Only one seat on the Weston board of aldermen has competition to the seat, with an appointed member facing off against a former alderman.
Rebecca Rooney
The Ward 1 seat is occupied by Rebecca Rooney, who was appointed by the board after current mayor Cliff Harvey was elected from his alderman’s seat last April. She faces Patrick Farnan, who has served several stints on the board.
Rooney, 59, works as a registered nurse and also works part time at the Department of Labor. Married with two children, she has served on several community boards and is currently president of the Weston seniors housing board and on the Platte County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled and the county Domestic Violence Board.
She said her experience on these boards has helped her to manage large budgets and work with the public.
“I am able to be objective when dealing with issues facing the city, and balance the city’s needs as a whole yet considering the individuals who come before the city council,” Rooney said. “I am also able to work a budget within the confines of state and federal laws regarding allocation and receipt of funds.”
She said one of Weston’s unique challenges is respecting the past while looking to the future. She also cites keeping up with infrastructure and watching the actions of the state legislature as areas of concern.
Farnan, 57, is a retired school principal and teacher. Married, he has two children, though his son, Colby Farnan, was killed in action in Iraq in 2005.
Patrick Farnan
“I believe truth is foremost in any election and being honest about changes that have to be completed,” Farnan said of his interest in returning to the board. “Some decisions are tough, but good for the overall betterment of Weston.
“I wanted to get back on (the board) to serve the people of Weston and fix some challenges.”
These challenges include the city’s aging infrastructure and perennial Weston issues such as parking, as well as access to buildings and homes.
Farnan said he wants to meet with patrons to listen to possibilities and probabilities for completing projects on Rock Street and Goodlet Circle, Humes Road and finishing the Cherry and Spring streets junction. He would like to present choices to patrons to complete these projects within the next two years.
In Ward 2, Joyce Burch did not file for re-election and James Lowe is unopposed for the seat.