By SALINA POST
During the month of Oct., the Salina Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the six Salina City Commission candidates and school board member candidates for USD 306, USD 305, and USD 307.
The Salina Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information and why it is they decided to run for public office.
The general election will be Nov. 7. The deadline to register for the 2023 Election is Oct. 17 before 8 p.m.
If you live outside of Saline County check with your local elections officer for election deadlines.
Jerry Ivey II
What is your age?
48
What is your profession?
Locksmith
Are you an incumbent?
Not an incumbent, second time as a candidate
Give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less:
I am a fourth-generation Salinan. My wife Cara is also a fourth-generation Salinan. We have been married for 27 years. We have 3 children. Grace, Anna, and Nathan. I graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1993. I am a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish.
Please explain why you are running for city commission:
I have always had an interest in local politics. I always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my Grandpa John Burgess. He was on the commission for 6 years and was mayor in 1984. In the late 90s and early 2000s, I served on two terms of the parks and rec advisory board. I then took off time to raise a family.
In 2022 I was appointed to the City Planning Commission and also became the Planning Commission liaison to the Salina Heritage Commission. I have learned a lot about city government by serving on these boards. One of my bigger positions is backing the Salina Police Department and the Salina Fire Dept. My goal is to make sure they are both fully funded and have all that they need to come home safely from their jobs every day.
This year I was asked to be on the board of the Police Excellency Foundation of Salina. I gladly accepted. I am so happy to be part of something that helps out with the safety and well-being of the Police officers. I look forward to helping with the housing shortage, and the homeless situation as well. I want to help grow Salina and make it a great place for families to live.
Check Salina Post on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in Oct. for additional local candidate profiles.