About Lister
I'm Lister Potter, and I was born and raised in Lamar, Missouri, a small town of about 4,000 people in the southwest part of the state. I moved to the Kansas City area in 1997 to pursue a career in software and leadership, but I never stopped missing the close-knit feel of small-town life. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and remote work became widespread, my wife and I found the perfect opportunity to return to our roots. We became property owners in Linn Valley that spring and full-time residents by August, drawn by the peace, the community spirit, and that unmistakable small-town connection.
I've spent my professional life leading teams, solving problems, and improving processes, and now I'm stepping up to serve Linn Valley in a new way. My campaign is about restoring trust, improving transparency, and ensuring our city operates fairly and responsibly for everyone who calls it home.
I believe strongly in servant leadership, the idea that those in office should lead by listening, act with humility, and always put the needs of the community first. As mayor, I won’t just make decisions from behind a desk; I’ll stay connected, remain approachable, and work side-by-side with residents to shape our future together.
Linn Valley is a unique place, part residential town, part recreational haven. While I’m running to serve our full-time residents, I also deeply value our weekenders and seasonal guests. You may not vote in our elections, but you're a vital part of what makes this community special.
Whether you're here for a weekend or a lifetime, this is your community too, and as mayor, I’ll work to make sure Linn Valley remains a welcoming, friendly, and vibrant place for all.
My Platform
Transparency
The public should always know how and why decisions are made. I will advocate for open records, visible city planning, and regular communication so residents stay informed and empowered.
Accountability
I believe in trust, but verify. From financial controls to hiring practices, I will ensure city operations follow best practices and include appropriate oversight—because public service requires public confidence.
Fiscal Responsibility
We must spend tax dollars wisely, avoid waste, and plan for long-term sustainability. When budget shortfalls happen, raising taxes won’t be my first solution. Just like families can’t manufacture more income when costs rise, I believe the city must look inward first, for savings, efficiencies, and smart prioritization, before asking more from taxpayers.
What I’ll Do As Mayor
Here’s what you can expect from me, not just promises, but practical plans grounded in our community’s real needs:
- Launch a Community Transparency Dashboard
A simple, easy-to-read online page showing the city’s budget, upcoming projects, grant funding, and council decisions, all in plain language. - Start a Monthly “Mayor’s Minute” Newsletter
A brief monthly update you can receive by email or pick up around town, highlighting what’s happening, what’s coming, and how to stay involved. - Support Better Communication Between the City and POA
While they’re separate entities, we can build stronger collaboration by continuing regular check-ins and ensuring residents don’t fall through the cracks between city and POA matters. - Launch the Community First Fund
I’ll champion the creation of an independent fund that helps Linn Valley residents in crisis, with transparent oversight and community involvement. - Preserve and Promote Our Recreational Identity
I will protect Linn Valley’s unique character, not just as a city, but as a place for weekenders, seasonal visitors, and anyone who enjoys lake life, nature, and neighbors who wave as they pass. - Make City Hall More Accessible
I’ll hold regular open Q&A sessions, listen to feedback, and make it easy for any resident, full-time or part-time, to get answers and be heard. - Review and Modernize City Processes
We’ll look for ways to simplify how permits, applications, and questions are handled, reducing friction and increasing responsiveness.