By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com

GLADSTONE — Gladstone voters will have a few items on the April 8 ballot including a seat on the Gladstone City Council. Gladstone council members serve three-year terms.

Current Gladstone City Councilman Bill Garnos faces challenger Molly Gibson.

To help provide voters with information on where candidates stand on issues affecting the district, the Gladstone Dispatch sent questionnaires to each candidate and asked them to limit their responses to 50 words per answer.

The following are their answers, printed in alphabetical order of last name.

What is your No. 1 goal if elected?

Garnos: “My goal is to continue to represent the citizens of Gladstone, and to make Gladstone a great place to live. I am proud of the many improvements we have made as a community over recent years, and I hope to continue that progress.”

Gibson: “My top goal is to foster smart, sustainable growth while preserving Gladstone’s strong community identity. This means supporting infrastructure improvements, ensuring public safety remains a priority, and creating an environment where local businesses thrive—making Gladstone a place where all residents feel secure and supported.”

What are the top priorities for the city of Gladstone and why?

Garnos: “My top priorities are maintaining our city’s infrastructure, public safety, and our parks and recreational opportunities. This is how we keep Gladstone as a great place to live, raise a family, and grow old together.”

Gibson: “Economic development, infrastructure, and community well-being are critical. Investing in roads, utilities, and public spaces ensures long-term stability. Supporting small businesses strengthens the local economy. Prioritizing public safety through community-driven initiatives, emergency preparedness, and well-maintained public spaces helps create a safe, welcoming environment for all residents.”

How do you define the role of a city councilman?

Garnos: “My role is to represent the citizens of Gladstone. The City Council sets the goals and objectives, approves the budget, and passes ordinances and resolutions to support City operations and services. The role of City Council is not to micro-manage the day-to-day operations of City government.”

Gibson: “A councilperson is someone who represents residents by listening, engaging, and making informed decisions that shape the city’s future. They ensure tax dollars are used responsibly, support policies that improve quality of life, and work collaboratively with city leaders to address concerns, drive progress, and enhance the community’s overall well-being.”

Bill Garnos biographical details

Numbers of years living in city: 29 years in Gladstone

Educational background, including any degrees earned: Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota.

Occupation: Retired, but still do some jail consulting work.

Social media/website contact info related to campaign: None.

Prior civic and/or governmental public service experience that aids your ability to serve:

13 years on the Gladstone City Council (2011 – present);

3 terms as mayor (2015-2016, 2018-2019 and 2022-2023)

3 terms as mayor pro tem (2014-2015, 2017-2018 and 2021-2022)

4 years on the Gladstone Planning Commission, 2007-2011.

Have you ever been employed by the city, and if so, in what capacity and when did your employment end: Technically, as a City Councilman, I am “employed” by the City of Gladstone at a salary of $100 per year. I have not been employed “full-time” by the city.

Do you feel you have any conflicts of interest that would impact your ability to serve? No.

Molly Gibson’s biographical details

Numbers of years living in city: 10 years

Educational background, including any degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in Journalism and Mass Media from the University of Missouri-Kansas City

Occupation: VP of Client Success

Social media/website contact info related to campaign: Facebook, Molly Gibson for Gladstone City Council

Prior civic and/or governmental public service experience that aids your ability to serve: As an active member of Kansas City Roller Warriors, a nonprofit organization, I have experience in teamwork, event coordination, and community engagement. This role has strengthened my ability to collaborate, organize initiatives, and support a diverse group of individuals — skills that are essential for serving on Gladstone’s City Council.

Have you ever been employed by the city, and if so, in what capacity and when did your employment end: I have never been employed by the City of Gladstone. As a community member without prior government employment, I bring a fresh perspective and an independent voice to city leadership, focused on representing residents’ needs and fostering positive change.

Do you feel you have any conflicts of interest that would impact your ability to serve? No, I have no conflicts of interest that would impact my ability to serve. My focus is solely on representing the residents of Gladstone, advocating for smart growth, community engagement, and policies that enhance quality of life for everyone in our city.