Hutsler Drops Out of Alderman Race
Saying that he was “putting Parkville first,” downtown developer Tom Hutsler told the Luminary that he was dropping out of the city’s Ward 1 alderman race and would not actively campaign to unseat incumbent Deborah Butcher.
Hutsler, who lost to Butcher by only 16 votes in a bitterly contested 2005 election, said he had too many other responsibilities to take care of but that he would likely run for office again.
“I’m not a quitter,” Hutsler said. “But in reassessing the situation, the responsibilities I have right now, I need to take care of them.”
Hutlser listed his service on various community boards such as the city’s land and recreation board, the Parkville Community Development Corporatio, the downtown community improvement district and the continuing maintenance of his downtown properties as an example of such responsibilities.
“I think Parkville needs me right now to work on the things I’m working on,” Hutsler said. “Those organizations need my leadership.”
Despite his announcement, Hutsler’s name will still appear on the Ward 1 ballot. According to the Platte County Election Board, the last day a candidate could legally remove his or her name from the ballot was Tuesday, Feb. 20.
“There is no legal way for [Hutsler] to remove his name from the ballot,” Wendy Flanigan, director of the Platte County Election Board, confirmed.
Butcher said that she would still continue to campaign for the seat as if he were in the race, but said she was happy to hear of Hutsler’s decision.
“I’m happy that he’s going to dedicate his time to his businesses and the new family he has,” Butcher told the Luminary. “He has a lot on his plate right now.”
Hutsler’s decision deprives Platte County of its only contested municipal race this April, but he said he will no doubt appear on the ballot again in coming years.
“My day will come,” Hutsler said. “When Parkville needs me to become an alderman, I’ll become an alderman.”