By Pauline Masson – Two people who want to be Pacific mayor for the next four years are asking for your vote in the April 5 election.
The difference in the focus of the two officials provides clues on how the city would be managed under their leadership.
Herb Adams, Ward Two alderman and acting mayor says the city is in the throes of growth and progress. If re-elected mayor, he has a list of projects that he will focus on completing over the next four years, including infrastructure, technology, economic development and the Red Cedar complex at the east entrance to the city.
Heather Filley, former alderman and local activist says the city is in a state of disconnect from the citizens. If elected she says she will open communication with residents and evaluate personnel and practices at city hall to assure an open dialogue that informs residents.
Adams, 66, lives at 1208 Pinewood Drive. He lived his entire life in Pacific and is the most elected official in Pacific history, was elected municipal judge seven times, twice as alderman and mayor four times. This is his fourteenth time to ask voters to give him a seat in city government.
In former terms as mayor Adams is credited with spearheading a litany of improvements, including the first railroad overpass, and rebuilding First, St. Louis, Viaduct and Osage Streets, and city hall.
“I am running for mayor now for the same reasons I have always run for office,” Adams said. “I want to see our city grow and prosper and I believe I can offer the leadership that can make that happen.”
If voters give him four more years, Adams has a list of project he will work to complete.
Not necessarily in order, he will oversee completion of the Red Cedar-Wintec building-Jensen’s Point complex and incorporate it into a city center of history, recreation, and welcome to serve visitors and new residents.
He will establish a street comprehensive plan that includes pavement improvement, curb and guttering, sidewalk repair throughout the city that will be financed with its own fund. There will be no chip and seal and no new taxes.
He will focus on providing broadband in Forest Glen and Eagles View subdivisions, which can be paid for with American Recovery Act funds.
He will engage the public to help determine the scope and plan for a new city swimming pool complex that goes beyond paint and fix-up and would take the city into the future.
He will assign the Planning and Zoning Commission to plan and establish an “Old Downtown” zoning district that would encourage new retail and economic development in old town.
He will investigate the city acquiring the water rights in the district that serves Eagles View and Eagles Nest subdivision, which could reduce large water bills for those residents and give the city ownership of all the water it provides. He would also focus on rebuilding the abandoned water reservoir above Blackburn park to increase the city’s water supply.
Other projects that would have his attention include building a direct trunk line between Brush Creek Sewer District and the City lagoon, rebuilding the city’s water softeners to reduce calcium buildup on residents’ appliances, and improve the city web site to make it more user friendly and accurate.
He said he also wants to improve links between city government and the civic groups, which can be done on the city’s web page. And he would do a better job of explaining government to citizens.
“I don’t have all the answers but I have a lot of experience,” he said. “Technology goes fast. I am willing to learn.”
Filley, 48, lives at 6683 Eagle Rock Drive, grew up in Ashburn, Virginia, and attended college at North East Missouri State University.
For the past 23 years she has worked at Vizient, a health care performance improvement firm, where she is a co-director of a team of 17 individuals who analyze performance service and supplies needs in 250 hospitals.
She and her husband Jeff of nearly 30 years have lived in Pacific since 1999. She served as an alderwoman for Ward Three from 2015 – 2017, has been on the park board since the end of her aldermanic term is has been Park Board president since 2018.
As a resident she has immersed herself in community affairs, including the Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) and Project Graduation, lead the Relay for Life event to Pacific, and was a key player with the Dan Donnelly Backpack. She is currently involved with the Pacific Partnership, Pacific Chamber of Commerce and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Pacific Eagles Aerie #3842, where she was president from 2019 – 2021.
As local small business owners (Filley’s Fine Sauces, LLC), the Filley host an annual Wing and BBQ Competition with all proceeds going to local charitable organizations, including veterans, the MVR-III Safety Net Program and the Jeff White Scholarship fund at Pacific High School.
A believer in full transparency of government, Filley said she is running for mayor now because she is not happy with current state between citizens and city government.
What is happening is city government is not being shared with the community.
“Citizens need to know what is going on in city government and given an opportunity to speak on issues,” Filley said. “I want to know what is going on.’’
“What I see, if there is to be change in how the city communicates with citizens, I have to do it myself,” Filley said.
Although I am unhappy with what is happening in city government, I am basically happy with our community. This is a wonderful community and we have a wonderful school district.
“There are things that city hall should get credit for,” she said. “There are issues where they led the charge to bring the community together.”
“If I am elected, what I would tackle is to evaluate what is happening at city hall day in and day out. Are things being done correctly?” She said. “I will make myself familiar with the ordinances. I am not a lawyer. I need to educate myself on whether the role of individuals at city hall are being met or not. Is there a need for changes or enhancements.”
On the controversial subdivision on Lamar Parkway, Filley said she was in favor of the subdivision but how the city went about the approval process, “not so much.”
“We can learn from this to make sure that we get it right right the next time around,” she said. “If I am elected, I wants to see change.”
“If voters want to see change they have to help me to make those changes by electing me,” she said.
Herb has let his desire for power overwhelm his day to day thinking . Herb has had many chances to get his list accomplished. Time for a new look for the City government all around. Rebuild the trust that the laws of Pacific be followed by all, citizens and CITY FATHERS. Are you tired of back door appointments and shady real estate deals , money pits etal: then Heather Filley all the way! Vote as you like but PLEASE VOTE!
As a former resident of Pacific having grown up in Pacific most of my life before my career led me to the State of Illinois this race appears to not even have an opponent running against Herb Adams. The challenger list NOTHING she would change, alter, or repeal anything that has been done by the current Administration. She even COMPLIMENTS the current Administration for a job well done. The McBride homes development 🏡 she is NOT EVEN AGAINST that. She wonders about the process. Those opposed to the development have said loud and clear ” not only do we think the process has been illegal we don’t want these homes built here”! This candidate I am sure is a very nice person but when running for Mayor of a community we need the candidate to share with the public their vision along with what goals you hope to accomplish if elected. As a former Secretary of the Pacific Planning and Zoning Commission I understand the role that a Mayor plays in City Government. Herb Adams has shown he too understands that role and is asking to continue his vision and goals he has laid out for the next 4 years. He has earned my endorsement and I hope yours too.
I agree with Mr. Cummings, our city doesn’t need or want someone in the Mayor’s Office who requires a learning curve. We need someone to lead our city administrators and has a vision for our future. If a candidate wants to learn more of how our city runs, maybe they should run a less important position.
Just saying…