Open letter to Festus Residents-Ward 4

Thank you for considering me on April 7th. 

In Festus Ward 4, we have 2,770 registered voters with about 300 new registered voters in the last 90-days. In 2024 Jim Tinnin won his Ward 4 seat with only 119 votes(4.2%). In 2025 Mike Cook won his Ward 4 seat with just 197 votes (7.1%).

As a former Jefferson County Judge Supervisor, Festus Election never drew more than about 800 total voters. With 14,000 people now living in Festus, I am looking for 1,000 voters in Ward 4 to support me. I am willing to meet with you and others. I have met one-on-one with many of the other candidates and non-candidates to listen to their ideas. Looking forward to meeting and talking with many other voters before April 7th. 

"No Data Center" is the main topic, but it’s not just that. We need to address key issues such as land use, infrastructure, economic development, and community well-being. In February of 2024, Festus sold their sewer systems to the Jefferson County Public Sewer District. Did your sewer bills go down? Jeffco Public Sewer District now owns control our sewer infrastructure. Will the Festus Water be sold next? To promote sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for Festus residents we need citizens input to review and adjust the current plan calledFestus 2030, and Festus 2040 Regional Development plan.

My family moved to Festus in 1961 and I graduated from Festus HS with about 197 in our class. Did my 1st Undergraduate College work at SEMO and later my Masters at Webster University. My wife and I met at Band Camp and will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary later this year. 

I have 8 specific areas I want to work on with our community. Still finalizing my recommended plans and solutions as I continue to meet with various city departments and Festus residents. I will be sharing these each week on this web site. My 988 Project-True Starter Home in Festus will help address lower income housing issues. After completing a homeless transitional Program, the unhoused need more options other than high rent apartments. The 988 Project would be a partnership between Habitat for Humanity, HUD, US Department of Housing, the wholesale lumberyard, City of Festus, skilled carpenters-tradesmen, and the future homeowners. 

The Data Center proposal was a surprise to all Festus residents and it happened so fast. The city changed Residential zoned land to Industrial zoned land in 30-days?The Festus 2030 Plan states: Residential Neighborhoods are a key part of the city's overall physical identity and regional strength. Luckily, Missouri Courts today are protective of residential property owners and the encroachment building of incompatible industrial 400-acreData Center next door. This Data Center is now paused until a Jefferson County court hearing. Hopefully, the court will reverse the Festus City Council 8-0 vote and return it to residential zoning. That is still to be determined. 

Festus will also be affected by what happens in Jefferson County. I am following the Jefferson County Data Center discussions and following up with Mitchell Bair, Director of County Services. Festus needs more in their P&Z rules than we currently have. More information on that will be posted in future weeks.

Rick Belleville MHA AKBD

Candidate for City of Festus Councilman Ward 4