JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Derek Thomas is a Ward 3 resident running for Jefferson City Council. Thomas' campaign focuses on respect for local residents and city employees, improving infrastructure and parks and recreation programs, and increasing economic development. Thoma s serves on the Jefferson City Airport Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Chamber of Commerce Government and Transportation Committees. Thomas worked in marketing, retail and sales before retiring. Thomas volunteers at the annual Show Me State Air Show and is a transport driver for rescued dogs in Mid-Missouri. Thomas will be running against Erica Choinka. Marie Moyer: Why are you running? And what are your qualifications? Derek Thomas: I'm running for Jefferson City Council because I want to bring a can-do attitude to the city council. We need to start respecting our tax dollars, we need to start respecting our residents and our fellow city staff and council. My qualifications: I have been in a leadership position nationally and internationally with marketing and sales teams, so I want to bring my problem-solving skills to the city council.  Moyer: And what improvements do you think are necessary for Jefferson City's infrastructure?  Thomas: As I have been canvassing our neighborhoods over the last several weeks, I am resoundingly hearing about our roads and sidewalks that need to be either repaired or even installed.  On top of that, we also have issues with the High Street viaduct and the tri-level expressway over 50, 63, 54. All of those issues need to be addressed. Moyer: And I'm sorry you said that either you noticed it or that you've been hearing it from people who live here? Thomas: Well, it's hard not to notice it yourself, but it's been interesting that when we surveyed the neighborhood,  they all talked about economic development, et cetera, and roads were way down. But as I was going door to door and continue to do so, what I'm hearing a lot about is roads.  Moyer: And how will Jefferson City address the affordable housing? Thomas: We need to get together, work as a team and as I say, develop a can-do attitude. I have met with Jefferson City realtors, I've met with builders, I've met with developers,  and there are roadblocks that we need to figure out how to get out of the way.  We need attainable housing across all levels.  Moyer: Could you maybe share some of those roadblocks, like in some examples?  Thomas: Well, I'm hearing about inspection difficulties. I'm hearing about delays in getting plans approved. I'm hearing about where we do and do not have sewage lines installed and other related issues.  Moyer: And how should the city government trim its budget to pay for increasing health insurance costs?  Thomas: I'm not sure that that's necessary. I think it's too soon to say. We have opportunities to possibly pool with other similar cities. We have opportunities to explore other insurance providers.  So, there needs to be a lot more exploration. And also, as best I can tell right now, the budget's just fine.  Moyer: And what are your thoughts on the conference center project? Thomas: I am a huge fan of the conference center in concept. In need, it's definitely there. It will definitely get used.  I am cautious from the standpoint of making sure that our taxpayers aren't left holding the bag. Moyer: And I mean, I kind of like that phrasing, could you go more into that?  Thomas: Sure, Sure. We have a parking issue. We have a hotel issue. We have a conference space issue, conference space that's available in the city right now is is lacking, to be polite.  So we need to fulfill all of those things. I know that there are associations and groups wanting to come to the city,  so we need to accommodate that.  We're $40 million shy on financing right now. So that needs to be found. And again, I'm just concerned that our taxpayers don't get hung out on that expense.  Moyer: Is there anything else that you would like to add?  It could be about your campaign, it could be about other things. Thomas: Well, I would say that experience matters.  I have been to all the city council meetings over the last couple of years or watch them on YouTube.  I've been attending City council committee meetings. I'm a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Government Affairs and Transportation Committees. So I feel like when I am elected in, I will be ready to go day one. Plus, I have the time. It's it's a full-time, part-time job. And I've got the time to fulfill that. The post Interview with Derek Thomas, candidate for Jefferson City Council Ward 3 appeared first on ABC17NEWS. ...read more read less