Robert Hussey: Candidate for Wentzville Alderman Ward 1

Name:  Robert Hussey

Age:  35                 

Family:  My wife Heather, daughters Victoria (17) & Isabella (1 month), and sons Nicholas (11) and John (7).

Education:  I have a Master’s Degree in Public Policy Administration with an emphasis in local government management from University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University.

Occupation: Realtor/Broker and owner of Expert Realty Co.

Previous elected offices:  None

Organizations:  Member of the Kiwanis Club of West Saint Charles County, the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, and Morning Star Church. I also coach my children’s baseball, basketball and soccer teams.    

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

1. What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Wentzville is the place I've chosen to raise my family and I want to make a difference in my community. I want to make sure it's the safest and most thriving area it can be, for both my family and yours.

2. What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Wentzville needs to aggressively pursue economic development. Therefore, I plan to work towards smart economic development that has a measureable impact for the taxpayer’s dollars that will bring quality jobs, support our first responders, grow our neighborhoods and provide more resources for our schools. This new development will then allow for a comprehensive plan to be laid out for lowering our property and sales taxes.

3. What's your favorite thing about Wentzville?

There is a great sense of community. As I walk around knocking on doors, it really warms my heart how many people have invited me in just to chat.

4. What is the biggest problem you see in Wentzville?

Taxes. Out of the 17 municipalities in St. Charles County area, the City of Wentzville has the fourth highest property tax rate. As a city manager, I was able to keep property tax rates at one of the lowest in the county.  Also, after reviewing my store receipts, I noticed that city residents are paying nearly 9 percent in sales tax. This is driving residents (and others) to spend their money (and tax dollars) elsewhere for large purchase items. 

5. What is your vision for Wentzville?

Wentzville has so much potential. I see growth. I see a future with more quality jobs, where taxes are lower and traffic is moved more efficiently (Hwy Z/Church St & Interstate 70) at rush hour. I see ballfields and playgrounds for our children play on. I see other cities modeling our local police and fire departments. I see homes on the empty lots in our subdivisions. I see the Old Town area bustling with business. This is what I see – a great future for the City of Wentzville.        

6. If an incumbent, why do you think you should retain your seat? If you are challenging an incumbent, what do you think qualifies you for the position more than the incumbent?

Experience. Before my career in real estate, I worked in city management and have several years of full-time local government experience. In addition, I also have a Master’s Degree in Public Policy Administration with an emphasis in Local Governmental Management. I believe this background will be a powerful asset for bringing economic development to the city of Wentzville.