David P. Kemm, Ward I [Click to enlarge]

The City of Marshall has two city council positions, in Ward I and Ward IV, with two names appearing for each position on the Tuesday, April 3 election ballot.

In Ward I, David P. Kemm and Barbara Utlaut are running for a two-year term to represent the ward they call home. In Ward IV, Lorna M. Alexander and Carrie L. Tyler are running for the two-year term available.

All candidates were asked the same questions.

Barbara Utlaut, Ward I [Click to enlarge]

David P. Kemm, Ward I

David Kemm moved to Marshall in 1953 and graduated from Marshall High School in 1971. He furthered his education with general business courses at State Fair Community College in Sedalia and Missouri Valley College in Marshall.

Ward I is mainly made up of businesses but has residential properties, too, Kemm said. He sees a challenge for the ward in attracting more businesses. He would like to see the creek that runs behind Sherri Estates and Cumberland Presbyterian Church cleaned up and improvements made to drainage so that it is not a safety hazard for small children. "I would like to see the Marshall Plaza cleaned up and revitalized, as well as the old Wal-Mart building."

Lorna M. Alexander, Ward IV [Click to enlarge]

Kemm has been organizing the Take Pride in Marshall litter pick-up for over 26 years.

Kemm is running for city council because "I love Marshall! I hope to make Marshall the best it can be."

In the first six months as a council member, Kemm would like to see more small industries to complement the ones already here in Marshall. Based on feedback of residents in Marshall, Kemm would invite more family dining establishments, such as Golden Corral.

Carrie L. Tyler, Ward IV [Click to enlarge]

Barbara Utlaut, Ward I

Incumbent Barbara Utlaut graduated from Slater High School in 1965 and moved to Marshall that same year. She and her husband, A. J., have one daughter, Cindy Marsh of Slater. She is a dental assistant for Dr. S.L. Gregory.

Ward I is mainly a residential area, Utlaut said. Some of the challenges she sees for her ward are some street repairs. "They have already done a lot of work for Ward I." Ward I will be seeing some lighting going up along U.S. 65 and near the new health offices on Atchison.

Utlaut is running for city council because "I enjoy representing the people of my ward. I really like city government. I feel that the things we have accomplished are very beneficial to the city of Marshall."

In the first six months as a council member, Utlaut would like to the see the completion of the Marshall Civic Center/Nicholas-Beazley Aviation Museum. "I am hoping it will be a tourist attraction that will help promote the city. I think it will be a great asset to the community." Utlaut would also like to see the completion of the Eastwood viaduct. "The new bridge to be constructed out at Eastwood is good for the people of the city and users of the park. The bridge has been there since 1922 and it should remain a crossing for the city to use." Last, she would like to see more industrial business growth in Marshall.

Lorna M. Alexander, Ward IV

Incumbent Lorna Alexander graduated from Brunswick High School in 1977 and moved to Marshall 16 years ago. She furthered her education by taking one-year of drama at Truman State. She than decided to take classes at the Saline County Career Center and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She has one son, Landon, 22, of Marshall. She works at Fitzgibbon Hospital.

Ward IV is a mix, Alexander said. "We have residential and ConAgra. One of the challenges she sees for her ward is continuing to look at improvements. "Hamner Street is in the discussion stage to make improvements. When people call us, we take notice."

Alexander is running for city council because "I really enjoy working and helping our community. I really look at people's concerns. I call them concerns, not complaints." She is excited about the new ambulance district building to be built in the Ward she lives in and plans to serve.

In the first six months as a council member, Alexander would like to the see improvements on Hamner Street. Alexander is really excited about the hospital addition.

"That is going to be a huge asset for the community."

Last, she would like to see progress on the Eastwood viaduct. "It will be beneficial to the city and all those who enjoy the park. It is also an outlet for emergency vehicles."

Carrie L. Tyler, Ward IV

Carrie Tyler graduated from Orange Glen High School in Escondido, Calif. in 1981. She continued her education and graduated from California State University in San Marcos with a writing degree. She moved to Marshall in July 2001. Her 23-year-old son Tyler Joao lives in Hawaii. Her 18-year-old daughter Marsella Lopez lives in Marshall. Tyler volunteers as an interpreter for the Marshall Municipal Court and local doctors and lawyers. "I want to help bridge the gaps in the community."

Ward IV is mostly residential but has the industrial park, Tyler said. "It is the second largest ward and a nice ward." A challenge Tyler sees with Ward IV is some curb and guttering concerns on Hamner Street. "I am going around now doing surveys to find out what the residents need. This way I get to know my community's needs and challenges. With this, I will be able to inform the council, if I am elected."

Tyler is running for city council because "I have always dedicated myself to serving the community since I moved here. My passion is helping the community in any way I can. I see the job of a council member as three-fold. This first fold is insuring that Marshall remains a great place to live. The second is dedication to the needs of the community. The third is being a voice of the community."

In the first six months as a council member, Tyler would like to see an increase in family-owned businesses. Second, she would like to see an increase in family entertainment areas that allows parents and children to get involved together. Last, she would like to see more community involvement.

Also running for a two-year term seat on city council are incumbents Gabe Ramsey for Ward II and Sam Moten for Ward III. They are running unopposed.

Contact Rachel Harper at

marshallcity@socket.net