Candidate Profile – Detert, Quezada, Johnson run in Troy Ward Tree

EIDTOR’S NOTE: Here are the candidate profiles for Dennis Detert, Michael Quezada and Jodi Johnson, candidates for alderman from Troy Ward Three.

Name: Dennis Detert

Family: Wife – Theresa, Daughters – Emily and Jessica

Education: Graduate of Troy Buchanan High School

Professional Experience: I served as Alderman Ward 3 for 16 years (2006-2010, 2011-2023) which gives me more experience than the entire current board combined. I was also the Board President for several years. 

  1. Why should voters elect you to the Troy Board of Aldermen?

The citizens of Troy should vote for me as I am the most qualified candidate. Over my years of service, I have worked with 19 different alderman, three mayors, three city clerks, and many other employees. In all of my previous years of serving as the alderman, I made it my policy to meet people in person to address their personal issues and do my very best to provide a solution. I have had to make tough decisions over the years, but I believe I have always done what is best for the citizens of Troy.  One of my biggest faults as a leader is I have never been afraid to speak up. I am honest and will always tell the truth as honesty is the best policy and I will not lie to make others feel better. While some people like the brutal honesty, of course there are those who don’t. 

  1. What would your goals be as a Troy Alderman?

My first goal would be to bring unity to the board as they have become divided. Secondly, I would like to hire a city administrator whom I would work with to bring in new businesses to support our tax base. With this, there has to be a plan where these businesses would be located. We would work as a team with Planning and Zoning to make sure added growth is done properly. Third, I would continue to educate the citizens on the growing problems the city is having and help address and correct these issues. Fourth, the previous mayor had a vison that was spot on: to make Troy a better and more prosperous community. If I am elected, I will continue his vision with the board so Troy can be a great place to live and raise a family with many thriving businesses. Since each person on the board only has one vote, the board has to work together which has to change this election cycle.

  1. Lincoln County is experiencing unprecedented growth. What can Troy do better to prepare for that expanding population?

Troy is leading Lincoln County in growth. We need to allow the Planning and Zoning board to have control and they need tighter restrictions on where we can build and enforce those restrictions. Some people in the city are learning  while they pay taxes, they are not getting the benefits of paying those taxes and that needs to immediately change. I believe if the correct aldermen are elected during this election, we can make a positive change for these tax paying citizens. 

Additionally, I have always been a supporter of the Troy Police Department. Due to population increases, we need more officers and I will support the additions needed to the department to keep Troy a safe place.

Finally, far too many people take these municipal elections with a grain of salt. Please take time to educate yourself on all the topics and candidates on the ballot. These elections effect you more than you can image so please vote April 8.

Name: Jodi Johnson 

Family: Husband, 2 daughters, 2 step sons and a puppy! 

Education: High School Diploma, Some College  

Professional Experience:  I have always been active in our community, volunteering with different organizations and working as a bus driver for a local school district. I presently am Vice President of Troy baseball and softball board, board member of Wonder League and board member of Stl. Sports Outreach. 

  1. Why should voters elect you to the Troy Board of Aldermen? I am running for alderman because I believe the board should be transparent and working for the betterment of our community. I love our community, I love giving back, and believe in this role, I would be able to listen to the citizens and speak up for all voters.

 2. What would your goals be as a Troy Alderman? COMMUNICATION! I am dedicated to ensuring communication, transparency and will represent all stakeholders effectively. I will actively listen to my constituents and keep the lines of communication open. It is my priority to represent the interests of the people who have elected me to this position, and I will do my utmost to fulfill that responsibility. 

3. Lincoln County is experiencing unprecedented growth. What can Troy do better to prepare for that expanding population?  I am dedicated to working toward the future of Troy, aiming to ensure that our community remains dynamic and proactive rather than stagnant while others around us evolve. One of my key focuses is on improving our parks. I believe they hold significant potential, and I am eager to explore avenues for enhancing their value and accessibility for all residents. By investing in our green spaces, we can foster a healthier, more engaged community while enriching the overall quality of life in Troy.

Name: Michael V. Quezada II

Family: Jennifer (Wife), 5 Adult Children, 8 Grandkids.

Education: Associates in Business Administration from Grantham University and Bachelor in Criminal Justice (Cum Laude) from Columbia Southern University.

  1. Why should voters elect you to the Troy Board of Aldermen?

With my leadership and budgeting background I am going to cut unnecessary spending and

focus on the priorities for the residents of our city.  I will be an excellent steward when it

comes to the taxpayer’s money.  I advocate running the city like a business, rather than an 

indefinite spigot of money.  

  1. What will your goals be as a Troy Aldermen?

Develop a plan to incrementally eliminate deficient spending in order to stay in budget with the

city’s projected revenue.

  1. Lincoln County is experiencing unprecedented growth. What can Troy do better to prepare for that expanding population?

Lincoln County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. It’s important to work

with business and community leaders in order to be proactive in developing a proper

infrastructure for the city of Troy.