The City of Weston has contested races for the mayor’s office and for Ward Two alderman.
For mayor, long-time former city clerk Kim Kirby is running against Allison Roberts, who did not respond to the Citizen’s election questionnaire.
Kirby, 66, is originally from Weston and is married with two adult children. A graduate of West Platte High School, she is currently the director of the Weston Historical Museum. She served as city clerk and municipal court clerk from 2000-2020 and has worked for McCormick Distilling Company.
Kirby
Kirby said she loves public service and has more to give to the City of Weston. She became concerned about city finances when an incorrect financial statement was placed in the Weston Chronicle in February 2024. Since, she has attended board of aldermen meetings the last several months, She said she sees a pattern of miscommunications and the lack of follow through on numerous issues.
“As the former city clerk of Weston, I believe my experience will help in planning the future direction of Weston,” Kirby said. “I have a lot of customer service skills; communication and listening skills; knowledge of ordinances and laws of a Class-Four Municipality, specifically Weston ordinances; familiar with the Missouri Sunshine Law; an understanding of Planning & Zoning and Historic Preservation; good understanding of the city accounting process and budgeting.”
She believes the city has a major issue with communication. Communication between the mayor and board of aldermen and the city employees, and the citizens of Weston, and other public entities. Another issue, she said, especially if the city continues to increase its population, is maintaining and improving the city infrastructure.
“I feel the key to communication for the city is hiring a city administrator (CA),” Kirby said. “A CA would be responsible for coordinating the daily operations of the city and oversee the planning and implementation of the mayor and board of aldermen policies. They would have overall management of the finances and personnel of the city, as well as community engagement. The CA would organize and prioritize the work of the city. I would work with our city administrator, aldermen and public works staff to obtain grants and additional funding for our infrastructure projects.”
WARD TWO ALDERMAN
In Ward Two, Jerry Gross, Bradley Wright and Tim Penrod are seeking one seat.
GROSS
Jerry Gross, 56, is from Weston, Married, he has four adult children and is a retired military officer who has worked as a history and civics teacher. He serves on the Weston Historical Preservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board.
“I’m running for alderman because I believe my skills would benefit the community we live in and love,” he said. “I am a father, husband, veteran, teacher, and community leader dedicated to serving others. Whether it’s volunteering on boards, supporting local organizations, or working alongside neighbors, service is in my DNA. I will use my years of service, business expertise, higher education, and battle-tested leadership to serve my constituents effectively and responsibly.”
He said he has proven to be an effective leader who values transparency and communication. He has experience managing large budgets through the military.
“I am a listener,” Gross said. “While not everyone will agree on every issue, I will ensure all sides are heard and considered. I ask questions because listening and thoughtful inquiry encourage critical thinking and lead to better solutions.”
Gross said he brings a unique combination of leadership, problem-solving skills and commitment to public service. His years as a businessman brings him understanding of financial management and serving on Weston community boards has given him firsthand experience in working with the community to address challenges and plan for the future.
“I believe effective leadership requires more than just making decisions— it requires listening to the community, analyzing problems thoughtfully, and implementing solutions that serve the best interests of Weston,” he said. “My experience across multiple fields has prepared me to tackle complex issues with a steady hand and a forward-thinking approach. I am ready to serve, and I will work tirelessly to ensure Weston remains a thriving and well-managed community.”
The most pressing issues facing Weston include infrastructure, finances, housing, and balancing tourism,” he said. “We must support tourism in a way that enhances our quality of life while preserving our small-town character. To attract and retain young families, we must identify resources and encourage investment in affordable and social housing. Supporting state laws that help seniors remain in their homes, such as the property tax cap recently signed into law, is another critical step.”
Gross said if elected a five-year goal would be to shift from being reactive to proactive regarding infrastructure challenges.
“I will pursue state-level funding for maintenance and upgrades,” he said. “Ten years will see a lot of growth in the Northland. As the area north of KCI grows, so will Weston. There will be even greater demand for housing and expansion. The time to plan is now. Nearby municipalities are gearing up for a share of tourism dollars and local investors. Our strategic plan should include the same.
“If elected, I will actively engage with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), as well as state and federal leaders, to secure funding for crucial projects. Partnering with these entities will ensure Weston has access to grants and resources needed to improve infrastructure, expand housing options, and support smart growth while maintaining our small-town character.”
WRIGHT
Bradley Wright, 29, is from Weston. Single, he has no children and is a graduate of West Platte High School and the Northland Career Center.
“I am running for this position because I believe our community would benefit from more open and constructive communication,” he said. “Currently, much of our dialogue takes place on social media, often leading to disagreements rather than productive discussions. I want to encourage more direct engagement and collaboration to strengthen our town’s sense of unity and progress.”
Wright said he has lived in Weston his entire life and has extensive experience working with the public daily. This has allowed him to develop strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the community, and the ability to effectively assist and engage with people in various situations.
This understanding makes him a good choice for the board, he says.
“I am committed to fostering better communication, bringing people together, and addressing concerns in a constructive and respectful manner,” he said. “My experience and dedication to our town make me well-equipped to serve and represent our community effectively.”
Wright said the main challenges facing the community are road conditions and budget management as well as ensuring tax dollars are used effectively and transparently to address infrastructure needs and other essential services.
He said if elected, he would seek to live stream public meetings.
“I would improve transparency by live-streaming city meetings and have them transcribed for public access to enhance communication between officials and workers and the citizens of Weston,” he said. “Additionally, I would organize community events to raise funds for road improvements and other local projects.”
PENROD
Tim Penrod, 34, is from Weston and is engaged to be married in 2026. A graduate of West Platte High School, he attended the University of Missouri Columbia and has worked as a software manager and firmware engineer.
“I want to be elected to this office because I care deeply about Weston and the people who call it home,” he said. “This town has given me and my family so much over the years, and I believe it’s my turn to give back in a meaningful way. I’m a strong supporter of spending my money locally, ensuring those dollars go back to our community and local businesses. I’m committed to preserving what makes Weston unique while working to make thoughtful improvements that will benefit all our residents.”
He said he is qualified for this position because of his extensive experience in product development, where he has successfully managed projects, budgets, and teams within small companies serving the farming community. These roles have required creative problem-solving, strategic planning, and maximizing limited resources—skills essential for serving Weston effectively. As an Eagle Scout, he said he has also developed a strong foundation in service and leadership.
“I have dedicated my time outside of work and family commitments to attend city council meetings and have conversations with my neighbors and residents of Weston to truly understand what they want to see changed and preserved,” he said. “Working in small companies over my career has taught me how to wear many hats, solve complex problems with limited resources, and stay focused on practical solutions that make a difference. In my career I’ve learned to listen first, evaluate all the options on the table, and make an informed decision. Whether it’s planning a project, leading a team, or finding creative solutions, I’m ready to apply those experiences to serve Weston effectively.”
Some of the most important issues the city faces include establishing an accurate budget, planning for larger projects, improving existing infrastructure, and finding innovative, cost-effective ways to increase revenue and funding. Maintaining safe, reliable roads, utilities, and public spaces requires careful budgeting and prioritization. Additionally, maximizing tourism dollars and supporting local businesses are essential for boosting revenue and strengthening the economy.
“One of Weston’s biggest challenges is maintaining and improving our aging infrastructure, which requires careful planning and consistent funding,” Penrod said. “It’s not a problem that can be solved overnight, but we can make steady progress by developing a clear, responsible budget that prioritizes critical improvements. I would actively pursue grant opportunities and explore partnerships with state and federal programs to secure additional funding, as well as partner with neighboring community councils to learn best practices. Additionally, working with local business owners to maximize tourism dollars, continue to attract visitors while fostering year-round community support can continue to provide vital revenue streams. Collaboration with the community is essential—listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and keeping them informed throughout the process. By combining strategic planning, resourcefulness, and community engagement, we can tackle these issues and ensure Weston remains a vibrant and uniquely historic town for generations to come.”