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.
TODAY is the LAST DAY to apply for an Advance Ballot by Mail. Visit ksvotes.org to submit your ballot request.
If you live outside of Saline County check with your local elections officer for election deadlines.
What is your age?
67
What is your profession?
Owner of Land Title Service
Are you an incumbent?
Yes
Give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less:
My wife Polly and I have lived in Salina for 44 years. We raised three children here, two who still live here along with three grandchildren. I spent 23 years in banking before becoming a small business owner. In order to have the background needed to run for city commission I served on numerous boards within the community such as the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Airport Authority, Salina Education Foundation, and Salina Regional Health Center Foundation.
Please explain why you are running for city commission in 500 words or less.
I am hopeful if re-elected we can continue the momentum we have as a city. Numerous companies have made significant expansions, while other businesses are moving their operations to Salina. We must find a way to bring a qualified workforce to Salina. We have been addressing our housing shortage in several ways. First, we have given incentives to developers to help bring down the cost of new workforce housing.
Second, the City of Salina, along with our partners went to the State of Kansas and was awarded 25 million to help build new apartments. The United Way has taken the lead in addressing the need for additional childcare services. I believe that the city of Salina should be a partner in this effort.
Six years ago, I felt like we had some division within our community. My number one goal was to bring the entire community together. I believe that we have accomplished that. The City of Salina now has a great working relationship with Saline County, the Salina Airport Authority, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, USD 305, Kansas State Salina, and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. Because of these partnerships, we have seen substantial economic growth over the last couple of years.
Over the last few years, we have made major improvements to our downtown facilities and infrastructure, while still being able to strengthen our balance sheet. The future is bright for Salina, and I look forward to helping Salina become a community that others will try to emulate.