CALLAWAY: Karen Custer is running for Commission Ward 1 in Callaway

CALLAWAY: 4/3/26: Karen Custer is running for Commission Ward 1 in Callaway. 

I recently attended her campaign kick-off party. When I asked what her priorities would be if she wins, she mentioned that she wants to take a look at zoning. She mentioned her specific concerns about a Callaway neighborhood that is in the process of being approved. The houses are very close together with no garage or carport. The driveways are so short that Karen does not believe a full-size truck will fit in the driveway. Karen questions whether such a development is proper for the City (or anywhere!) 

She also would like to ensure there is respect and decorum at meetings. Karen believes that citizens are too often not treated respectfully by the Commission and wants to change that. (I know when I visited a few months ago, with an issue that Mayor Pamn Henderson was extremely rude to me and did not want to hear my concerns at all.) Karen says citizens should not be referred to as the "audience," which Karen says is a term used frequently by the Mayor. It implies a lack of cooperation and participation between the citizen and the Commissioner. Karen also plans to make public records more accessible, even free. 

Not long ago, a Callaway resident made a public records request, and the City wanted to charge THOUSANDS of dollars, so the resident never received what she was asking for.
 
Karen's opponent in this race is incumbent Bobby Birdsell. Jamie Kirkland is the only candidate currently running in Callaway Ward 2. The municipal Super Tuesday elections are on April 21, 2026.