Two announce candidacy for Branson Ward III Alderman seat

Ashley Harkness announces her candidacy for Branson City Council, Ward III:

Ashley Harkess, business owner, Mom, community advocate and lifelong resident of Branson, officially announced her candidacy for Branson Board of Aldermen in the April 7, 2026 election.

Harkness

Running to represent Ward III, Harkness believes Branson deserves leadership that listens, leads, represents residents and gets results. Her platform focuses on improving financial accountability, developing positive community partnerships and advocating for citizen-driven goals to enhance Branson’s future.

"I am running for City Council because Ward III and our community need leaders who will prioritize our most urgent needs, spend tax dollars with great care and ensure city government works for everyone," said Ashley Harkness "After living and working in Branson for more than three decades, I understand the challenges we face, and I’m not afraid to ask the tough questions, tackle the real issues, and work hard to move our city forward.”

Harkness has a long history of leadership in this area. She is a graduate of the Branson/Lakes Area Leadership Academy, was a Springfield Business Journal “40 Under 40” winner, a past board member of the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce and the Charis Group, in addition to participating in several other community driven causes and coalitions. She and her husband currently own Harkness Construction and Real Estate. She is a young professional with great respect for the families, business owners, front line workers and retirees who built Branson and help it continue to prosper.

Key priorities for Harkness while serving Ward III:

●      Responsible city spending and smart economic growth

As a successful small business owner, Harkness understands the importance of investing in the city’s essential services (roads, safety, water and sewer) and eliminating wasteful spending. Growth is necessary, but we need to protect neighborhoods and keep Branson affordable too.

●      Citizen-focused, citizen-led government that serves the peopleBranson has tremendous people and impressive resources. Harkness believes in the ability of our citizens to collaborate and cooperate to make this city the best it can be for every resident. Her young daughter fuels her passion for the future of Branson.

“Leadership isn’t about titles and it shouldn’t be about egos,” said Harkness. “It’s about being transparent, responsive and making decisions today that make our city stronger tomorrow. My focus will be on productive problem-solving, not politics.”

Residents of Ward III are invited to meet Ashley Harkness on February 3 at the “Meet the Candidates” event to be held at Elevate Branson, 310 Gretna Road, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Additional information about the candidate’s vision for the future is available on her Facebook page: VoteAshley.

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Ralph LeBlanc announces candidacy for reelection to Branson Board of Aldermen, Ward 3

After four years of service marked by progress, accountability and community-focused leadership, Dr. Ralph LeBlanc has announced his candidacy for a third term as alderman for Ward 3 on the Branson Board of Aldermen.

LeBlanc

“As I reflect on the work accomplished in 2025, I do so with deep gratitude, for the residents of Branson, for my fellow board members, city staff and for the trust this community has placed in me,” LeBlanc said. “Public service is not about position; it’s about stewardship, listening and leaving things better than we found them.”

Delivering results through thoughtful investment

In 2025, Branson advanced several major capital projects that strengthened infrastructure, public safety and neighborhood vitality. Construction of Historic Downtown Streetscape Phase 4, a $5 million revitalization effort, was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, further restoring the heart of Branson’s historic core.

Public safety investments included completion of a $16 million renovation of the White House building, now serving as the new home of the Branson Police Department, also delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. Additionally, the city initiated the dispatch center relocation to the Pacific Water Tower, generating an estimated $1 million in cost savings while maintaining service excellence.

Firefighters benefited from quality-of-life improvements with the completion of renovations at Fire Stations 2 and 3, ensuring safer, more functional facilities for those who serve on the front lines. In May 2024, firefighters and Ward 3 residents also benefited from the city’s $5 million dollar investment of a new Station 4 fire station.

Strengthening neighborhoods and infrastructure

A core priority of LeBlanc’s service has been neighborhood investment. In 2025, Branson launched $5.1 million in improvements in Hiawatha Heights, replacing aging water mains, improving water pressure, reducing service disruptions and doubling the number of fire hydrants to enhance fire protection. This work serves as a foundation for the city’s broader $70 million neighborhood revitalization program, with future improvements planned for Lakeview Estates, Lucia Ridge and Murphy neighborhoods.

The city also celebrated the successful opening of a $2 million expansion of the city campground, adding more than 30 new sites and supporting Branson’s tourism economy.

Economic development with long-term vision

Branson continued to position itself for sustainable growth through forward-thinking economic development. In 2025, the city executed a development agreement for the Gretna Road TIF project, a $300 million mixed-use development spanning 136 acres that will bring new tourism, residential, sports and retail opportunities to the community.

Additional milestones included approval of an $11 million expansion of the Butterfly Palace, exploration of an indoor city sports facility to support a 12-month economy, and regional tourism leadership through support of the Blue Angels’ inaugural air show in Branson.

Improving access, transparency and city services

Under LeBlanc’s tenure, the city made meaningful progress in modernizing operations. A comprehensive Red Tape Review updated city codes to streamline permitting, improve regulatory clarity and better serve residents and businesses.

The CitizenServe permitting system underwent a major refresh to remove outdated processes and improve online access, with full business licensing integration expected in Winter 2026.

The city also successfully completed the Lodging Safety Initiative, ensuring all lodging establishments meet licensing, public health and safety standards—protecting both residents and visitors alike.

To reduce costs and increase accountability, Branson established an in-house city legal department, transitioning away from expensive outside counsel while strengthening proactive legal oversight.

Engaging the community

In 2025, Branson significantly expanded its digital outreach, with city social media reaching 7.6 million views, a 45.6% increase in engagement and a 111% increase in new followers—a clear signal that residents want to be informed, engaged and heard.

“Good government requires communication,” LeBlanc noted. “When residents are informed and involved, our city is stronger.”

Looking ahead

As he seeks reelection to a third term, LeBlanc emphasized continuity, creativity and compassion.

“I am running again because I believe Branson’s best days are still ahead,” he said. “I look forward to serving the next two years with the same passion, creative problem-solving and heart for this community that has guided me over the past four years. Together, we will continue building a Branson that is strong, safe, welcoming and prepared for the future.”