Candidates for one open two-year term on the Perryville Board of Aldermen are incumbent Douglas K. Martin and Kate Martin.
DOUGLAS K. MARTIN
Doug Martin, 64, was born in Perryville and is married to his wife, Lisa. He is the owner of Martin Landscaping and the former co-owner of Petunia & Lilly’s Flower Shop. He is the incumbent Ward 2 alderman on the Perryville Board of Aldermen.
Asked why he was the best candidate, Mr. Martin said, “I am the best candidate because the city of Perryville has elected me alderman six consecutive times. The current board of aldermen chose me to be the chairman of the board. The recognition of your colleagues speaks volumes. From answering phone calls and emails, going to constituents’ homes to investigate their property concerns, and many conferences, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. I believe I have great interpersonal skills, and I am an honest communicator.
“The most pivotal decision I have been a part of was the decision regarding the Veterans’ Memorial. A group of veterans contacted the city looking for a location for their memorial. At that time, the Bob Miget Park was chosen as a possible site. After many meetings and discussions, it came time for a vote. At that time, we rejected that site due to its size and location. Not long after, the veterans were given the beautiful 46-acre field of dreams, where the current memorial now sits.”
“Regarding what changes, if any, he would make if elected, Martin said, “Although we are a productive, successful city council, there is always room for improvement. Areas that can continually require improvement and refinement are communication and transparency. Unfortunately, many of our citizens get their information from social media, and it’s usually not factual. As city council members, we should use social media to our advantage to inform our constituents of the truth. Because I have started three businesses and have been self-employed my entire life, I would like to strive to run the city more like a business. Efficiency is important.”
As to what he sees as the biggest need he hopes to address if elected, Martin said, “Housing, housing, housing. Perryville is growing by leaps and bounds and will continue to do so. The decisions we make concerning housing will impact, not only the growth of our city but also the hometown beauty we all enjoy. It is vital that we make these decisions carefully and always consider the future ramifications of those decisions.
KATE MARTIN
Kate Martin, 54, who is married to her husband, Joe, was born in St. Louis and is the communications director for Perry County School District 32. She has never sought elected office, but she was appointed by the Perry County Commission to represent Perry County on the Riverside Regional Library Board of Directors and was previously appointed by the Perryville Board of Aldermen to serve on the board of adjustments, both unpaid positions.
In answer to why she considers herself the best candidate, Mrs. Martin said, “Through my careers and volunteerism, I am connected to our community in many different ways. This gives me the opportunity to use those connections to help people solve problems or bring ideas to life. My work life keeps me connected with our schools and local service organizations and social agencies. I also love being an active, involved citizen and serving others. That describes so many of us who live here, doesn’t it? Perryville is an amazing, progressive community because of its people. I am continually inspired by the leadership and volunteerism of my neighbors and friends! I’ve volunteered with the American Red Cross, the Perry County Military History Museum, and the United Way. I served on the board of directors of Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial and chaired the grand opening committee. I was very involved in First ACT Community Theater, and we’re making a comeback this summer with a new show.
"I also deeply care for the people who work for the city. This connection comes through my husband Joe, who is a retired city police officer. I have seen the dedication of our city employees and appreciate their contributions to the high standard of living we enjoy as residents. We have clean streets, safe neighborhoods, and a multitude of beautiful parks to enjoy, and we don’t have to wonder if our trash will be picked up or if our drinking water is healthy. That doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the direct result of effective leadership and the hard work of hundreds of city employees. I would be proud to advocate for them.
“Working with others to make our community safer, healthier, and more enjoyable gives me great joy. I see serving on the board of alderman as another way to bring people together for the benefit of us all. I think my connectedness, passion for serving the community, and my ability to communicate effectively are skills that would serve the community well if I’m elected as alderman of Ward 2.”
Regarding what changes, if any, she would make if elected, Martin said, “A single alderman cannot change city ordinances or procedures without the consensus of the board. What I can do, if elected, is listen to residents who have concerns or who have experienced problems with city ordinances or services and bring those concerns to the attention of the full board or the appropriate city department. The first step is to be available to the people in my ward. I have published my home phone number, 573-517 3139, and established an email just for this purpose, KateForWard2@aol.com. I welcome any city resident to reach out if they have questions or concerns, and I will connect them with the people who can answer those questions or present their concerns to the full board.
As to what she sees as the biggest need she hopes to address if elected, Martin said, “One of the most pressing issues facing our community is the lack of affordable housing within the city limits. That’s a great problem to have in the sense that so many people want to work and live in our community because it’s welcoming, has great employment opportunities, and offers many amenities. However, the demand for housing has driven up the costs of homes and rentals, which can leave less household income for essentials like food and healthcare. When families have less disposable income, that impacts our local businesses — especially the small, locally-owned businesses that are the heart of Perryville. This also contributes to a growing population of unhoused people, which leads to more social issues within a community.
“Unfortunately, the March 14 tornado has brought this issue to the forefront, as those who have lost their homes are struggling to stay in Perryville as they begin rebuilding their lives. There just isn’t enough housing available. While I cannot address this problem on my own, I do have many years of experience working with local families who are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity and would like to lend that experience to the conversations that our city leaders are having about housing in Perryville.
