The only contested board of alderman race in Platte City this year turned out to be a close one.
Amber Brune and Ken Graham ran for the Ward Three seat, with Graham earning 87 votes -- 51 percent -- to Brune’s 83 votes -- 48 percent. Vickie Atkins was uncontested in Ward One, Scott Poague was uncontested for a two-year seat in Ward Two and Jesse Bennett was uncontested for a one-year unexpired term in Ward Two.
The City of Platte City also had four questions on the ballot, all of which passed. The results are published on Page 6.
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 is 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.