By: DR. TRENT DAVIS
I am Dr. Trent Davis, and I’m running for re-election to the Salina City Commission.
I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. After high school, I planned to become a Lutheran minister—but life had other plans, and I was blessed instead to become a physician. I have called Salina my home since 1999 and am still actively practicing Neurology. I also serve as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the KU School of Medicine–Salina, and I’ve been honored to serve on the City Commission since 2014.
My wife, Dr. Pamela B. Davis, is a Radiologist in Salina and also active in activities that build the social fabric of our community. Pam is the sister of Dr. Mace Braxton who started the heart surgery program at SRHC in 1998. We have a blended family of six children, one of whom we sadly lost in September 2024. Our three sons were raised here in Salina and graduated from Salina Central High School; their two older sisters live in the Washington, D.C. area. Our doggie is the famous Halle Berry, nine pounds of Pompoo royalty!
Our families have long emphasized character development, confidence, and education. Among our children are four physicians (three KU graduates!) and one MPH who was ordained a minister in 2024.
My introduction to civic engagement came in the early 2000s, when I helped lead the charge for Kansas’ first Clean Indoor Air Act—banning smoking in local businesses—an initiative that later became state law. Since then, I’ve served on the Salina–Saline County Board of Health (as its last chair before restructuring), as well as the Boards of Salina Community Access TV, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the NAACP, and as President of the SRHC Medical Staff. I also worked on the successful
petition to expand the Saline County Commission from three to five members. Other activities include the Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Salina Downtown Lions Club.
Appointed to the City Commission in 2014, I’ve since been re-elected three times. To prepare for my term as Mayor in 2019, I completed KU’s Certified Public Management program to strengthen my communication and analytical skills while serving as Vice Mayor in 2018. I have ardently pushed for economic incentives that have resulted in expansion of Salina’s commercial air service and related aerospace industries.
My favorite color is cerulean blue, my favorite pastime is throwing a Frisbee on the beach, some of my favorite books are The Power of Positive Thinking and Leading When You’re Not in Charge. And, of course, my favorite football team—no surprise—is the Chiefs!
I am a modest person, and my life is full and rewarding, but because I love this city I want to continue the momentum and progress that make Salina such a special place.
My View of the City Commission
Since 2014, I’ve been proud to help guide Salina’s downtown renaissance—from the early talks about a Downtown Fieldhouse, through growing pains, to the vibrant destination we now enjoy.
The Commission’s work often involves balancing big ideas and tough realities—supporting job growth, small business expansion, the arts, housing development, public safety, and infrastructure. Much of it’s work is reactive – issues brought to us, rather than from us -- from neighborhood concerns to complex social challenges like homelessness and public health. I have a calm, steady presence—quick to listen, slow to anger—to navigate it all.
A friend once suggested Salina’s motto could be “Salina … in the Middle of Everywhere.” That “everywhere” reflects more than geography: it’s our diversity,
opportunity, and drive to grow. Salina’s competition isn’t just nearby towns—it’s the world. We need leaders unafraid to engage it.
As I see it, the City Commission is like the old BASF ad: “We don’t make the products you use; we make them better.” Our role is to be the catalyst—helping the people and organizations who make Salina thrive. Government isn’t about grabbing the spotlight, but about creating the conditions where others can shine. And while rules are necessary to protect fairness and safety, it’s our job to recognize when they’re outdated and adapt them for the future.
Why Me
I want to be your City Commissioner because Salina deserves steady leadership—someone experienced, patient, and committed to managing your tax dollars responsibly. This is a dynamic city, and the Commission faces a constant stream of new challenges. Experience matters and you deserve someone honorable and dependable.
We don’t need single-issue candidates or those quick to shout that their way is the only way. I believe in listening first, learning always, and respecting every viewpoint brought to the table. As my father-in-law wisely said:
“If you have to yell louder, you need a better argument.”
Salina’s future depends on investing wisely—not in a fantasy of “no taxes,” but in sustainable progress that exceeds the length of our terms and serves generations to come. I believe it’s time to focus on our human infrastructure:
· Job training
· Living wages
· Renters becoming homeowners
· Sustainable childcare
· Small business entrepreneurship
· Ending homelessness
· Keeping our kids in school and out of jail
I’ve been here, working with our community to make these goals real. I’d be honored to continue that work.
I appreciate your confidence and your vote—early or on November 4, 2025—to keep Salina moving forward.
Sincerely,
Trent W. Davis, M.D.