A FOUR-YEAR TERM AWAITS THE WINNER
There’s a contested mayoral race on the ballot in Platte City on Tuesday, April 7, featuring incumbent Steve Hoeger and challenger Amber Brune.
For the first time, the mayor’s position is a four-year term. Up until now the position has been on a two-year cycle, but that changed with recent voter approval of the question.
Hoeger was first elected in 2024 over then-mayor Tony Paolillo. Paolillo had dropped his candidacy in the closing days of the race but his name still appeared on the ballot. Hoeger won with 309 votes to 203 for Paolillo, 60% to 40%.
STEVE HOEGER
Hoeger has been married for 32 years to his wife Holly. They met while both working at Heartland Hospital in St. Joseph. Holly currently works as a licensed realtor and executive assistant for a real estate and auction company in Platte County. They have lived in Platte City for 24 years.
They have two grown daughters Ali Hurt (Tyler), 32, 2012 graduate of Platte County, the parents of a 3-year-old daughter. Second daughter, Katie, 28, class of 2016, is mom to a second grader and 16 month-old-son.
“Platte City is more than a place on a map–it’s a community built on service, pride and people who care deeply about where they live. My continued vision for Platte City is rooted in preserving that small town character while responsibly preparing for the future.”
Hoeger, who served as an alderman for several years before successfully seeking the mayor’s position in 2024, said as mayor his goal is simple. “Keep Platte City strong, safe, and ready for what comes next.”
“I have had the privilege of serving Platte City as mayor for the past two years. During that time, we have seen significant economic development, including the creation of a new industrial park. Central Power has played a major role in that growth, bringing more than 300 jobs to Platte City by relocating 65 positions from Riverside and adding nearly 240 additional jobs.
“The company is now working to expand further and nearly double its workforce. These are well-paying manufacturing jobs with a company that is investing in Platte City and growing alongside our community. In addition, efforts are already underway to attract tenants for the third building currently under construction,” Hoeger said.
Hoeger says the city needs to continue to invest in the infrastructure that keeps the city running. “Modernizing our wastewater systems, improving our roads like Hwy. 92, outsourcing our trash service, and planning ahead so growth never outpaces our ability to serve residents. These are not just projects, they are commitments to reliability, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility,” he said.
The incumbent says growth is coming to the Platte City region, and “our vision needs to ensure Platte City grows on our terms–protecting our neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and maintaining the character that makes our community special. We need to welcome opportunity without sacrificing identity.”
He added that “whether it’s through local events, schools, businesses or neighborhoods, we will continue fostering a sense of belonging. Platte City will remain a place where people know their neighbors, support one another, and take pride in their community.”
Hoeger, whose day job is in health care, says: “I believe leadership means showing up, listening, and doing the work. Over the past term, we’ve tackled real challenges and delivered meaningful progress. If reelected, I will continue leading with transparency, accountability and a focus on results, not rhetoric.”
Through his job in health care, Hoeger said he has the opportunity to work with many local, regional, state and national communities, leaders and different levels of government. He has more than 20 years on the Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Committee, has chaired the regional Healthcare Coalition, and has served on the Missouri Municipal League.
“I have developed that trust, and those important relationships that benefit Platte City in big and little ways,” he said.
“My vision is not about dramatic change. It’s about steady thoughtful progress. There is nothing fast about government; it is designed that way. We are charting the course and making slow but sure progress. This isn’t about change today or tomorrow, rather we’re plotting the future of five, 10, 15 years from now and beyond,” he stated.
“Together, we will keep Platte City a place we are proud to call home today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
AMBER BRUNE
Amber Brune is the challenger in the race for mayor. Last April, she ran for ward three alderman and came up on the short end of a very tight race, losing to Ken Graham by a count of 87-83.
Brune is the mother of twin six-year-olds, a registered nurse, and an entrepreneur. “I was raised right here in Platte City and attended school here from kindergarten through graduation. After spending time away, my husband and I made the intentional decision to return home to raise our family,” she says.
Professionally, she has worked as an ICU nurse in both neurosurgical and trauma settings. “That experience taught me how to stay calm under pressure, make informed decisions quickly, and advocate for people when it matters most. In addition to nursing, I started and grew a small business from the ground up, which has given me firsthand experience in budgeting, problem-solving, and understanding the real challenges small business owners face,” Brune said.
“Platte City is at an important point. We are growing, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. I believe we need leadership that is transparent, accessible, and focused on long-term sustainability, not just short-term decisions,” she added.
Brune said as mayor, her goals would include:
·Transparent leadership: “Residents deserve to feel informed and included in decisions that impact their community.”
·Smart, responsible growth: “Growth should strengthen our infrastructure, not strain it. We need to plan carefully so our roads, utilities, and services keep up.”
·Support for local families and businesses: “Small businesses are the backbone of our town, and families should feel proud to call Platte City home.”
·Strong core services: “Public safety, roads, and basic city functions should always be a top priority.”
She stated: “In addition to these priorities, I believe it’s important to take clear, actionable steps to move Platte City forward. As mayor, I would focus on bringing more structure and follow-through to city projects. Setting clear expectations, timelines, and accountability. Taking a proactive approach to growth and infrastructure, including planning ahead instead of reacting after problems arise.
She said she would strive to make city processes “easier to understand,” and “create a more responsive and engaged city government, where concerns are acknowledged and addressed in a timely manner.”
Brune said during her campaign one of the biggest concerns she has heard is “a lack of decisive action and follow-through. Too often, important issues are delayed or left unresolved. Residents want to see progress and leadership that can move things forward in a thoughtful but timely way.”
“I’m not a career politician. I’m a resident, a mom, and someone deeply invested in making sure Platte City remains a place where families can thrive for generations to come. I may not have all the answers, but I will listen, engage, and lead with the goal of turning residents’ priorities into real action,” she said.
“I believe my background in healthcare, my experience as a business owner, and my commitment to listening and leading with integrity make me a strong choice for this role. I will work to represent the community as a whole and make decisions that reflect what is best for Platte City not personal agendas,” she remarked.
