U.S.A.
Richard West graduated from Bishop Du Bourg High School and attended Western International University. He spent 21 years in law enforcement, culminating in a role as a criminal investigator. West also served as an international police advisor in Iraq for 28 months. He currently owns a small business and is in his fourth term as mayor of New Melle, Missouri.
Richard West combines a unique blend of law enforcement pragmatism with a staunch advocacy for small businesses, suggesting a deeply localized approach to governance. His experience as an international police advisor adds an unexpected layer of global perspective to his local policy decisions. West's consistent support for public education, despite his own higher education being incomplete, hints at a nuanced understanding of the value of schooling. His ideological agility is evident in his ability to align with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a strategic focus on regional industrial interests.