Chiles: Victories an "Insiders Play", Griggs: "I Got My Butt Kicked"

Manufacturer Dan Chiles handily defeated Jack Steck for a general seat on Springfield's City Council Tuesday.

Catching up with him at his watch party at Agrario, Chiles sounded elated.

"I am thrilled. I am so happy. I worked so hard for this, and I intend to work just as hard on City Council," Chiles said.

Chiles said the voters that turned out were motivated, and probably unsatisfied with the status quo.

"The voters wanted change. I think this was kind of an insiders play. You get a low turnout like this, they are hard core voters, the well-informed voters who are coming out," Chiles said. "I'd guess these are the best-informed part of Springfield and they wanted some change."

Chiles ran a campaign on conventional arguments -- better jobs, the environment, public safety and clean streets, and he said he thinks Springfield residents want their new council members to focus on bigger issues.

"I know we are in for some changes. We've got some big issues, some national issues that seem to be influencing politics in Springfield, that weren't being addressed. When City Council focuses on small things, we may be letting voters down. It's important to focus on dogs and potholes, but on the big issues that aren't being addressed in Washington and Jefferson City, like jobs and healthcare and the environment, the people want more leadership," Chiles said.

In the surprise of the night, Libertarian Doug Burlison ousted Councilman Conrad Griggs.

"I got my butt kicked," a disappointed but upbeat Griggs said afterward.

Griggs said he couldn't really pinpoint one reason for his defeat. He said it was probably a bunch of different elements coming together to make for a perfect storm.

"There seemed to be a little tension and anger out there," Griggs said. "I can think of the pit bull thing, the problems with police and fire, the Broadway crossing. People might say, 'he's not for us.' Of course, that's not true, but maybe that's what they thought."

Burlison was best known for leading the effort to petition a citywide audit. Griggs said that campaign probably helped the challenger meet voters and make his case.

"Craig Hosmer made an interesting point with this audit. (Doug) had to get 7,000 signatures.
People might have have felt this was the time for change," Griggs said.

In the end, Griggs was gracious and not at all bitter. He said the media gave him a fair shake and always treated him well. Losing a political race has to be a tough experience. No one likes public rejection, but politicians risk it anytime they put their name on the ballot. I feel it is important to be tough on our politicians, but I admire and respect each and every one of them for putting their name on the line.

"I had 11 years. I'm comfortable with that. I can't say it was a total surprise. You never underestimate your opponent. And I respect the voters judgment," Griggs said. "It's what makes politics interesting."

In interviewing Griggs, it's evident he's certainly someone with a depth of knowledge on a vast number of city and statewide issues. Without rendering an opinion on his decisions, he seemed to do his homework and know his stuff. That's why it was such a shock -- even to some in the political community -- that he lost.

Griggs said he received calls from both Mayor Tom Carlson and Councilman Denny Whayne after his defeat. "They were really upset," Griggs said. "They couldn't pinpoint what the issue was either. But they were upset for me. We had really good relationships."

What's next for Conrad Griggs?

He said he wants to develop a course on Biblical history to teach at Missouri State University. The Republican said he doesn't know if he will ever run for public office again. How about a legislative seat in Jefferson City?

"Never. No thank-you. I don't want to go to Jeff City," Griggs said. "If I can't win in the city, how am I going to win that?"

Burlison couldn't be reached at home when I tried to call him several times late for comment.

Not surprisingly, his phone was busy.