What inspired you to run for office?

Republic is my home. I grew up here, attended school, and graduated from this community. Now, as a homeowner with my own family here, my commitment to ensuring Republic is the best it can be has never been stronger. I've served both our community and country in various capacities throughout my life, and I see this as another opportunity to continue that service. I believe I can bring a fresh, new, and unique perspective to the council.

How would you handle a situation where your personal beliefs conflict with voter's wishes?

This is an excellent question, and I wish it were asked more often of those running for office. A good leader, which any council member should strive to be, prioritizes decisions based on facts, logic, and reason over personal beliefs. If I find that the best decision conflicts with what the voters want, I will happily explain my reasoning. Transparency is important in decision making matters and providing a clear, factual basis for my decisions to ensure that, even if we disagree, the process and my rationale are understood.

How will you ensure transparency in your decision making?

I am committed to the virtues of "Integrity, Transparency, and Accountability" in decision-making. Without these, trust cannot exist. Honesty goes hand-in-hand with transparency and is key to ensuring it. I don't believe in beating around the bush to justify my decisions; frankly, I find it irritating and disrespectful when others do this to me. If asked, I'll explain my reasoning for my decisions and accept that sometimes, others may disagree with me. My decisions will always be based on the facts at hand, logic, and reason.

How will you gather feedback from the community regarding their needs and concerns?

Leaders should always be open to both positive and negative feedback, as it helps us understand when we're succeeding or falling short of expectations. With all the possible methods of staying in touch available today, there's no excuse for community leaders not to seek feedback from their community. Council meetings are a prime opportunity for community members to voice their concerns and share what meets or misses their expectations. Staying a few minutes after meetings provides an excellent chance for one-on-one conversations. Moreover, using social media platforms allows for quick and easy communication between community members and their local government officials. My website, justindsnider.com, is an excellent resource for anyone looking to reach out to me directly.

Where do you see our community in the next 10 years, and how do you plan to contribute to that vision?

Republic has a bright future. I've watched this town evolve from a small, barely noticeable place on the outskirts of Springfield into one of Southwest Missouri's most significant and notable communities. Two decades ago, few would have predicted that Republic would become one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. In the next decade, I envision Republic expanding further, bringing more opportunities to the region. To contribute to this vision, I plan to encourage more businesses to establish here, support residents in starting their own businesses, and advocate for more community and public spaces. Growth is great for a community, but poorly planned growth can lead to disaster. A people and community-first approach will ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed.