(KAIR)--It's being called the “Seven for Seven,” a list of seven questions posed to the seven candidates(seeking election to the three open Atchison City Commission seats.

The questions were posed by the non-profit Project Atchison organization, which held a an informal candidate meet and greet earlier this month.

While member Jeff Schuele oversaw delivery of the questions to the candidates, he tells MSC News he wasn't alone in compiling the questions, which were developed with the assistance of other members of the group.

According to Schuele, the questions have been answered by all but one of the seven candidates, with incumbent Larry Purcell not providing answers as of October 19. The other six seeking election include two other imcumbents, Dr. Allen Reavis and David Haussmann, along with former Atchison County Commissioner George Ross, Jr., Atchison Planning Commissioner Floyd “Jay” Robinson, Atchison Parks and Forestry Board Member Shawn Rizza, and Michael Hein.

The candidates answers are posted below. 

Voters on November 7 will decide which of the three candidates will serve on the Atchison City Commission.

Advance voting for all Atchison County-based races is planned to begin Monday.

Voter registration for the November 7 general election came to a close October 17.

Allen Reavis

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

I am married to a local lady, Sara Weatherford Reavis and we have 2 adult children, Ben and Jenny. I am a Kansas native and grew up in a rural area of Platte County – near Farley, MO. Growing up I came to Atchison often with my grandmother that lived near Bean Lake. We used to buy livestock at the Estes Auction Company and yes, I even played on the Mall as a kid! When I graduated from Dental School in 1984 I knew I wanted to be in a small town and considered several opportunities but Atchison was my favorite. It’s been great to live here.

I am running for City Commission because I have enjoyed the challenges, the changes and the successes of the last 8 years. We have gone from serious financial challenges, leadership deficits, crumbling infrastructure to solid financial stability, stronger-younger and more effective leadership in our departments and infrastructure that is on the road to recovery. By the way that was accomplished during a recession and taxes have increased less than 2% in 8 years.

I am running because I believe this city and this region are seeing success come are way and I want to make sure it continues.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Our strengths are many. The people in this area that want to get involved to improve the city, the county, the schools are amazing. The volunteers and their enthusiasm are amazing. We now partner with Atchison County, Project Atchison, Live Well-Live Atchison, Benedictine College, Chamber of Commerce, Amelia Earhart Festival, The Muriel Museum, The Farmers Market, the Atchison Art Association, The Community Theatre and many others on projects throughout the year. This does not even count all the individuals that contribute to our Cities success or the many other civic organizations.

Our other strengths are the utilities we have for industry. We have an excellent water supply, rail service, improved highway access, room for development at our industrial park, strong agriculture economy. It appears that our local large industries are having an increase in employment and business is looking better. We have a diverse economy and labor force in having Benedictine College, Atchison Hospital and the industries throughout our community.

Our weaknesses are that we still need JOBS-JOBS-JOBS. We have got to get more people employed in good jobs with a good starting pay. We also must reduce the drug problem. It is time to get serious and get this problem addressed. I am tired of hearing all the challenges about why it’s hard to get rid of! The drug problem must go! Next on the list is housing issues. We must improve the quality of the rental properties and find incentives for the landlords to make it worth their investment. The other housing issue is we need a developer/contractor to step up and start building homes in all price ranges.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

• Economic Development- Keep working to empower existing business to expand and recruit new business to the area.

• City Manager – Hire a new City Manager that will lead and inspire both the City team but also the citizens.

• Financial Stability- Continue to demand we have stability and reasonable reserves to weather any financial challenges.

• Property Tax/ Water Rates/Sewer and Trash rates- Now that we have returned these funds to stability we must be cautious that we hold the line on these expenses to our citizens.

• Dilapidated Housing and Nuisances- We have removed nearly 90 structures and the city looks better for it. I pledge to tear it down if you are letting it become an abandoned or dangerous structure. However, I also would like to see zoning changes to make it easier to rebuild in these lots.

• Sidewalks/Trails- Increase funding in this area and make our city more accessible.

4. How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

Effectively communicating any message is always a challenge. The challenges are that we now live in an age of “instant news” with social media, then accuracy or rumor control is difficult. Our citizens choose to get their information in many different forms as well.

Communicating to the public and the employees are equally important as our employees are also citizens and neighbors.

In my first term we started many initiatives at improving communication. This included a new City website and Facebook page. With both of those it is encouraged to respond quickly to any citizen concerns. It is time to update the Website and provide the best communication possible.

We now are using Facebook Live along with the cable TV to broadcast our City Commission meetings.

We send press releases to the local media on topics all the time. We encourage the media and citizens to attend and participate in our meetings.

I believe this an area that will always be a constant struggle in getting accurate information out to the public. I also will ask the citizens to seek out the information and contact city hall or one of the commissioners when they have a concern or want to learn more.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

   The relationship the City has with the County has improved significantly. We have worked together on some projects and plan to do more in the future. I believe there have been some individuals that try to drive a wedge in the City/County relationship. However, when all the elected commissioners discuss issues and find a way to work together – WE GET IT DONE! Recent examples are working together to rebuild and pave River Road, sitting together on the Ambulance Board to help guide the transition to a County operated service. This has led to more cooperation between the Hospital Emergency services, Atchison Fire department, Volunteer Fire Departments and the Rescue Squad. By working together several other groups are coming together, training together and learning how to better serve the citizens.

I see a bright future in working together with the County. I don’t believe that a total consolidation is the solution. What I hear is everyone wants to save money and keep taxes down. We need to look at sharing some resources and possibly using our total budget power to get better prices for supplies. I would consider looking at Website improvements to better connect both entities, Technology support (IT) possible could be a shared department, and continue to work together doing the GIS mapping.

6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds these projects?

YES!

This is an excellent opportunity to improve and develop projects that will increase tourism. It will not cost the City any dollars but we will reap the benefits.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

I support Project Atchison in everything they have done. Any request they have made of the City Commission I have endorsed, every request they have made of our City Departments I have encouraged them to support and assist, and I try to join in on Cash Mobs whenever I can.

I believe Project Atchison will have a stronger future with their tax-free status and the strong leaders in your organization. It is my hope that this group will grow as a positive force in our community. I will support them any way I can.

Dave Hausmann

1. Please introduce yourself and explain why you are running.

I am running for the Atchison City Commission because it is an effective way to serve this community that I have been a part of for the last 28 years. I want to see Atchison be a city that is valued by it's citizens and is attractive to others.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths?

Atchison is a first class city. That means we have all the services (police department, fire department, etc) required to put us in that category. At the same time, we are a small city, so, access to these services is prompt and efficient. For example, when I lived in St Louis and Kansas City, I would take a day off work to get my driver’s license.

Another advantage due to Atchison’s size is that there is a strong community sense. You can connect with the people in the community by seeing them in different settings, such as in stores, restaurants, churches, schools and social events.

Weaknesses?

Accessibility is a challenge because most thriving cities have major interstates running through them. Because we do not have a four lane highway, we are limited in our reach outside of Atchison. Another challenge is our weak infrastructure. We have been been making great strides in addressing the challenges that come with an older city. However, we must be diligent to stay on top of these issues. There has been a lot of improvement of our water system, sidewalks, sewers, alleys and streets, and yet there's more that needs to be done.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

I want to see continued street, alley and sidewalk repair, and I want to be part of a city commission that works well with the citizens it represents, with the city staff and with the Atchison County Commission. I will be proactive and prudent in analyzing and following through on opportunities Atchison has in regard to Star bonds, grants, business analysis, quality of life improvements and service improvements.

4. How will you communicate to the public?

I will communicate in personal dialogue on a day to day basis. I am open to calls, texts and emails. I will also advocate for more town hall meetings. To the employees, same.

       5.How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County, and explore ways to create efficiencies, maybe even consolidation of services?

I will continue to develop my working relationships with all county commissioners and will strive for the betterment of Atchison County. We have been working on creating efficiencies with the county. Some examples are the transference of the EMT service to county control, and the cooperation between city and county on the River Road project.

6. The city of Atchison is currently exploring the use of sales tax revenues (Star) bonds, to improve and build a museum for Muriel, and permanent shelter at the farmer’s market area. Do you support the use of Star Bonds for these projects?

Yes, I do support the use of Star bonds. This is a unique opportunity that the state is offering to us and we need to utilize it wisely. This is tax money that would be returned to us from the state. Otherwise, the money would go to other communities.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future.

I love the energy and enthusiasm that Project Atchison has in making Atchison a better place to live. They step up and make things happen. I have commended and thanked Project Atchison publicly as a commissioner. I have attended meetings, projects and events that they have sponsored. They are really a plus to our community. I will continue to support them in the future.

Floyd “Jay” Robinson

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

My name is Floyd “Jay” Robinson and I would like to further my involvement in serving the Atchison community. It’s my way to give something back to our fine City.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Some of Atchison’s strengths are its location – our quaint historical town with highway access and rail service is situated between 3 large cities. We have a diversity of great schools, both public and private, including Benedictine College. The riverfront development, the downtown revitalization projects and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program incentives have greatly improved the appearance in Atchison. Our residents are very welcoming to visitors and new community members. More positive features in Atchison are the construction of the new Hotel, the new YMCA improvements, the new Taco Bell restaurant and the recent purchase and projected opening of the renovated Movie Theatre.

Some of Atchison’s weaknesses are Infrastructure needs such as streets, sidewalks, alleys and CSO separations. We have a strong need for more industries, business and population growth, as well as incentives for people to shop in and support our existing downtown stores. Another weakness is our loss of entertainment businesses such as the movie theatre, miniature golf course and the bowling alley, as well losing eating establishments like KFC and Long John Silvers to name a few. We must find a way to not only attract businesses to Atchison, but also to patronize and support them so they are able to thrive in our City.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

If elected to the City Commission, some of my goals are: continued infrastructure improvements; prioritizing projects, both current and future, based upon Atchison’s needs; pursuing industry at Shannon Industrial Park; getting rid of dilapidated structures throughout Atchison; improving our appearance on the 59 Highway corridor; and ensuring our City employees have the necessities to keep our City safe and maintained.

4. How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

I will communicate to the public and the employees in a straight forward, open-minded and respectful manner, either in person or by electronic means. I believe open communication is important in any leadership role.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies, maybe even consolidation of services?

I would encourage setting and maintaining scheduled joint meetings with those entities to keep an open dialogue on the possibility of working together in providing better services for every tax payer.

6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds for these projects?

Providing that the Airport Foundation has the private financing in place as indicated, it appears the STAR Bonds could be a good avenue to fund the Muriel Museum and Farmers Market projects. Both are viable projects that could benefit Atchison.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

I have not taken the opportunity to get involved with the many great projects that Project Atchison has accomplished so far. I did, however, volunteer on behalf of the VFW, to “show off” the impressive cleanup work that Project Atchison did at Jackson Park. I participated in this tournament, along with many other teams, to raise money for the VFW and Project Atchison, who shared the proceeds equally. I do appreciate their efforts to make Atchison a finer community, and will try to make more of an effort to support them better in the future.

George Ross Jr.

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commissioner.

My name is George Ross, Jr., and I have been a life-long resident of Atchison. I am married to my High School Sweet-Heart, Kilee Liggett Ross and we have two wonderful kids Jered and Jordan.

I have previously served two terms, as Atchison County Commissioner and a 5 years as a School Board Member for USD #409. I currently serve as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Atchison Middle School.

I am running for Atchison City Commissioner because I still believe that public service is the best way to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I’m also running because I want to use my experience to serve the community of Atchison where I can most effectively. I will be a voice for all the citizens of Atchison. Having grown up in Atchison, I was taught that public service is an admirable profession and something that was expected of you. I also, want to build a helpful and responsive City Commission. A Commission that is responsive to the needs of all it’s citizens.

2). What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

I believe that our location, location, location, is one of our biggest strength’s. We are 45 minute from a major airport and metropolitan area. We are literally 30 minutes to an hour away from everything. I also, feel that the fact that we are still a rural and agricultural based community is also a strength.

Our weaknesses, In my opinion is the fact that we are not able to offer the job opportunities that a community needs to continue to prosper. I feel as though we have lost more jobs, the past few years than we have gained.

3). What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

My first goal is simply to be a voice for all citizens of Atchison. I will listen to the desires of the community and act in what I feel would be the best interest of the community. I also believe, that the foundation of any thriving community should include attracting opportunities for it’s citizens, without and a governing body that will listen and act with the best interest of it’s citizens.

4) How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

For me, the most important role as a City Commissioner should be to be a spokesman for the people, of the people and by the people. I will work hard to make sure that all voices are heard, even those voices that may be disagreeable. I chose this time, this election, this race, because this is a very important time for our city. There will be many challenging issues the City Commission will face in the coming years, and I feel that my previous experience in Public Service at various levels will serve the City of Atchison and it’s Citizens well.

5). How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

Having been a former County Commissioner, I feel that communication is very important. I would suggest joint quarterly meetings or even monthly if necessary. Communication with other governmental entities must be the expectation.

6). The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds for these projects?

I think that the original idea of using STAR Bonds to enhance major commercial areas, entertainment and tourism was a good idea. However, I think that we should closely monitor those bonds and not rely solely on the STAR Bonds.

7). Please, tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what will you do support us in the future?

Project Atchison has been a tremendous asset to the Atchison community. I was part of a group of people from the community that came together for the Safe Routes to School Grant. The Safe Routes to School Grant, helped the City of Atchison a grant that will help us fix many of our sidewalks within the City.

Nearly every city organization played a role in this project. I believe that these are the types of projects that we need to continue to explore and come together to obtain for our Great City.

Mike Hein

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

I’m Mike Hein and I want to put Engineering Experience in City Government--FOR FREE! I’m an Electrical Engineer with 30 years experience. I’m a KU grad (via scholarship) hired right out of college by Black and Veatch Consulting Engineers in Kansas City. I designed and installed Water and Sewage Treatment Plants, several Coal-fired Power Plants (including Iatan Power Plant) and did water treatment cost analysis, wrote specifications, purchased equipment, and tested it for correct operation in Nuclear Power Plants all over the United States. Then I got a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia International University and my wife, Cherie (Shuck) Hein, and I served 10 years as missionaries in Bucharest, Romania. I’m back in Kansas and ready to give my skills to Atchison.

Atchison needs my skills to make Atchison a better place to live! And my services will be free! At present, no one on the Atchison City Commission has any technical experience for the pressing engineering infrastructure projects that need immediate attention. So the Commission is forced to depend on outside contractors who certainly don’t have Atchison’s best interests at heart. There has been a lot of work done on our water system, but our water and sewage systems need improvement. I want the people in Atchison to stop having to drink bottled water, to enjoy our facilities without fear, and to ensure that we will never again see water safety warnings in our utility bills. I want to analyze our water and sewer systems in detail to make sure that future modifications are cost effective. A great many projects in the future will involve complex mechanical/electrical systems. I have actual consulting experience--designing and selecting equipment for water and sewage plants. And I know how to evaluate bids for cost effectiveness. That means tax savings! New capital improvement projects need my skills and experience to make wise decisions concerning future work. In short, Atchison needs a Professional Engineer on the City Commission.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Wow! What doesn’t Atchison have! How many little towns in America have:

* Magnificent vistas over a bend in a river--the Mighty Missouri! Real beauty!

* Stunning Antique Mansions in perfect condition.

* A rich history that includes River Boats, Wagon Trains, Stage Coach Lines, the Rail Head of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, and the S.S. Atchison Victory--a ship that served in WWII, and most important, Pioneers who homesteaded farms that are still serving America!

* World famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart’s birthplace, E.W. Howe who founded the Atchison Globe Newspaper, and John J. Ingalls (Did you know he was second cousin to Charles Ingalls of Little House on the Prairie fame?), musician Jesse Stone who wrote “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” and, of course, Lewis and Clark.

* Two colleges -- Benedictine College and Highland Community College

* A state-of-the-art Hospital and a Forrest of Friendship.

* A new YMCA, new Holiday Inn Motel, and a Illuminated Bridge like no other!

* Museums, Lakes, Grain Elevators, Flour Mills, Bradken, MGPI, Blish-Mize, Shannon Industrial Park, and Storage Caves!

* 20 Sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

* Lots of shopping, Jackson Park, Brick Streets with lovely Mature Trees, and a Farmer’s Market.

* Theatre Atchison and First Fridays! Flea Markets and October Fest!

* Best of all---Small Town Living! Can’t get enough of it!

Atchison’s greatest weakness is that it’s not on an Interstate Highway. The challenge is to attract businesses here that don’t necessarily need a highway--computer start-up businesses, artists? And Atchison doesn’t have an Professional Engineer presently serving on the City Commission. Taxes are too high.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

* I want to immediately make an engineering evaluation of the capital improvement programs, of equipment to be purchased, of control systems that are to be installed, and of bridge and road modifications and other infrastructure challenges here in Atchison. This should lower taxes by saving money on capital improvements.

* Analyze our present water and sewage systems in light of current modern criteria to determine any cost-effective improvements that should be made in the future.

* Provide an avenue for discussions with operational plant personnel to get their input on needed changes because I can talk their talk.

* Familiarize myself with how the the city works to best support the efforts of our excellent city staff in order to get things done. Make sure that they have the resources they need and recognition for what they have accomplished.

* Find ways to encourage business and manufacturing to come to Atchison.

* Find ways to support and cooperate with the goals of the Benedictine College and Highland Community College as well as USD 409.

* Learn how to work within the political culture here in Atchison.

* In general--improve services and lower taxes.

4. How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

Because I am retired, I have the time to do what I like to do the best: talk to people wherever I am, at Walmart, at the Hardware Store, or in the shops on the Mall. I’ve learned a lot about the concerns of the people in Atchison. That’s why I chose to run.

I plan to visit employees at their jobs and ask how things are going. My hope is to get to know all of the various heads of departments who serve Atchison, striving to find out how I can help them best do their jobs. Again, since I don’t have a full time job, I can take the time to research reports on current water or waste treatment facilities and to stay up-to-date on all infrastructure projects.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

I believe that efficiency is being able to accomplish something with the least waste of time, effort, and yes, money. So communication is at the top of the list for me. I want to meet with the Atchison County Commission and explore methods of cross communication for sharing costs so that both budgets, county and city, will be positively effected. A good example is the ambulance service for the county and city being combined to have one service for both. This will come about by meeting and by being determined to work together.

The same process applies to other governmental entities. There are several government agencies in Atchison, both federal, state, and local, that duplicate services, such as aid for housing, utilities, food, etc. I think there should be a central “clearing house” for all of the agencies so that any type of aid can be tracked and utilized in the most cost effective way. I plan to visit all of these agencies to find out what is available.

6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds these projects?

Using our tax money to build a museum for Muriel and a permanent shelter for the Farmer’s Market is a total win-win situation for Atchison and I support it with great enthusiasm. I hope to promote more of the same in the future.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

“To create a more enjoyable and promising Atchison for today and future generations … to improve the quality of life in Atchison through service projects and volunteerism.” What a great vision! This is why I am running for City Commission. I want to give back to Atchison in any way I can. Project Atchison is right on target with the needs of Atchison.

Shawn Rizza

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

My name is Shawn Rizza. I currently serve Atchison through Live Well Live Atchison, the Parks and Forestry Board, Project Atchison, USD 409 Site Councils, and the Planning Commission. I am also very active in our church home at First Christian Church. I serve as a deacon, and I teach Sunday School, work on the property and grounds, and participate in outreach programs. I see the City Commission as a way to further serve Atchison. We need to be determined in our actions to create a dynamic city that fosters business growth. As a commissioner I would further advocate for Atchison. Let’s have ambitious goals for Atchison, and map out the steps to achieve them!

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Atchison’s greatest strength is an engaged and energized population. Groups like Project Atchison, and Live Well Live Atchison can bolster our city in a variety of ways. Our history and natural beauty can be leveraged in ways that most Kansas towns could only dream of. We are also in a unique location where we get to enjoy life in a small town but remain close to several big cities. What worries me is when I see people increasingly view Atchison with a sense of malaise. Especially those in leadership positions. The idea that Atchison’s best days are behind her and any attempt to better our situation is met with resistance, and disdain, is a dangerous trend. We need to change that conversation! Atchison will only be a strong and vibrant town if we make it that way. We need to elect commissioners that believe Atchison’s best days are ahead of her.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

- Connect our neighborhoods and schools with safe sidewalks.

- Work to foster local business growth.

- Increase openness and communication between commissioners and citizens.

- Encourage collaboration between the City, County, and Nonprofits.

- Treat every dollar spent as an investment, and always work for the highest return.

- Work to create vibrant parks and Riverfront.

4) How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

With all the tools at our disposal, there is no excuse for not communicating your positions, and the reasoning behind them. I serve on the Parks Board and Planning Commission, and I have sat in on the Library Board, Watershed District, and Housing Board. I have never seen a Commissioner at one of those meetings. These boards will spend months on topics before passing them on to the City Commission. Often times commissioners comment that they didn’t even read the recommendation, but they are voting against it. A City Commission that is insulated from new ideas, and outside opinions, is a big problem. I think the city should explore partnerships with KAIR and The Globe to make Commissioners available for questions from the public so they have to account for their actions. I personally would also keep an official presence on Facebook. If we want to have an engaged community, we need to commit to outreach. I believe in a similar approach to communicating with our city employees. From day one, I would make sure each employee felt the freedom to express concerns with me. City employees are the ones who are out in the community doing the hard work and improving our city every day. They should be treated with respect, and need to feel empowered to make a difference.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

The city has a difficult relationship with the county, watershed district, and others. This has kept us from being able to collaborate, and accomplish similar goals for less money. We need to move beyond our entrenched positions, and work for betterment of our citizens. It took a long time to get where we’re at, and it won’t be an overnight fix to build back trust on both sides. We start with projects like fixing River Road, and build up from there. The more we can work together, the more money we save in our budgets, and the more we can accomplish for our community.

      6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds these projects?

Yes, I think STAR Bonds make sense for us at this time. It keeps our tax dollars here in Atchison, and helps fund projects that will grow and improve our city. The tax district that supports it will not impact our city budget, and we won’t see any increase in our taxes. Making our money work for us is a win for Atchison. The other thing I’m happy to see about this proposal, is that the scale is appropriate for our town. Other STAR Bond projects include Legends Shopping center, racetracks, and other large scale endeavors. We aren’t doing that. We’ll be the smallest project to date, and the risk is all on the investors instead of the city. Let’s keep tax dollars generated in Atchison here at home.

        7.Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

This is probably the easiest question I’ll have for the entire campaign. I have been with Project Atchison since the beginning. I serve on the board, attend almost every meeting, and have been involved in every project to date. Project Atchison is a group that I am proud to be a member of, and plan to serve for as long as I am able. The energy that comes out of this group gives me hope for what we can accomplish in Atchison. As a city commissioner, I would want to continue to work closely with Project Atchison, and hopefully both groups can bolster each other to improve our city.