Meet the seven candidates vying for seats on the Parkville Board of Aldermen
Seven candidates are fighting for four open seats on the Parkville Board of Aldermen in the April 7 election, featuring two contested races.
The polls are open from 6 a.m to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can find out more information about how to vote and see what else will be on their ballots by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
Incumbent Tina Welch is challenged by Joe Leluga in Ward 1. Bob Bennett, an incumbent, is contested by Andrew Barchers and Mark Hill in Ward 2. Incumbent Stephen Melton and newcomer Evan Maxon are both running unopposed in Wards 3 and 4, respectively.
Ward 1
Tina Welch
Incumbent? Yes
Candidate website: N/A
Tina Welch currently represents the First Ward on the Parkville Board of Aldermen, a position she has held since 2016, according to the city’s website. Welch has been a member of the Platte County Community Center South YMCA’s advisory board since 2018. She also serves on the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Gala Committee, the Gallery of Trees Committee and as the board’s liaison to the Main Street Parkville Association.
Welch, a resident of Parkville since 1993, works as a residential realtor and has two daughters who attended Park Hill School District. Welch has lived in the Kansas City metro since 1980 and in Parkville since 1992.
If elected to serve another term, Welch said her top priorities revolve around continuing work to ensure infrastructure is up to date and overseeing the Highway 9 project.
“My love for the city and people run deep. I hope to continue to serve another term,” she said.
Joe Leluga
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/LelugaForParkville/
Joe Leluga, a Marine, is running to join the Parkville Board of Aldermen to use his experience in health care and IT to serve the community with curiosity, empathy and a listening ear, he said. As a longtime Parkville resident, Leluga has been “deeply involved” in the community. He is the father of three Park Hill School District students — two graduates and a current high school junior — and has been an investor in the historic downtown area, he said.
“I’m not a career politician. I’m a husband, father, Marine and neighbor who moved here over 20 years ago because Parkville felt like home,” he told The Star.
If elected to serve the First Ward, Leluga hopes to focus on transparency to ensure residents have clear, honest information about city decisions, spending and projects such as Highway 9.
As a board member, Leluga would also prioritize fiscal responsibility, support for local businesses and “responsible growth that preserves our family-friendly historic charm,” he said.
Additionally, Leluga hopes to address Ward 1 specific needs, including road maintenance, drainage issues, traffic and public safety.
Ward 2
Mark A. Hill
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: N/A
Mark Hill is a law enforcement and security specialist, according to a January news release announcing his candidacy. He was a Parkville police officer for nearly nine years, until he retired from the department in March 2025. According to his LinkedIn, he is now “looking for a new way to serve and protect others.”
If elected to serve Ward 2, Hill says he plans to prioritize increasing transparency in government and creating sustainable economic opportunities. He also hopes to focus on ensuring Parkville remains a safe and affordable place for community members to call home.
Hill said he wants to emphasize the importance of first responders and guarantee the city will “have their backs” by offering full funding and implementing policies that support them.
“When our streets are safe, businesses and families thrive,” he said.
Bob Bennett
Incumbent? Yes
Campaign website: https://bob4parkville.com/
Bob Bennett was first elected to the board in 2022 and reelected in 2024, according to the city website. He currently serves as the vice chair of the finance committee.
Since retiring from a 25-year career in the Army in 2016, Bennett has been active in local government, first serving as the chief innovation officer for the City of Kansas City until 2019. He went on to create a civic technology consulting firm in Parkville, which serves several cities and private clients.
If reelected to a third term, Bennett hopes to focus on the Redefine Route 9 project to create safer streets for both pedestrians and drivers. He also plans to prioritize taking advantage of the many opportunities the FIFA World Cup will bring to the area to benefit Parkville residents and businesses. Bennett also said addressing the concerns of Riss Lake residents regarding the neighborhood’s sewer system is among his top priorities as a member of the board.
Andrew Barchers
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: N/A
Andrew Barchers is running for a spot serving Ward 2 on the Parkville Board of Aldermen. He previously ran for mayor in Parkville in 2022, but lost to Dean Katerndahl. During his campaign for mayor, Barchers said he would donate his entire mayoral salary to create a scholarship fund for Parkville students.
Ward 3
Stephen Melton
Incumbent? Yes
Campaign website: N/A
Stephen Melton, a longtime Kansas City area resident, has represented the Third Ward for six years, after moving to Parkville in 2017.
Previously, he served in the Army for 27 years before retiring from active duty in 2004, according to the city’s website. He later became a teacher at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, where he stayed for 12 years.
Ward 4
Evan Maxon
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: N/A
Evan Maxon is running uncontested to represent Ward 4 on the Parkville Board of Aldermen. He previously ran for a spot on the board last year, but lost to Abby LacKamp.
This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 1:01 PM.
