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KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- A local business owner tossed his hat in the ring for a spot on the Kirksville City Council.

Jerry Mills is focused on local business, whether that means expanding local businesses that are already established or bringing in new businesses. He also has something else in mind on his list of priorities.

“Our major complaints in the town, I think, are the streets of Kirksville,” Mills said. “I'd like to see those addressed as quickly as possible and try to just make it safer to drive on and make the people happy.”

Owner and operator of Northeast Missouri Properties, a property management company, Mills works with local renters and student housing. He said he does not have a political history; however, his business experience will benefit the position.

"I don't know if my background makes me the best candidate for it, but I do deal with the city, usually on a monthly basis,” Mills said. “Being a property owner in town, I have to deal with their rules and their regulations, and being a business owner, I also have to deal with taxes.”

What would he like to see done in the economic development of Kirksville?

"I just want to see Kirksville be the best place that it can be,” Mills said. “You know, if [that’s] bringing in larger companies that employ more, or if it’s bringing in mom-and-pop stores; I think the council really needs to get in there and find a way to do that.”

Mills also said the students are very important to the community, whether it be Truman State University, A.T. Still University, or the new dental school. He said their voices should be heard, as well.

Jerry Mills is running with Eddy A. Williams,  Betty Mclane-Iles, and Roger Edge, Sr., for the April election.  Two spots are open with the departure of Todd Kuhns and Martha Rowe.