Candidates are listed in the order published by the City of Pleasant Hill, Missouri. The responses below are presented exactly as submitted and have not been edited or proofread by PHMOmag. (debate March 15)
John E.P. King, Don Donavan, Bernice (Bea Schirlls) Howe, Robert Gear
John E. P. King
How long have you lived in Pleasant Hill, and what originally brought you here?
We moved to Pleasant Hill in 2000. It was the desire of my wife and I to raise our children in a smaller community. Safer neighborhoods and the close knit feel of the smaller community were a large part of our decision.
What made you decide to run for this position right now?
I have been a government employee since 1987. Deciding to run for council in 2016, then continuing to serve as mayor, it has been my continued desire to see the fruition of the work that has been on going. I decided to seek re-election so that I can continue to work we have accomplished- updated parks, improving infrastructure, and seeing the community develop and grow without sacrificing the values we hold dear.
Have you served on any boards, commissions, or volunteer groups in town? If so, which ones and what did you accomplish?
I was involved in school clubs such as youth sports, NOTEables and the Booster Club.
What abilities do you have that you feel will benefit Pleasant Hill in this position?
I have worked in government since 1987. After serving in the US Navy I spent the last 34 years as a firefighter. Everything I know is government service. Working up the ranks I am now an Assistant Chief. My experiences in leadership are built on one principle- someone else is always on the bleeding end of your decisions. We must make good decisions that keep in mind that we all must live the consequences (good or bad) of those decisions. My education is in Public Service Administration with a minor in political science. I believe that my 25+ years as a resident, my lifetime of service to government, my leadership experience, and my education in Administration are all vital to being mayor.
What concerns you most about where Pleasant Hill is headed? If you are not concerned, tell us why you think Pleasant Hill is on the right track.
The region is seeing massive building of high-density multi-family and apartment housing at eh taxpayers expense. Developers continue to want to build neighborhoods without developing infrastructure (they want the taxpayers to foot the bill), and corporations / foreign investors are buying up homes in Pleasant Hill and the area. We must protect our neighborhoods from these investors, make those who profit from development pay their fair share of costs in developing neighborhoods, and protect the community from losing those values that mean so much to where we call home. We can have economic development to been sure our community has the basic commodities and goods/services without leaving town. this doe snot mean we have to sell our identity to be a Lees Summit, Raymore, or Blue Springs. Growth should never come at the expense of our values. That should be our fundamental concern.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working or volunteering?
Simply put FAMILY. When I am not doing work at city hall or the fire station I focus on family. Whether it is spending time with my wife of nearly 30 years or doing things with my kids and their families, I cannot find a more fulfilling journey than growing a family. We are growing from 1 to 3 grandkids this year. Being PopPop is everything I thought being a grandpa would be and more. Additionally, I am an amateur craftsman in woodworking. I build furniture and toys from wood as a hobby. I build things for family and look forward to teaching my grandkids these skills like my own dad taught me and my kids.
What more do you want people to know about you?
I hate the term politician and honestly, politics is the thing I hate most. I am just a son, husband, father, grandfather, and a man. I am not perfect and I make mistakes. We all live and we learn. I understand how taxes impact families. We were pretty poor when we first got married and had kids, and I understand how it feels when it difficult to make ends meet. My first consideration in decisions is always how it will impact my neighbors. I think the thing most people who know will tell you is that- we may not agree, we may not see things the same way, and our politics can be polar opposites, but I truly believe that you can disagree and respect each other’s position. I am always willing to listen, and even if my decision isn’t what you wanted, you had the opportunity to be heard and that mattered. At the end of the day i will always decide in favor of what is best for the common good of the community. Faith, family, and community will always be my priority.
Don Donovan
How long have you lived in Pleasant Hill, and what originally brought you here?
My wife and I moved to Pleasant Hill with our 9-month-old child in October 2004 when I took a job with my family’s business, Santa Fe Glass.
What made you decide to run for this position right now?
Having served on the City Council previously, I know what good leadership looks like — and I know when we can do better. After attending meetings and seeing how decisions are made — and sometimes not discussed — I realized I couldn’t just stay in the audience any longer. I care too much about the direction of our city to stay on the sidelines.
Have you served on any boards, commissions, or volunteer groups in town? If so, which ones and what did you accomplish?
I have been involved in numerous not-for-profits and organizations. I am also a former City Council member where I prided myself on independent thinking and holding city government accountable. I am a founding member of the Pleasant Hill Theatrical Guild, where we grew community theatre to reach hundreds of people per show. As President of Downtown Pleasant Hill, Inc., we brought back the Big Creek BBQ competition to the fairgrounds.
What abilities do you have that you feel will benefit Pleasant Hill in this position?
In my professional career, I’ve led teams, managed resources, and made decisions that require accountability and long-term thinking. Along with my prior City Council experience, that gives me both the operational knowledge and leadership ability to guide Pleasant Hill through challenging times.
What concerns you most about where Pleasant Hill is headed? If you are not concerned, tell us why you think Pleasant Hill is on the right track.
I believe Pleasant Hill has tremendous potential, but we are at a financial crossroads. If we continue down our current path of deficit spending, we risk putting unnecessary strain on taxpayers and future councils. With strong leadership, careful budgeting, and transparency, we can correct course and position our city for long-term stability.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working or volunteering?
Volunteering is what I do for fun. This past weekend I was working backstage crew for our show choirs even though my kids have already graduated a couple years ago.
What more do you want people to know about you?
Before moving to Pleasant Hill I worked at a legal services organization taking care of their accounting and managing their budget and grants. I feel this experience has been helpful to the organizations I have been a part of since and will benefit the City of Pleasant Hill if I am elected Mayor.
Bernice (Bea Schirlls) Howe
How long have you lived in Pleasant Hill, and what originally brought you here?
My family moved here in 1969 I moved back here 2020
What made you decide to run for this position right now?
This town saved me and my family from the evil that Kansas city was.when my mother moved us here I finally felt safe and this place became my town that I love.
Have you served on any boards, commissions, or volunteer groups in town? If so, which ones and what did you accomplish?
I worked for city hall in the 70 s from 74 to 78 I worked under Jim Bell and Ruthie Redford and sandy bettie .They were glorious mentors they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. they showed me how strong I really was and made me understand that with hard work is all you have to do.
What abilities do you have that you feel will benefit Pleasant Hill in this position?
For one I’m retired I have the time and like I said I love this town
What concerns you most about where Pleasant Hill is headed? If you are not concerned, tell us why you think Pleasant Hill is on the right track.
It’s been said for every.We need some thing for the younger people to do if there is a way to fix up the old price chopper into a movie theater and bowling alley and arcade or something
What do you do for fun when you’re not working or volunteering?
I compose music and play guitar and I like to fish.I enjoy good company and good joke
What more do you want people to know about you?
I grew up in this town I graduated in 77 year the tornado that was my senior year also I’m a retired operating engineer local 101 I’m also a veteran of the Missouri national guard I was a military police I also had my daughter on the bathroom floor at 1404 Baltimore in 1982 and the house that me and my dad built and my brothers after the tornado in 77.
Robert Gear
How long have you lived in Pleasant Hill, and what originally brought you here?
I moved to Pleasant Hill in 2019. I was looking for a place that felt like a true hometown – safe, welcoming, and family focused. Pleasant Hill checked those boxes.
What made you decide to run for this position right now?
I’ve ran for Council in the past, so this isn’t my first time with a willingness to serve the community. I decided to run for Mayor because I think Pleasant Hill is at a turning point. We can keep doing things the way they’ve always been done, or we can be open to fresh ideas and real solutions. We’re underutilizing technology in ways that could be saving the community money, and with my business background, I believe I can help Pleasant Hill modernize, be more efficient, and reach its goals.
Have you served on any boards, commissions, or volunteer groups in town? If so, which ones and what did you accomplish?
I’ve served on boards for startup companies and investor groups, and I currently hold a seat with Missouri Central Credit Union in Lee’s Summit where I’m helping guide the team through their first successful merger and acquisition. My wife serves on the design committee for the Pleasant Hill Historic District and while I joke that I’m the “plus-one”, I’m usually part of the labor department.
What abilities do you have that you feel will benefit Pleasant Hill in this position?
“In my current work role, a lot of skills would translate seamlessly.
Operational Management being the biggest.
Budgeting and Financial Oversight including long term financial planning while identifying wastes or inefficiencies.
Strategic Planning especially around infrastructure and economic development plans. Leadership and Team Building while building morale and culture.
Process Improvement and efficiency stating with a better use of technology.
Data driven decision making, using evidence-based decisions while being transparent in reporting to citizens.
In short, I would bring structure, accountability, efficiency and strategic execution.”
What concerns you most about where Pleasant Hill is headed? If you are not concerned, tell us why you think Pleasant Hill is on the right track.
I’m most concerned about making sure Pleasant Hill stays financially strong and open with its residents. My goal is to gather local leaders and city staff to focus on responsible growth, create new opportunities, and continue improving on the progress that’s already been made.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working or volunteering?
My last name fits this question perfectly. I’ve always been passionate about everything automotive related. I currently race Top Dragster in NHRA and recently built 2 Jr dragsters for my oldest 2 daughters to being racing as well.
What more do you want people to know about you?
When I’m passionate about something including our community, I give it my all. I am a loving husband to my wife Amanda, and I have 3 beautiful daughter’s named Kendall (10), Kylie (9), and Olivia (1).