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Troy Smith sworn in as Willard mayor; outgoing mayor stresses transparency and staffing wins
Summary
Troy Smith took the oath as Willard mayor on June 24. Outgoing Mayor Baird used his remarks to outline staff hires, praise interim administrator Donna Stewart, and emphasize a shift toward greater transparency and customer service.
Troy Smith was sworn in as mayor of Willard on June 24, reciting the oath to support the constitutions of the United States and Missouri and to execute the duties of mayor to the best of his ability. The formal swearing — administered at the meeting — completed the board's change in leadership.
Outgoing Mayor Baird delivered extended remarks to the board and the public before the oath, reflecting on a period of leadership turnover and outlining priorities for the new administration. He credited interim city administrator Donna Stewart and staff members such as building official Mike Roush for operational improvements, including a move to a paperless permitting process. "She has buckets of integrity," he said of Stewart, and he described hiring permanent city administrator Wes Young as a worthwhile investment, noting the search cost the city "$35,000 to find Wes Young." Baird framed transparency as a central goal, saying the administration had rooted out policies that had restricted the flow of public information and had directed staff to provide more public notifications, social posts and meeting recordings.
The mayor also urged residents to raise service complaints directly with their alderman, the mayor or the city administrator rather than posting inflammatory remarks online, arguing that direct contact helps the city identify whether an issue stems from policy or individual action. He encouraged residents to support local events such as the weekly farmers market and to consider civic engagement opportunities, including serving on boards and commissions.
The new mayor, Troy Smith, affirmed the oath of office in a brief ceremony following Baird's remarks. The meeting then proceeded with regular business, including consent agenda approvals and ordinance readings.
The board says the new leadership and recently hired staff will focus on customer service improvements and greater online transparency; next steps include continuing recruitment for key positions and rolling out upgraded public-facing communications tools.
