The Webster County Republican Central Committee has elected a new slate of officers as the local party prepares for the November election and looks to get more residents involved.
Samuel Hunsucker has been elected chairman of the committee, returning to a leadership position he previously held.
Hunsucker said the committee asked him to step back into the chairman's role, and he plans to put an emphasis on communication, community involvement and listening to what Webster County residents have to say.
“We just want to be there for the citizens of Webster County,” Hunsucker said. “We want them to come out to our meetings, and we're the voice of the people, and we stand behind the people.”
Joining Hunsucker on the executive committee is Jan Hicks as vice chair, Vanessa Hicks as secretary and longtime committee member Michael “Mike” Vinehout as treasurer.
Vanessa Hicks takes over the secretary position from Joyce Harmon, who stepped away after serving in the role for 16 years.
Hunsucker said Harmon’s longtime service to the committee was significant, and the leadership change marks the beginning of another chapter for the organization.
The newly elected officers were sworn in following the election.
The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Webster County Justice Center in Marshfield.
Hunsucker said the meetings are open and residents interested in learning more about the local Republican Party are welcome to attend.
With the November general election approaching, Hunsucker expects interest in the meetings to increase. Candidates and their representatives traditionally attend local party events during election season.
Hunsucker said he also plans to reach out to local candidates, including Lori Rook, about attending the September meeting. A featured speaker had not yet been determined.
The committee's headquarters on the Marshfield square is currently closed but is expected to reopen during the first week of October as election activity picks up.
The headquarters is located on the west side of the square.
Hunsucker said the committee plans to have campaign signs available and is considering offering patriotic flags, America’s 250th anniversary merchandise and other items.
As chairman, Hunsucker said one of his priorities will be making sure the committee hears from residents, including when their concerns don't necessarily line up neatly with party leadership.
Hunsucker said he wants the committee to provide a place where Republican voters can raise concerns about local and state issues and have those concerns heard.
“I want to represent everybody in the Republicans for Webster County,” he said. “What do they want? We're there to listen.”
Hunsucker also acknowledged that he has disagreements with some decisions made by Republican elected officials.
He said issues affecting small businesses are especially important to him because of his own experiences as a business owner.
Hunsucker is an Ozarks native who was born and raised in Wright County.
His family's connection to Webster County stretches back decades. His grandfather operated a ready-mix concrete business in Rogersville beginning around 1990, eventually bringing Hunsucker to Webster County.
“Webster County has been really good to me,” he said.
Hunsucker described himself as an entrepreneur. He operated a landscaping business in Wright County and the Springfield area for more than 15 years and has also worked in trucking.
Those experiences, he said, helped shape his views on government policies affecting local businesses.
Hunsucker said he has been outspoken about issues including minimum wage increases and changes to Missouri's initiative petition process.
He also said the COVID-19 period was particularly difficult for his family and businesses. Hunsucker said his wife, a registered nurse, lost her job over a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. He believes Republican leaders at the time should have done more to protect workers affected by mandates.
While he recognizes elected officials sometimes face limits on what they can accomplish, Hunsucker said he believes local party organizations should still be willing to question their own leaders.
Another effort is also underway to increase participation within the county Republican organization.
Hunsucker said organizers are working to establish a Webster County Republican Women's group.
The organization is close to reaching the number of members needed to receive its charter through the state organization.
Hunsucker said he expects the group could reach that requirement by its next meeting.
The Republican women's group is scheduled to meet Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Webster County Justice Center.
Hunsucker said the women's organization and the Republican Central Committee would operate separately but work together on common goals and efforts within Webster County.
For Hunsucker, increasing participation is one of the biggest goals moving forward.
He wants residents to know they don't have to hold an office, work in politics or already know members of the committee to attend.
They can simply show up.
“We welcome everyone,” Hunsucker said.
The Webster County Republican Central Committee will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Webster County Justice Center in Marshfield.
