Only one ward in the City of Platte City has a contested race this year – Ward Three.
Amber Brune and Ken Graham are running for the Ward Three seat. Vickie Atkins is uncontested in Ward One, Scott Poague is uncontested for a two-year seat in Ward Two and Jesse Bennett is uncontested for a one-year unexpired term in Ward Two.
The City of Platte City also has four questions on the ballot, with ballot language published on Page 4 of this issue.
BRUNE
Amber Brune, 32, is from Platte City. Married with two young children, she has a degree in nursing and experience as an ICU nurse. She is also a small business owner.
“I’m running for the Board of Aldermen because I believe our city’s leadership should reflect the people who live here,” Brune said. “Platte City is growing, and I want to ensure that all voices are represented as we make decisions for the future. Over the past year, I’ve attended many City Hall meetings and have seen too many empty seats — we need more input from citizens to shape the future of Platte City. I want Platte City to remain a place my children — and future generations — will be proud to call home.”
She said she is deeply connected to the community, having grown up in Platte City, attending local schools, and returning to raise her family in the city. Nursing has given her leadership skills, she said, and as a small business owner she understands the challenges local businesses face.
“I am committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and smart growth to keep our community thriving,” she said. “By collaborating with city leaders and residents, I will advocate for local businesses, improvements in infrastructure, and enhanced public safety. Platte City deserves accountable leadership, and I am ready to serve.”
She said while Platte City is rapidly growing, it is without a clear vision for the future.
“New development is happening quickly, sometimes without considering long-term impacts on our community and environment,” she said. “Economic diversity is also a concern, with an over-reliance on certain industries like warehouses. Additionally, low citizen involvement in city planning means decisions may not reflect the needs of residents. Thoughtful, sustainable growth planning is essential to ensure Platte City remains a thriving, well-balanced community for future generations.”
She said if elected she would push for a clear, long-term vision for Platte City’s growth that balances development with the needs of the community. Additionally, she would push for greater transparency and community involvement to give residents a stronger voice in city decisions.
GRAHAM
Ken Graham, 67, is originally from Maryville, Mo. Married, he has three adult children. An architect, he said he has been licensed in a dozen states and am currently licensed in Missouri and Kansas.
He lived in Liberty for 33 years, working to help the City of Liberty design public improvements for the historic Liberty Square and surrounding buildings.
He was recently appointed to the Platte City Board of Zoning Adjustment and was approached to run for alderman, he said, stating he has a passion for preservation and revitalization of the community.
Graham said his professional qualifications and experience make him a good choice for the board as it faces many upcoming infrastructure projects.
“Implementing current and future projects such as Platte City sewer improvements, widening of Highway 92 to four lanes east of Interstate 29, downtown Sustainable Places Grant and the revitalization of our historic downtown district, potential development of city owned 39 acres of property beginning at the south east quadrant of HH Highway and continuing south parallel with Interstate 29, parks and recreation master planning and subsequent improvements, decisions on solid waste and recycling operations and the overall continued growth of Platte City,” he said, are all issues facing the city. “I believe that planned preservation and growth of our Platte City community are very important, worthwhile efforts that can help our community grow stronger for the future.
“I believe I can be of assistance through my involvement with local government and input from businesses, organizations and citizen stakeholders within our community,” he said.