CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE SAYS CRIMINAL PAST SHOULD NOT BE A FACTOR

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. - Ricky Lee Sloan doesn't think his criminal past
has any bearing on his ability to help run the city.

Sloan is one of five candidates for two at-large seats on the city council
in April's election. He said he's paid the price and wants to give
something back to the community.

"My being a felon is not the issue - this town is the issue," Sloan said.
"This town needs new direction. It needs a council without any personal
agendas. My only agenda is this town, and making sure that people get what
they voted for."

Sloan, 42, was sentenced in 1997 to a year and a day in prison on federal
charges for intentionally attempting to possess chemicals that would be
used to manufacture methamphetamines.

While on parole in 1998, he tested positive nine times for amphetamines,
methamphetamines and cocaine. For that, he was sentenced to serve two more
years in prison and spend 500 hours in a drug-abuse program. He was
released in November 2000.

Now he's making amends by working with troubled youths at the Excelsior
Springs Job Corps.

Some of his opponents don't think Sloan's past should be held against him,
but that sentiment is not unanimous.

"I think it would cause friction on the council, and it certainly wouldn't
be in the city's best interest," said incumbent Councilman Benny Ward.