the square for years. I met my husband in Denver where I worked as a Supervisor for First Denver Mortgage Co. My husband joined the Navy and we were stationed in San Diego where I was a Property Supervisor for a large property management co. My duties were supervising managers, ass’t managers, maintenance personnel and overseeing budgets and procedures for the co. After getting divorced, my daughter and I move back to Cassville, “HOME” to stay. My daughter Jordanna is a counselor at Cassville High School. Her husband Kerry (D.J.) is from this area and works in the accounting division for a large company in Springfield. I have 2 wonderful little granddaughters 2 and 4 years old.
Cindy Carr: I was born and raised in Barry County for most of my life. I have three beautiful children, Aaron 25, Abby 22, and Caroline 17. I have worked in real estate in Cassville for most of the last 20 years. I like to spend time with my children, Watch movies, go to the lake, just being outside in general. I am getting ready to be an “empty Nester.”
• Please provide a brief history of your community service involvement.
Jon Horner: When I was growing up in Cassville, my parents always talked about the importance of supporting the community, whether it’s through your church, the chamber, school, etc. Because of this, I have made community service a priority ever since I started working in Cassville in 1987. It has been a pleasure to serve as president of the Cassville Chamber of Commerce in 1993 and 1999 and the Cassville Industrial Development Corporation in 2007. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to serve on the boards of South Barry County Hospital and the Cassville United Methodist Church. Currently I am president of the Cassville Rotary Club, president of Barry County 911, serve on the Cassville Board of Education, and Crowder College Foundation Board. I also served as a coach for the Cassville Softball and Cassville Youth Soccer leagues for several years.
Ann Hennigan: Community service is a funny thing. Sometimes, you don’t realize your involvement until you are asked to reflect on it. United Way, Relay for Life, Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer for many civic & school events over the years have become an unrealized part of who I am. What I have realized is that commitment to a single endeavor produces superior results; I’d rather do a great job at one thing than a mediocre job at many. When I entered public service as Office Manager at the 911 Center in 2010, I felt a renewed desire to make a positive impact on my community. In January 2012, I was appointed as North Ward Alderman and I ran unopposed in the last election. So far, I have committed 1/3 of my Cassville life as a steward for the citizens of Cassville. I have served as Mayor Pro Tem since August 2013.
Jan Anthony: My community service involvement at this time is City Council. I don’t believe a long list of community services is what this is about, as you can spread yourself so thin that you are not doing a good job on any of the organizations in which you are involved. I felt compelled to run for City Council as I think a diverse group is better than being all the same. There is something to be said for “brain storming” and how is that to be done if everyone thinks the same?
Cindy Carr: No comment provided.
• Why did you choose to run for City Council?
Jon Horner: With the passage of the transportation tax last April, the City has a great opportunity to put together a plan of action to address our street and infrastructure needs. I decided it was time to be a part of the solutions for Cassville’s future. I want to bring common sense approach to the issues and opportunities in our great community. It is my desire that results of efforts will cause people to look back in 10 or 20 years and say, “The Cassville City Council put together a plan of action that made Cassville better. People and businesses want to call Cassville their home because the City took a pro-active approach to its issues and turned them into opportunities.”
Ann Hennigan: My interest in Cassville City government began in 2011, during the widely contested water and sewer rate increase. I began attending council meetings to see firsthand how the city was handling my tax dollars. In January 2012, a vacancy on council prompted me to pursue the seat. Making decisions for a City and her residents during a down economy is not an easy task, but it has been rewarding. Last year’s 6% sales tax revenue increase, passage of the transportation tax and final payment of the aquatic center bond have enabled the city to begin moving forward, but funds must be disbursed cautiously and strategically. Over the past three years, I have endorsed a conservative spending plan and I believe that my voice will continue to provide vigilant management of city funds while moving improvement projects forward for the city, without overlooking the needs of the north ward.
Jan Anthony: I am running for a second term which if elected again will give me even a more in depth understanding of what is needed to serve on City Council. I like to be involved in decisions being made concerning ALL of us in Cassville. I feel my ideas are valuable not only to the Council, but the citizens of Cassville as well. Dedication to the job is a big factor and blending ideas with others for a positive outcome for Cassville is what I bring to the table. Re-electing me will be a plus for you because I am one of you. I am not self-serving but I give of myself to our town and want only the best for all of us.
Cindy Carr: I chose to run for city council to show my appreciation for a town that has been wonderful to me. My children are all grown up now, and I can take time and try to give back to the community that has given me so much.
• What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing the city presently? How would you propose to deal with those challenges?
Jon Horner: Our biggest challenges are streets/ infrastructure and jobs. We must have improvements in these areas in order to improve the quality of life for our residents and attract new businesses. In turn, this will make a positive impression for those looking at Cassville to call their home. The passage of the transportation sales tax provides the City with a golden opportunity to effectively address these issues. The key is to spend the tax money wisely and effectively. I want to be a part of smart plan of action to improve Cassville. Regarding job creation, this objective is tied directly to improving streets and infrastructure. However, we need to also be actively recruiting prospective businesses to Cassville. It’s kind of like fishing, if you go fishing one day a year, you won’t reel in many lunker trout. You have to fish everyday to know where the fish are and what lures are working.
Ann Hennigan: Job creation & economic growth are a huge challenge for Cassville. We have empty manufacturing buildings and empty retail storefronts. With fiber optics becoming available as early as summer of 2016, the potential to entice a call center is a possibility for Cassville. Combining forces with the Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Committee and the County Commission to define available resources, actively seek out businesses and by introducing a standardize guide for prospective clients we may generate interest to bring business and jobs to Cassville.
Infrastructure. Storm water inadequacies, repair and replacement of water & sewer lines and resurfacing 68 miles of streets in a way that is most beneficial to the city will prove to be a monumental demonstration of organization. The projects should be done in unison, but the available funds for each piece of a street’s puzzle differ since these projects are funded through three separate mechanisms.
Jan Anthony: Nearly every day there are new challenges facing the city of Cassville. For instance we needed many of our streets repaired. You understood this and voted for a transportation tax. This combined with budgeted money will eventually get our streets up to par. But the most important challenge we as a city face is getting YOU the citizens involved in the decisions being made. HOW? Email us, come to our meetings, stay informed as to what is going on. Don’t leave decisions for YOUR town up to 5 people. We need to work together to make Cassville work for us ALL!
Cindy Carr: I would say that some of the biggest challenges that Cassville faces right now are the lack of local employment, the infrastructure and plans for future development.
In order to fix these problems, At this time I am unsure as to what I should do. But I am very willing to listen , learn and give my time to make Cassville a better place for future families.
• What do you think the role or philosophy of a city council member is?
Jon Horner: A city council member must be a good steward of the tax payer’s money. Secondly, you must be responsive to the needs of residents and business owners in our great town. Third, you need to have a vision and plan for what Cassville needs in order to grow and prosper in the future. I want Cassville to grow so that young men and women will have job opportunities and raise their families here.
Ann Hennigan: An alderman is one voice without individual authority. Only the board as a whole can make decisions for our community. Once majority rules, it is an alderman’s responsibility to embrace the decision and to formulate the best solutions for our citizens. An alderman needs to remember that while we think as individuals, we represent the people. It is every alderman’s responsibility to keep an open mind, be educated and fully understand city business and to always consider the needs our residents. We need to make decisions to improve our community without negatively impacting the livelihood of the families and individuals that call our city home. An alderman must remember that every tax, every bond & every decision affects the bottom dollar of our families. We can never assume that a modest increase won’t affect a family that is just barely making it.
Jan Anthony: A city council member needs to be informed! That is really the MOST important factor in representing you the people. There are people running for city council this election who have NEVER even been to a meeting. Does that make sense to you? Another reason for me being on City Council is to serve you and meet the challenges head on with your concerns in mind! In closing, if you live in the southward, please come out April 7th and vote for me, JAN ANTHONY. I not only want your vote but I need your vote so I can continue to represent “us” on “our” city council!
Cindy Carr: Cassville City Council member should be someone who cares about the town, is willing to listen to subjective viewpoints, and willing to put forth the effort to make positive changes for the entire community.