1. State the elected office you are seeking.

Ward 2 City Council – Lexington, Missouri 2. Give us a background of your family, your education and your history in the area.

Lexington has been home my entire life. My wife, Lori (Cretzmeyer) Stratton, and I have been married 39 years, and we’ve both lived here all our lives. We have three children and four grandchildren, and much of our family still lives right here in Lexington — two of our children, my mother, and two sisters.

I attended Lexington Schools and graduated from Lexington High School. I’m in my 29th year with the U.S. Postal Service, and I’ve worked the last 22 years in Lexington, serving neighbors every day and staying connected to what matters most in our community.

3. State your reasons for running for this office.

I’m running to serve the citizens of Ward 2 — to listen, to be accessible, and to be a strong voice for residents at City Hall. I want people to feel confident that their concerns are heard and that decisions are made with the public.

I believe Lexington deserves practical leadership, honest communication, and a city government that’s transparent and accountable to the people it serves.

4. State your qualifications for this office.

I’ve spent decades serving Lexington through community leadership and volunteer work:

• Lexington Hospital Board —serving for over 10 years

• Lexington Park Board — currently serving

• President, Lexington Little League Baseball & Softball

• Coached youth sports for decades: 20 years football, 25 years baseball/ softball

• Worked chain crew for Lexington High School football for over 30 years These roles have taught me teamwork, responsibility, budgeting, and the importance of doing what’s right for the community.

5. What are your priorities and goals for the city of Lexington?

My priorities are: 1) Transparency & Accountability Residents deserve open government — clear information, fewer surprises, and better communication between Administration, Council, and the public.

2) Responsible Economic Development We need smart, communityfocused growth — supporting local business, strengthening our tax base, and keeping Lexington a great place to live and raise a family.

3) Balanced Budgets & Cutting Waste Taxpayer dollars must be protected. I support balanced budgets, careful oversight, and eliminating wasteful spending while maintaining essential services.

4) Stronger Community Partnerships Lexington moves forward when we work together—residents, schools, youth programs, civic organizations, and local businesses. I want to build partnerships that deliver real results.