Martin Hopes to Bring Common Sense to the Bench

Stephen Martin, the former prosecuting attorney for the City of Kansas City, said he has a long list, as well as 25 years of experience, which make him the right candidate for the position as municipal judge in the City of .

He has served as an attorney representing police and sheriff’s departments in various municipalities, and he has a clear understanding of both the political and judicial system. His experience as an attorney spans the gamut, including government contracts, real estate law, eminent domain, land use and zoning, along with state, and local and municipal law.

He has never run for political office, but was prompted to run because he felt there was a need to make a change for the city, Martin said.

Martin has been married for 32 years to Carolyn Martin. The couple has two adult children and have been residents of since 1987.

By day, he operates his own private law firm dealing with legal matters including traffic tickets and disruptive neighbors. His specialty, he said, is business, real estate and homeowners association matters.

Prior to starting his own firm, he was a partner at Barklage, Brett, Martin, Wibbenmeyer & Hamill, P.C. Prior to that, he served as County Counselor for St. Charles County and County Counselor for Clay County. In the past, he worked as a law clerk for a Circuit Court Judge of Jackson County and a law clerk for a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District.

He is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Martin received a bachelor’s of arts degree in English Literature with honors from University of Missouri.

Martin has relentlessly gone going door-to-door, helped by his wife and other family members and friends. He has gotten good feedback on what residents want in the city’s court system, he said.

“I believe people should be treated fairly, with respect—the way I’d like to be treated. I think even the victim should be able to speak with the judge. Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing and should have their voice heard,” Martin said. “I think there’s a problem with the current court in Wentzville, and I can do a better job.”

As an attorney, he sees a broad variety of issues, far more than would be seen in a municipal court, he said. He was proud to say he has always done business with a common sense approach.

“I think I can listen to people and judge their credibility before making a decision,” Martin said. “Since going door-to-door, I’m impressed at how voters are trying to make a confident, deliberate decision, and I urge them to look at my credentials before voting. Wentzville needs a better court, and Wentzville is ready for a change.”