Editor's note: Candidates for mayor of Springfield, City Council and school board were invited to submit a column in their own words explaining why they are seeking election April 4, or focusing on a topic of their choosing. All guest columns will be published by March 30.
OPINION |
Greetings to the Springfield Community. My name is David Nokes and I am seeking your vote for council member of Zone 3. Your vote will support a vision of a safe Springfield guided by proven leadership.
I have served as a full-time police officer for 30 years and served seven years as a Department of Corrections (MDOC) Probation & Parole Officer in Springfield. In all, 28 years of my police service were in Springfield. I retired from the Springfield Police Department after 23 years at the rank of Major and served another five years as the Police Supervisor at the Springfield-Branson National Airport.
During my 37 years of public safety service, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, graduated for the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, received certification as a Peace Officer Standards and Training Generalist Instructor from Missouri Department of Public Safety, and taught as an Adjunct Instructor for the MDOC Probation & Parole Training Academy.
I have served as President of the Chesterfield Village Homeowners Association, served on the Springfield-Greene County Environmental Advisory Board, served as a Deacon and Elder at my church, and served as a police liaison to the Victim Center during my tenure at the Springfield Police Department.
My long career in law enforcement has equipped me to lead Springfield in the top issue of the Springfield community — crime. The Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan adopted November 14, 2022, under Goal 1, 1.1 Enhance Public Safety Services, Page 121 quotes: “Crime was identified as a top issue by community members during the Forward SGF outreach process, including violent crime, domestic violence, and drug culture and addiction.”
The Springfield community has been very supportive of me during my public safety career. It is now time for me to pay it forward and serve the community with the skills I learned as the result of my successful career. Thank you, Springfield!
RElated column
In their own words: Council Zone 3 candidate Brandon Jenson
We have a bright future if only we will let ourselves achieve it. To do that requires bold leadership and a strong command of how to make government work for those it serves.
