EDITOR:
It is unfortunate that Scott Fricker, candidate for presiding commissioner, has backed out of an opportunity to present his ideas to Platte County voters at the Town Hall Forum sponsored by the Parkville Living Center on Oct. 8. I would invite my opponent to reconsider his refusal to show up at this only event scheduled for the two of us to discuss the future of Platte County.
Republicans have chosen Mr. Fricker to be our presiding commissioner. Imagine a future in which he would be in charge of this county if he is even uncomfortable discussing important county issues with his Democratic opponent. This position requires transparency and accountability to our county residents. Fricker is not demonstrating what we need from our commission.
My campaign is not funded by any special interests or corporate donors. I don’t and won’t owe any favors to anyone. So the county’s needs will come first. Won’t that be a refreshing change?
For some time, Platte County politics strayed from equally representing all our citizens. This would have been an opportunity for Mr. Fricker, for both of us, to present our platforms and demonstrate a commitment to transparency in our government. Anytime Mr. Fricker is willing to make himself available for discussion, I offer my platform as an outline: funding public health and safety; support for our small businesses; transparency in our local government, and promoting diversity and inclusion among us.
--John DeFoor
Candidate for
Presiding CommissionerThe Landmark reached out to Scott Fricker to see if he had a response to the letter from his opponent. Fricker’s response is printed here:
EDITOR:
My opponent for Platte County Presiding Commissioner is determined to define me as a far-right extremist and an election-denying racist. But I refuse to participate in that and will continue to be positive and focused on the things that I bring to the table: my demonstrated track record of public service; my message of public safety and economic prosperity; and my work ethic and commitment to earning the trust of as many voters as possible.
Commissioner-appointed board seats and special committee positions offer those of us interested in public service an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the community. Since learning about these opportunities five years ago, I have served on three boards and one committee. I currently serve on the Industrial Development Authority Board (where we provide infrastructure financing to support future growth and development) and the Sewer District Board (where we provide critical infrastructure throughout the county). I’m also a past chair of the Board of Equalization (which mediates property valuation disputes) and the CARES Act Small Business Advisory Committee (which met every week for nearly a full year beginning in mid-2020 to provide financial relief to the local small business community).
And as the owner of a small real estate investment and property management business for the past 20+ years, I have the experience necessary to understand the county’s complex budgets, build alliances, and solve challenging problems.
My top priority for the county is to make sure that our law enforcement agents have the tools and resources they need to keep Platte County residents safe. Because without public safety, everything else that we care about falls apart, including good public schools, safe neighborhoods, and a vibrant economy. My commitment to this is evidenced by the fact that I have the endorsements and full support from Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen and Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.
Campaigning for public office is not just a social media campaign, it’s hard work. I knock on doors and install campaign signs almost daily, meeting hundreds of voters while discussing their concerns. I walk in parades, shaking hands and meeting families. And I attend public and political events on a regular basis, speaking whenever possible about what I think is important and what I’m hearing from the people I meet. I have attended many of the commission administrative and work sessions over the last nine months in order to educate myself on the issues facing the county. This work ethic has served me well in my professional life, is proving valuable in this campaign, and will help me to be an effective leader for Platte County.
I’m not sure that I could be more open about my vision for the county or be more available to speak with anyone who wants to talk about local issues. In fact, you can find me every Friday morning from 7:30-9 a.m. at Fitti’s Espresso (adjacent to LC’s Hamburgers in Platte Woods). Come on by and let’s talk. In the meantime, I’ll continue to stay focused on my positive message and to connect with as many voters as possible between now and the election.
--Scott Fricker
Candidate for
Presiding Commissioner