Endorsements
Jenny Schmidt, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 3
Eleanor Pardini, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 2
Jenny Schmidt, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 3
"Over the past 18 months while regularly attending MRH School Board meetings, I have witnessed Nikylan show up each time having thoroughly researched the topics at hand, initiating and engaging in vital conversations around equity and inclusion, and broaching difficult conversations with a professionalism and compassion that allows for ci
"Over the past 18 months while regularly attending MRH School Board meetings, I have witnessed Nikylan show up each time having thoroughly researched the topics at hand, initiating and engaging in vital conversations around equity and inclusion, and broaching difficult conversations with a professionalism and compassion that allows for civil and thoughtful discourse. She continuously works with her colleagues to find consensus to ensure issues are being resolved and serves as an advocate for the most vulnerable in our community to ensure their voices are heard.
Tackling difficult and important issues like housing affordability, business retention and growth, public safety, and equity requires the leadership skills she consistently demonstrates through her willingness to jump in and do what is necessary to get the job done.
I am excited to endorse Nikylan because she has the right experience for right now."
Sarah Crosley, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 2
Eleanor Pardini, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 2
Jenny Schmidt, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 3
"I'm endorsing Nikylan Knapper to be the next Mayor of Maplewood because her vision for Maplewood is transformative and prioritizes the needs of our neighbors. She is dedicated to equity, affordable housing, and transparency during a time when we need it most.
She has the right experience for right now."
Eleanor Pardini, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 2
Eleanor Pardini, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 2
Eleanor Pardini, Maplewood Councilmember, Ward 2
“I am excited to endorse Nikylan as our next Mayor of Maplewood.
Her experience writing equity policy and implementing it for the MRH School District is what we need right now as we work towards greater equity.
She also knows the value of collaborative relationships between the school board and the council - and has demonstrated it. It’s
“I am excited to endorse Nikylan as our next Mayor of Maplewood.
Her experience writing equity policy and implementing it for the MRH School District is what we need right now as we work towards greater equity.
She also knows the value of collaborative relationships between the school board and the council - and has demonstrated it. It’s these types of partnerships that make meaningful improvements to our community as a whole.
Nikylan has the right experience for right now.”
Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri, IAFF Local 2665 and the Maplewood Professional Firefighter’s Association
Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri, IAFF Local 2665 and the Maplewood Professional Firefighter’s Association
Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri, IAFF Local 2665 and the Maplewood Professional Firefighter’s Association
“The women and men of IAFF Local 2665 are excited about the enthusiasm Nikylan brings to Maplewood, and we are optimistic about our community’s future with her as our Mayor.”
Mark Langston, Maplewood Mayor 2001-2009
Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri, IAFF Local 2665 and the Maplewood Professional Firefighter’s Association
Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri, IAFF Local 2665 and the Maplewood Professional Firefighter’s Association
"As a former mayor of Maplewood who served two terms, I endorse Nikylan Knapper as our next mayor of Maplewood. She is proactive in finding innovative solutions and engaged with our community in ALL her service experience - from the MRH School Board to being a Den Leader for a local Cub Scout den.
I know first hand what being Mayor of ou
"As a former mayor of Maplewood who served two terms, I endorse Nikylan Knapper as our next mayor of Maplewood. She is proactive in finding innovative solutions and engaged with our community in ALL her service experience - from the MRH School Board to being a Den Leader for a local Cub Scout den.
I know first hand what being Mayor of our wonderful community takes, and I am confident Nikylan will take us to the next level of excellence with housing affordability, small businesses, and public safety.
Nikylan has the right experience for right now."
Katie Kaufmann, President Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education
Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri, IAFF Local 2665 and the Maplewood Professional Firefighter’s Association
Katie Kaufmann, President Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education
"I have worked along side Nikylan on the Maplewood Richmond Heights school board for the past several years and have gotten to see first hand how she leads with heart and head to ensure the very best for all our students.
Even as a new board member she has encouraged the school board to be more strategic in our approach to educational eq
"I have worked along side Nikylan on the Maplewood Richmond Heights school board for the past several years and have gotten to see first hand how she leads with heart and head to ensure the very best for all our students.
Even as a new board member she has encouraged the school board to be more strategic in our approach to educational equity helping us look at our values with new eyes and clearer focus.
Her existing relationships and understanding of our community’s assets and challenges will be a huge advantage to lead Maplewood forward as a more desirable and equitable municipality. I strongly support Nikylan Knapper for Mayor of Maplewood."
Dessa Somerside, Co-founder MapleGOOD & Resident
Dessa Somerside, Co-founder MapleGOOD & Resident
Dessa Somerside, Co-founder MapleGOOD & Resident
"I first met Nikylan a year ago very early into the COVID pandemic when she jumped in to volunteer with MapleGOOD.
Her experience working with social security benefits greatly helped an elder in our community and soon after she joined the MapleGOOD Advisory Committee. For the past year she always jumps in to help deliver groceries to
"I first met Nikylan a year ago very early into the COVID pandemic when she jumped in to volunteer with MapleGOOD.
Her experience working with social security benefits greatly helped an elder in our community and soon after she joined the MapleGOOD Advisory Committee. For the past year she always jumps in to help deliver groceries to homebound neighbors and provided essential support and guidance for MapleGOOD.
Nikylan is not only compassionate, but she takes action and has the right experience."
Gina LaRose, Maplewood Resident
Dessa Somerside, Co-founder MapleGOOD & Resident
Dessa Somerside, Co-founder MapleGOOD & Resident
"As a resident here since 2008, I have found Maplewood to be an eclectic, diverse, and uniquely compassionate place to live, work and play. It is a true gift to be raising children here. In this extraordinary moment in our history; the soul of Maplewood stands hesitantly at a complicated crossroads.
We face uncharted territory as our e
"As a resident here since 2008, I have found Maplewood to be an eclectic, diverse, and uniquely compassionate place to live, work and play. It is a true gift to be raising children here. In this extraordinary moment in our history; the soul of Maplewood stands hesitantly at a complicated crossroads.
We face uncharted territory as our economy teeters, our health and wellness takes center stage, and the divisions caused by our region’s racial and economic inequities deepen and widen. To get past this moment, we will need to push through it with intentional, empathetic, and innovative leadership.
Nikylan has proven time and time again that she leads with conviction, listens to understand, and brings her whole heart to the table when facing a challenge. Nikylan has the experience that matters in this difficult and complicated moment. I trust her implicitly to thoughtfully guide the soul of this beautiful community through these turbulent times. Join me in voting for Nikylan on April 6th."
Amy Breihan, Civil Rights Attorney & Resident
Dessa Somerside, Co-founder MapleGOOD & Resident
Amy Breihan, Civil Rights Attorney & Resident
"At the end of the day, elections come down to trust. That’s why I’m endorsing Nikylan Knapper for Mayor of Maplewood.
I trust Nikylan to work every day for the good of the community because as an attorney and judge, Nikylan has dedicated her professional life in service to the others.
I trust Nikylan to make transparent decisions that refl
"At the end of the day, elections come down to trust. That’s why I’m endorsing Nikylan Knapper for Mayor of Maplewood.
I trust Nikylan to work every day for the good of the community because as an attorney and judge, Nikylan has dedicated her professional life in service to the others.
I trust Nikylan to make transparent decisions that reflect our community's voices and interests because she has demonstrated that open and inclusive decision-making process during her tenure with the MRH Board of Education."
Stephanie Sutton, Maplewood Resident
Jennifer Duenke, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Jenny Dinky Photography
Nick & Meghan Homa, Maplewood Residents
"We have lived in Maplewood for over 12 years and want to raise our four daughters in a growing, diverse and inclusive community. We can see that Maplewood is at a crossroads.
This election is an opportunity to move us toward the community that we know we can be, and brings everyone along together.
We need a proactive, progressive leader
"We have lived in Maplewood for over 12 years and want to raise our four daughters in a growing, diverse and inclusive community. We can see that Maplewood is at a crossroads.
This election is an opportunity to move us toward the community that we know we can be, and brings everyone along together.
We need a proactive, progressive leader who has proven willing to do the hard work that leads to real change. Nikylan is that leader."
Nick & Meghan Homa, Maplewood Residents
Jennifer Duenke, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Jenny Dinky Photography
Nick & Meghan Homa, Maplewood Residents
"We believe in voting our values, so we’ll be voting for Nikylan Knapper for Mayor this spring. Her experience as a PTO Leader and Board of Education Director means she understands how local government works - and how it doesn’t.
Nikylan is approachable, engaged, and an effective advocate for gender and racial equity. We appreciate her t
"We believe in voting our values, so we’ll be voting for Nikylan Knapper for Mayor this spring. Her experience as a PTO Leader and Board of Education Director means she understands how local government works - and how it doesn’t.
Nikylan is approachable, engaged, and an effective advocate for gender and racial equity. We appreciate her thoughtful leadership and genuine commitment to governing well.
Please join us in voting for Nikylan as the next Mayor of Maplewood."
Jennifer Duenke, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Jenny Dinky Photography
Jennifer Duenke, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Jenny Dinky Photography
Jennifer Duenke, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Jenny Dinky Photography
"Like so many others the last 12 months have been devastating for my Maplewood based small business.
My 2020 goal of expanding into my first retail space looked to be shelved indefinitely, even gone forever. Nikylan Knapper has a plan for small business owners to get back on their feet, and accomplish their dreams like mine to finally
"Like so many others the last 12 months have been devastating for my Maplewood based small business.
My 2020 goal of expanding into my first retail space looked to be shelved indefinitely, even gone forever. Nikylan Knapper has a plan for small business owners to get back on their feet, and accomplish their dreams like mine to finally have my own studio. Through her small business assistance program and her support of local small business development and growth, I believe fully that she can help me (and others LIKE me) realize my goal.
As a local small business owner, Nikylan Knapper has my full endorsement as our future Mayor of Maplewood!"
Shevaun McNaughton, Resident & MRH Citizen of the Year
Brad Jackson, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Roughneck Beard Company
Brad Jackson, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Roughneck Beard Company
"I have had the great honor and pleasure of getting to know and work with Nikylan over the past 4 years. She has been not only been an integral part of our community but also a formidable leader.
I first met Nikylan when she joined the ECC PTO and became a Co-Chair. She quickly identified areas where she could make a difference (bringing
"I have had the great honor and pleasure of getting to know and work with Nikylan over the past 4 years. She has been not only been an integral part of our community but also a formidable leader.
I first met Nikylan when she joined the ECC PTO and became a Co-Chair. She quickly identified areas where she could make a difference (bringing more books to our kiddos) and proactively took charge. Nikylan worked with the PTO leadership, ECC stakeholders, United Way, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, to establish a partnership providing free books for our MRH students under 5 years old.
I have seen her take on many other challenges (through the Cub Scouts and the Board of Education) with the same dedication, insight, and tenacity. Throughout this time Nikylan and I have become close friends. She challenges me and inspires me. I look forward to what she will bring to the City of Maplewood as our next Mayor."
Brad Jackson, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Roughneck Beard Company
Brad Jackson, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Roughneck Beard Company
Brad Jackson, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Roughneck Beard Company
"I first knew Niky as my son's Cub Scout den leader, then through the PTO, and finally as my opponent in the 2019 MRH Board of Education race. When I learned her platform, her amazing skill set, and her vision for our future, I immediately dropped out of the race to endorse her. And I'm proud to endorse her again now.
Nikylan is THE perso
"I first knew Niky as my son's Cub Scout den leader, then through the PTO, and finally as my opponent in the 2019 MRH Board of Education race. When I learned her platform, her amazing skill set, and her vision for our future, I immediately dropped out of the race to endorse her. And I'm proud to endorse her again now.
Nikylan is THE person to take Maplewood into the future. This city has come so far, and Nikylan's dedication to making sure we don't forget where we came from, and that nobody is left behind, is unparalleled.
As a Maplewood father, business owner, and citizen, I am so excited to endorse Nikylan Knapper for our mayor."
Beth Newman, Maplewood Resident
Brad Jackson, Maplewood Business Owner & Resident, Roughneck Beard Company
Beth Newman, Maplewood Resident
"I support Nikylan Knapper for mayor because we need a leader who will guide Maplewood by prioritizing the values our community actively strives to achieve, including racial justice, transparency, and inclusion as well as foster a culture of progressive, responsible municipal planning and development for our beloved city."