Fourth-Generation Clay Countian
- Fourth-generation Clay County resident
- Former Market President, Bank of America
- Market expansion and high-tech logistics leader, FedEx
- Family owned the Clay County Food Mart for 38 years
- Husband and father of two
- Candidate for Eastern Commissioner, November 4, 2026 general election
Raised Behind the Counter
Mark McAuliffe's Clay County roots run four generations deep. He grew up in a small-business family. Jack and Norene Johnston, Mark's grandparents, owned and operated the Clay County Food Mart for 38 years, and it was there that Mark learned early what it means to meet a payroll, serve your neighbors, and earn every dollar. Small business still runs in the family today, from real estate to an automotive body shop.
A Career Built on Growing Things
Mark took that work ethic into a corporate career spanning more than three decades. At FedEx, he built a track record of expanding markets and managing high-tech logistics for major companies like Sun Microsystems, HP, and Dell, delivering growth in one of the most demanding industries in the world. He went on to executive leadership in banking, rising to Market President at Bank of America.
Today, Mark is focused on bringing that experience home: strengthening the local economy, attracting quality jobs, and preparing Clay County for the growth that's coming, whether we plan for it or not.
Why County Government
Mark believes county government should work the way a well-run business does: clear goals, honest budgets, and accountability for results. He's running for Eastern Commissioner to bring a builder's mindset to the courthouse, along with a long-term vision for where Clay County should be in 2040, not just next year.
Rooted in the Northland
Mark and his wife, a former banker who now teaches fitness and community programs, raised their two children here. Their son recently started a job at Liberty Hospital with support from Easterseals, an experience that deepened the family's commitment to making sure opportunity in Clay County includes people of all abilities. Their daughter is a student-athlete at Park University studying nursing. Mark's mother, at 80, is still active in the Federated Women's Group, because in the McAuliffe family, showing up for your community never retires.
Why I'm Running
"Clay County deserves leadership that gets results, not politics as usual."
Mark McAuliffe
An Agenda Built for Results
Economic Growth
Jobs · Investment · A Bigger Tax BaseClay County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Missouri. Growth done right expands the tax base, funds services without tax hikes, and brings better jobs closer to home. Growth done wrong brings congestion and costs taxpayers can't carry.
Mark has spent his career doing this work, expanding markets for FedEx and leading at the executive level in banking. As commissioner, he'll pursue strategic, sustainable growth guided by a long-term plan, not one deal at a time.
- Attract quality employers and support expansion of existing Clay County businesses
- Grow the tax base so services are funded by growth, not tax increases
- Champion a Clay County 2040 strategic vision so growth follows a plan
- Cut unnecessary red tape that slows small business
Public Safety
First Responders · Balanced InvestmentSafe neighborhoods are the foundation of everything else: families choosing to move here, businesses choosing to invest here, and kids growing up secure.
Mark stands behind our first responders at the local, county, and state levels, and that support is mutual: the firefighters of Local 42 have endorsed his campaign.
He will back fully equipped first responders and balanced, accountable investment in law enforcement, with priorities reflected in the budget, not just in speeches.
- Ensure sheriff's deputies and first responders have the equipment, training, and staffing they need
- Support competitive pay to recruit and retain quality deputies
- Strengthen cooperation between county, city, and state agencies
- Demand accountability and results for every public safety dollar
Fiscal Responsibility
Prudent Spending · No New Taxes Unless Absolutely NecessaryEvery dollar the county spends was earned by a Clay County family or business first. Mark's philosophy is simple: grow the revenue base, don't grow the tax bill. No new taxes unless absolutely necessary.
Mark shares the goal of property tax relief that many candidates promise, but promises aren't plans. Real relief has to be paid for by a credible, growth-based strategy, or it just shifts the burden somewhere else. And with senior property taxes now frozen under Missouri's SB 190, the county must work cooperatively with the state to protect school funding while honoring that commitment to seniors.
He's also concerned about the county's financial position: usable reserves appear thin for a county growing this fast, and poor financial management that degrades our bond rating costs taxpayers for decades.
- No new taxes unless absolutely necessary, fund services through growth
- Pursue property tax relief through a credible, growth-based plan, not empty promises
- Protect school funding as SB 190's senior tax freeze takes effect
- Rebuild healthy reserves and protect the county's bond rating
Infrastructure & Schools
Roads · Bridges · Strong SchoolsGrowth without planning becomes congestion, potholes, and overcrowded classrooms. Clay County's infrastructure decisions in the next four years will shape the next forty.
Today the county leans too heavily on one-time grants to patch roads. That's not a plan, it's a lottery ticket. Mark will bring a builder's discipline: plan ahead, fund sustainably, build on time, and maintain what we own. And because strong schools and strong communities rise together, he'll make sure county decisions support, never undermine, our school systems.
- Fund road and bridge maintenance sustainably, not through one-time grants
- Plan infrastructure ahead of growth corridors, not behind them
- Deliver projects on time and on budget with transparent bidding
- Partner with school districts so county growth strengthens classrooms
The Proposed Jail
Honest Numbers · Real PrioritiesClay County is being asked to consider a 400–600 bed jail project estimated at $200–250 million. Mark's answer is straightforward: we cannot afford it right now, the data supporting a project of this size has not been presented, and taxpayers deserve honest answers before it moves an inch.
Any plan that large must answer a simple question: how do we pay for it without raising taxes? Until there's a credible answer, Mark believes county dollars should go to priorities residents can see and feel every day: roads, public safety staffing, and services that strengthen our communities.
- Oppose committing $200–250 million we don't have to a new jail right now
- Demand a full, public accounting of costs, funding, and the data behind the proposal before any vote
- Reject any plan that quietly depends on future tax increases
- Prioritize visible community benefits: roads, deputies, and services
Join Team McAuliffe
Sign Up to Volunteer
Prefer to talk? Call 816-343-9328.
Take a Yardsign
The easiest way to show your support. Check "Take a yardsign" in the form and we'll deliver one to your yard. High-visibility corners and busy roads especially welcome.
Knock Doors With Mark
Nothing beats a neighbor-to-neighbor conversation. Join a weekend canvass. We'll provide the walk list, the script, and the good company.
Host a Meet & Greet
Invite friends and neighbors to your home or business to meet Mark and ask questions face to face. The campaign helps with invitations and logistics.
Help on Election Day
Greet voters at the polls on November 4 and be part of the final push.
Invest in Clay County's Future
Donate Online
You will be taken to the campaign's secure Anedot donation page to complete your contribution.
Contributions to Citizen to Elect Mark McAuliffe are not tax deductible. [Add any additional Missouri Ethics Commission disclosure language required for your committee here.]
Prefer to Mail a Check?
Make checks payable to:
1 S Platte Clay Way, #24
Kearney, MO 64060
Please include your name, address, employer, and occupation with your contribution.
Every Dollar Stays Local
This is a hometown campaign. Contributions go directly to reaching Clay County voters: signs, mail, events, and gas money for knocking doors.
Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Citizen to Elect Mark McAuliffe ("the Campaign," "we," "us") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through this website and our campaign communications, how we use it, and the choices you have.
Information We Collect
We collect information you voluntarily provide, including your name, email address, mailing address, city, and mobile phone number when you sign up to volunteer, request a yardsign, contact the campaign, or make a contribution. Contribution processing is handled by our payment processor, and applicable campaign finance law may require us to collect and report contributor information such as name, address, employer, and occupation.
How We Use Your Information
- To respond to your requests and coordinate volunteer activities
- To send campaign updates, event notices, and voter information by email or text message where you have consented
- To comply with campaign finance reporting and other legal obligations
- To operate, maintain, and improve this website
Text Messaging (SMS/MMS)
If you provide your mobile number and opt in, the Campaign may send you recurring campaign update and event notification text messages. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP, and you can get assistance by replying HELP or calling 816-343-9328. Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of volunteering, contributing, or receiving services from the Campaign. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.Information sharing to subcontractors in support services, such as customer service, is permitted. All other use categories described in this policy exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; that information will not be shared with any third parties.
How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with vendors and service providers who perform services on our behalf (such as website hosting, email delivery, payment processing, and text message delivery), and we may disclose information where required by law, including campaign finance disclosure requirements. As stated above, text messaging opt-in data and consent are never shared with third parties.
Data Security & Retention
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect your information, and we retain it only as long as needed for the purposes described here or as required by law. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Children's Privacy
This website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
Your Choices
You may opt out of campaign emails using the unsubscribe link in any message, and out of text messages by replying STOP. To request access to, correction of, or deletion of your information, contact the Campaign using the information below.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date above reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Us
Citizen to Elect Mark McAuliffe
1 S Platte Clay Way, #24
Kearney, MO 64060
Phone: 816-343-9328
Email: [campaign email]
Terms of Service
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Welcome to the campaign website of Citizen to Elect Mark McAuliffe ("the Campaign"). By accessing or using this website, or by opting in to our communications, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.
Use of This Site
This site is provided for informational purposes about Mark McAuliffe's candidacy for Clay County Commissioner. You agree to use the site lawfully and not to interfere with its operation, attempt unauthorized access, or use site content to harass or mislead others.
SMS/Text Messaging Terms
By opting in through our volunteer form or by texting the Campaign, you consent to receive recurring campaign update and event notification text messages from Citizen to Elect Mark McAuliffe.
- Message frequency varies.
- Message and data rates may apply.
- Reply STOP at any time to cancel and stop receiving messages.
- Reply HELP for help, or contact us at 816-343-9328 or [campaign email].
- Consent is not a condition of volunteering, contributing, or receiving any service.
- Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Opt-in data and consent for text messaging will not be shared with third parties, as described in our Privacy Policy.
Contributions
Contributions are subject to applicable campaign finance laws. Contributions to Citizen to Elect Mark McAuliffe are not tax deductible. By contributing, you confirm the contribution is made from your own funds and that you meet all legal eligibility requirements.
Intellectual Property
Content on this site, including text, graphics, and logos, belongs to the Campaign or its licensors and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without permission.
Third-Party Links
This site may link to third-party services, such as our donation processor. The Campaign is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of third-party sites.
Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
This site is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Campaign is not liable for any damages arising from your use of the site or our communications.
Changes to These Terms
We may revise these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date above reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
Contact Us
Citizen to Elect Mark McAuliffe
1 S Platte Clay Way, #24
Kearney, MO 64060
Phone: 816-343-9328
Email: [campaign email]