Current at-large City Council member & Deputy Mayor Randy Schultz seeking re-election
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Randy Schultz, a lifelong St. Joseph resident and current deputy mayor, is seeking a second term on the city council, citing unfinished business and a desire to continue the momentum built over the last four years.
Schultz, a Bishop LeBlond alumni who has worked in the construction industry for 39 years, was first elected in 2022.
He said his decision to run came after raising his four children and receiving encouragement from his wife, as well as inspiration from his uncle, a former deputy mayor of St. Joseph.
During his first term, Schultz pointed to public safety as one of his biggest areas of focus.
He highlighted the passage of a police tax that he said was badly needed and is already showing results.
“If you look at now with crime statistics, with those additional officers and additional pay, crime is down,” he said. “That’s a direct reflection of what that police tax did.”
The funds have provided new vehicles, guns, tasers, and drones that assist police, fire, and even snow route monitoring.
Schultz also noted the construction of a new fire station in the south end of the city, which he said will lower response times and improve the city’s insurance rating.
“It helps everybody,” he said.
On the issue of unhoused individuals, Schultz said the city has launched a new initiative involving police, mental health professionals, and the hospital to assist those in need.
He described a recent case where a young woman living in the parkway was connected with family in Nebraska who had been searching for her for two years.
“When you do that, that is the bonus of having this mental health team put together to help,” he said.
He acknowledged the issue is ongoing, adding, “You’re never going to fix it, but you can help it and try to make it better.”
Housing is another priority for Schultz, who noted that for the first time in 15 years, a new apartment complex is set to be built in St. Joseph.
He also pointed to efforts to revitalize vacant lots by building single-family homes on slab foundations, avoiding the high cost of basement excavation.
“That’s one thing I’m trying to get going,” he said, noting his construction background puts the issue in his wheelhouse.
When it comes to quality of life, Schultz highlighted new bike trails in the bluffs, a new pump track on St. Joseph Avenue, renovations at Krug Park, and splash parks planned for both the north end and elsewhere in the city.
Downtown, he pointed to the new stage being built at Coleman Hawkins Park, which he described as a modern amphitheater space with full lighting and sound capabilities.
“It’s going to look like a very modern amphitheater that brings the amenities that people really want to see,” he said.
On the relationship between the city and the school district, Schultz said the two entities already work together regularly, particularly when attracting new businesses.
He praised the Hillyard Technical School as “a gem of this town” for its trade programs.
He emphasized that the city does not micromanage the school district’s decisions, noting, “They have all the financial risk, so they have to figure out what’s financially, you know, fiscal responsibility for them.”
For local businesses, he noted that the city offers affordable rental spaces under the Missouri Theater for new businesses starting out, and he believes downtown remains vibrant, especially with events like First Fridays.
Schultz spoke warmly of his current colleagues on the council, saying he enjoys working with them and values the different perspectives they bring.
He expressed openness to working with a younger council if the election brings new faces.
“It’s new ideas, it’s their fresh take,” he said. “That’s why every four years you have an election, fresh takes, fresh ideas.”
He also praised Mayor John Josendale, whom he has known since childhood.
“He’s a good leader. He runs a good meeting, and that’s what you need, someone that can lead.”
As to why Schultz wants your vote, he says, “I will work hard for you every day as a city councilman, as a citizen. If you see me out, you can approach me. I’ll try to help you with your problem. If not, I’ll direct you to the right person to get your solution, your problem fixed, and if you just need to talk, stop me and talk, and we can work out the issues.”
Election Day is April 7.
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CITY COUNCIL COVERAGE 2026
