OZARK, MO — Now the truth about the Ozark Mayor is known. Ironically, the truth arose because I wrote a presumptive, less than accurate article about him. Click here for that one.
In that article, I suggest Ozark Mayor Don Currence, who is on staff at First Baptist Ozark, is tempted to play favorites on the Ozark Board of Aldermen and appoint Heather Alder, who lost re-election, back to the former position on the board to fill a vacancy. I suggested this was due to his perceived connection with Alder at the church.
Wise church member explains truth about the Ozark Mayor
The day after I published the article about the mayor, I got a text from a member in leadership at First Baptist Ozark.
He informed me Heather Alder did not attend Ozark Baptist. He wrote some other things that peaked my attention and gave me his phone number. I had just dropped off a delivery in Springfield. I paused my Doordash app while sitting in an apartment parking lot and called him.
Here’s the gist (not exact words) of the message of the conversation:
Wise Church Member: “Mayor Don informed me he had to appoint someone to fill a vacancy on the board of aldermen and he had several candidates. I encouraged him not to fill the vacancy with anyone previously on the board, because voters make those decisions. Use someone neutral until the next election.
“I further informed him about the unbiblical content on Heather Alder’s social media (her views on abortion rights, etc.) Mayor Don said he wasn’t aware of those things. He found out the public thought he was in favor of Heather and her social views simply because he hadn’t publicly opposed them.”
Me: “I hope there’s a way for Mayor Don to be candid about his views and make a clear distinction between what he believes and what Heather believes.
” I wrote the article with the same concerns in mind. I need you to realize FBCO has a stigma of political influence that isn’t always biblically based. It has a certain slant politically. (I name a few names, including a former Ozark mayor.)
WCM: “I am aware of that stigma and am in the process of communicating those concerns with (the people involved.) I want church members to understand what the Bible says about what kind of leaders we need to elect.”
He pointed to Deuteronomy 16, where it says: 18 Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. 19 Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. 20 Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.
“That means we shouldn’t elect leaders who are unfair; who are persuaded to do something based on influence (can be ‘bribed’) or who don’t follow justice,” the WCM continues.
As WCM talks, I drive on to my next delivery pick up location at Walgreens.
Me: “I agree. I appreciate your explanation. There must be ways we can communicate these ideas to the public. Let’s keep in communication about it going forward.”
We talked further about what the Bible says and how Christians need to be bold in their communication about things that affect the public, not just hide their ideas in church.
Again, those aren’t the exact words we used. It’s the spirit of the conversation.
Why does this matter?
Integrity and transparency are essential ingredients in local government. Especially when those in elected positions are prominent church leaders. Those of us outside First Baptist Church Ozark need to be aware of the differences among members and know at least one of their leaders is sharing our concerns about the stigma the church may have in local politics.
Perhaps with more open communication, rather than presumptiveness (on my part) we can come to a better understanding of how to lead the public even more justly.
Whoever Mayor Don gets to fill the position on Ward 3 of the Ozark Board of Aldermen should be someone equipped to hold the place, without prejudice, until the next election, when the people decide who they want.
Recap
- Don Currence was not aware of Heather Alder’s social views regarding abortion, etc.
- Heather Alder isn’t his friend outside of political office
- Heather Alder doesn’t necessarily attend FBCO
Johnny Rooster is not a researcher. He’s presumptive by nature. Be patient with him. Thanks for reading the Christian County Trumpet. You may want to read other articles in the CCT. It’s for voters and taxpayers living in Christian County, Missouri.