Former councilman talks vacant position

With the recent resignation of long-time Joplin City councilman Jim West, there’s an unexpected open seat on that panel that needs filled.

We caught up with Joshua Bard, who served on the council briefly last year, and asked him who he thinks would be good for the position “I think a bold voice would be good fit. I know a couple of people that I have applied and I think that they would be a good fit as far as being a great voice for the community.” He also wants someone who isn’t afraid to say ‘no’, “For too long it’s been all ‘yeses’ and very little ‘no’s’ so I think it’s time to get somebody in there that’s not afraid to speak up and say no when a no needs to be said.”

Bard says he will not be running for the open seat but tells Newstalk KZRG he will run in 2020. “I think that the comment that Councilman Lawson made last night of recruiting a council person from previous council people kinda is a good indicator of what he’s thinking and possibly others on the council as well.”

“I would hope that everyone would get behind Tom Rogers when it comes to a voice that’s good and strong for the community,” Bard added.

Citizens interested in filling the vacant General Seat on the Joplin City Council seat should submit an application to the City Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 7th. Applications can be obtained through the Clerk’s office on the second floor of Joplin City Hall, 602 South Main Street. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.