Here Are the Write-Ins Running for Willard Alderman

…with a little information about each

Updates: As I mentioned below at the time of publication, this may not be an exhaustive list. If I become aware of other write-in candidates, I’ll update the article with their names and information. — updated 3/31/23 at 12:21 p.m.to include Troy Smith for Ward 1 and updated 4/4/23 at 4:21 a.m. with updated information about Rahela Petian.

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Tuesday, April 4th, the names of write-in candidates will not appear on the ballot. Please be sure of the correct spelling of your preferred candidate’s name, and to also verify which ward you live in before voting. A ward map can be found here.

Polls on election day are open from 6:00AM – 7:00PM. Willard’s polling location is the Willard Community Center at 222 W Jackson St.

Ward 1 - Troy Smith

“I currently live on Jackson Street in the old Willard Hotel. My wife and her family are lifelong Willard residents. My daughter currently attends Willard Middle School and my step-kids attended and graduated from the Willard School District.

I spent almost 24 years in law enforcement and retired from Springfield, Mo. Police Department where I held multiple positions including the supervisor of Community Oriented Policing Unit, Special Response Team Leader as well as the Narcotics Unit attached to the D.E.A. I possess Bachelor Degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Drury University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Missouri State University.

After leaving law enforcement I became a real estate agent with a large national brokerage for 5 years. I then set out on my own and opened my own brokerage which has been thriving and growing for the last 5 years. Being a small business owner has taught me many lessons about the relationship between business owners and local, state and federal governments.

Upon learning of vacant Alderman seats I became concerned about the direction of our town, and that only a small number of people would be making decisions for the many. After all, it’s hard to have a representative government without representatives! I believe in accountability at every level, especially for those that are supposed to be leading and getting results, and just so you know, the one comment I hate is “well, we’ve always done it that way”. I can be reached any time at 417-413-8400.

-Troy Smith”

Ward 1 - Donna Garber Stewart

“Seven years ago, I posted here that I would like to be a write-in candidate for Ward 1 Alderman, there was an empty ticket at the time. After being blessed with 9 certified votes, I served 3 terms!

In that time I learned much about where we have been as a city, where we need to go, and how our town values play into the big picture. I made friends and even upset a few. Since leaving my seat last April, city hall has lost a large number of department heads, rumors have been spread of misconduct, and the board and mayor have failed to cooperate in order to fill a vacant alderman seat. (Said alderman needed to vacate the seat before the term was complete).

I would like to return to the board and find out exactly what has been going on. I will work to solve the new issues that seem to have developed in recent months. I want to see calm, rational days again at city hall.

If you’d like to meet me, I’ll be at Jen Rowe’s event Monday the 20th. OR you can always give me a call.

If I miss it. I WILL call you back. 417-493-9894”

Ward 2 - David Keene

I’ve heard that David is sometimes affectionately known as “the manly face of the farmer’s market.”

“My name is David Keene and I would like to introduce myself as a Write-In candidate for Ward 2 Alderman for the City of Willard.

My wife Vanessa and I fell in love with Willard while visiting some friends in this area about 7 years ago and decided this is where we wanted to make our home when I retired. In April 2021 we purchased a home here in Willard and started our new life.

The last 15 years of my career I worked for the County of Kern. The first few years were with the General Services Division which oversaw maintaining all the buildings, new construction and communication towers throughout the entire county. We had to deal with budget constraints and bring needed repairs before the Board of Supervisors (equivalent to Alderman) for approval.

Later I was able to transfer to the Probation Department where I oversaw maintenance for a 120-bed juvenile detention facility. This position afforded me more opportunities to work with writing my own budgets and presenting them to leadership for approval.

I want to help keep Willard the wonderful town we fell in love with and feel that my experience working for the County of Kern will help with my ability to provide that service.

Please remember when you vote on April 4 to write -in David Keene in as Alderman for Ward 2.

Thank You”

Ward 3 - Rahela Petian

Rahela Petian’s Facebook campaign page can be found by searching “Rahela Petian for Ward 3 Willard City Council.”

You may ask, what’s so important about local voting or local city offices? EVERYTHING. You live here. I live here. Our current & next generation depends on strong solid people who care about our community, about our children, about our local businesses, & about Willard.

Some of you may know me from running last year for 2022 Alderman, some of you may know me from being an active mother of 5 babies whom are all involved in sports & clubs in the Willard schools, & some of you may know me more recently on a personal level from Bill’s Service Center; but whether we have met in person or not, my heart will always be for community, family, faith, & good solid growth for our town. It’s beautiful, it’s full of history & wonderful families that I fully support! I’m excited to be able to partner with each one of you, as this year I am running as a WRITE IN for Ward 3.

Some of you asked me how to spell my name & the easiest way to remember is : Ra-“hey”-la {with no ‘y’} & last name the word “Pet” & name “Ian” Rahela Petian 🤗🎉 Wishing everyone a BLESSED 2023!!

Ward 3 - Scott Swatosh

“Hello, my name is Scott Swatosh.

Willard has been my home since 2016. I have really enjoyed this community. The friendly atmosphere and the joy of such giving people. Through our HOA I have worked with current alderman and have always been intrigued by the Willard City government.

Willard posted an article needing an alderman for ward 3. I decided to seek election as a write in candidate. I feel I could add to this position and I’m willing to serve to the best of my ability. I believe I have a good feel for the issues facing the residents in Fox Creek and Willard in general.

If I could ask for your write in vote on April 04, 2023 I would be so blessed to serve you all. Please write in Scott Swatosh

Thank You”

Other candidates

Though I’ve heard rumors of other write-in candidates, none have yet provided me with anything definitive. If they do, I’ll pass their names and information along.