A new mayor will soon take office in Platte City.
Platte City voters were in the mood for change on Tuesday, overwhelmingly choosing challenger Amber Brune over incumbent Steve Hoeger in a contested race for mayor. Brune received 307 votes to 169 for Hoeger, a margin of 65.5% to 35.5%.
In other featured election results, voters in the Northland Regional Ambulance District said no to a $21 million bond issue question that would have allowed the district to build a new headquarters in Hoover and a new satellite station in northern Smithville, among other items.
The measure needed 57.14% approval for passage and did not get close to that. The district covers portions of Platte and Clay counties.
In Platte County, the totals were 899 yes (50.73%) to 873 no (49.27). In the Clay County portion of the district voters were heavily opposed to the question, with only 43.5% (194 votes) in favor to 56.5% (252 votes) opposed.
It is the second consecutive year voters have turned down an NRAD bond question. Last year’s result was much closer, decided by a handful of votes.
Parkville voters decided two contested alderman races. In ward one, incumbent Tina Welch defeated challenger Joe Leluga 175-131.
In Parkville’s ward two, challenger Mark Hill defeated incumbent Bob Bennett and another candidate, Andrew Barchers. Vote totals were Hill 229, Bennett 194 and Barchers 39.
MAYOR COMMENTS
The Landmark reached Hoeger, 56, shortly after the results had come in Tuesday evening. Hoeger had served as mayor for two years, after serving as an alderman for seven years prior to that.
“While the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, I am incredibly grateful for the journey. I want to thank my family, friends, fellow elected officials, and the dedicated city staff I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the past nine years. Platte City is a special place and I am honored to have played a role in helping move our community forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Landmark asked Brune, 34, what factors or issues led to her decisive victory.
“From the conversations I’ve had, it really comes down to everyday issues. People want reliable services, clear expectations, and leadership that listens and responds. I think some of these basics were getting overlooked, and that mattered to voters,” she said.
As for what she’ll focus on immediately after taking office later this month, Brune said: “My immediate focus is improving communication, making it easier for residents to stay informed and creating simple ways to track progress so important projects don’t get lost or delayed.”
Bryan Richison, city administrator for Platte City, told The Landmark on Wednesday morning the city is planning on swearing in the new mayor at the April 28 board of aldermen meeting.
OTHER RESULTS
Platte County Homestead Tax Credit question easily passed, with 8,395 in favor to 2,180 opposed, 79% to 21%.
Park Hill School Board (top three elected): Alexia Norris 4,861; Janice Bolin 4,320; Deanna Munoz 4,155. Also running was Brandon Kleinmeyer 3,003.
North Platte School Board (top three elected): James Kubly 391, Rebecca Huffman 387, Jeff Hinton 351. Also running was Chad Richardson 336.
North Platte K.I.D.S. issue question easily passed with 456 in favor to 168 opposed.
Platte City Special Road District commissioner: Bret Gabert won a tight race over incumbent Perry Brown, 1,489 to 1,439.
Weston Road District commissioner: Jeff Comber defeated Kimber Morton 255 to 211.
Dearborn Board of Aldermen (top 2 elected): Pat Downing 56, Steve Wilson 56. Also running were Cole Reed 31 and Daniel Hull 25.
Edgerton Alderman at-large: Candy Guyer defeated Diane Thompson 59-55.
Houston Lake sales tax question passed 27-11.
Iatan use tax passed four votes to one opposed.
Kansas City earnings tax: Platte County voters approved of a five year renewal of the KC earnings tax of one percent, with 3,368 in favor to 1,861 opposed, 64% to 36%. The question also passed citywide.
Platte Woods voters approved a property tax levy question 63-32 and also approved a use tax question 76-19.
Riverside ward two alderman race featured Andrew Potter defeating Casey R. Gowler 73-18.
Tracy alderman at-large (two positions): Jacob Maudlin 23, Kristi Colstion-George 22. Also running was Jacob Peterson 9.
Weatherby Lake elected a new mayor. Challenger Tyler Patterson defeated incumbent Steve Clark 418 to 343, 55% to 45%.
Weatherby Lake east ward alderman: Donnie Hachman defeated Bryan Ballard 192 to 179.
Weatherby Lake tax levy question was defeated, with 434 opposed to 322 in favor.
Weatherby Lake sales tax question was defeated with 520 opposed to 242 in favor.
Weston sales tax question was approved with 196 in favor to 113 opposed.
MORE RESULTS
For more results from Platte County, go to the website of the Platte County Board of Elections at plattecountymovotes.gov/results
