Council candidates share views, goals of city positions
The 13 candidates who have filed for four at-large seats on Marion City Council were asked five questions regarding their backgrounds, goals, and reasons for running for the offices.
Following are the written responses to the questions:
Erik Billings
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Billings: "I would like the opportunity to give back to the community and work toward improvement and growth for our city."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Billings: "1. Ensure that we as a city are being fiscally responsible. 2. Improve and maintain our infrastructure including downtown revitalization. 3. Respond to concerns and wishes of the citizens of Marion, Kansas."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Billings: "I have seen many good things happen in the City of Marion, but also have seen many areas where improvements can be made."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Billings: "Before moving to Marion five years ago, I served for nine years as an at-large city councilman in Bellevue, Ohio. During that time, I chaired many council committees including finance (our annual budget was approximately $11 million), public safety, and public works. During my last two years on city council, I was elected president pro tem by the council members."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Billings: "My wife Myrta and I live at 301 Elm Street with our youngest son Brett who is a sophomore at Marion High School. Myrta is a family and consumer science teacher for USD 408 and I currently am the principal of Prairie View Special Purpose Day School in Newton. We are members of Eastmoor United Methodist Church and have lived in Marion since 2001. We also have two older children, Brandon and Sarah, who live in Ohio and Massachusetts, respectively."
Stacey Collett
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Collett: "Somewhere the residents of Marion seem to have lost faith in our city leaders. I feel it is time to remember that the Marion residents are not only taxpayers but also customers.
"It is also an exciting time to be involved in the next step of city government to a five-member council to try to improve the city into the future. Also Donna Bernhardt's editorials made me feel guilty."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Collett: "I would like to see more money spent on the infrastructure in the city (i.e. streets, sewers, and water lines).
"Improvements to the downtown. I would like to see the (electrical) wires buried and more attractive street lights. If the town isn't attractive what brings people to live here?
"Growth. We need good paying jobs in the city. If it takes building a new building in the new industrial park, it needs to be done to attract new business."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Collett: "I think the current commission has done a good job, but I think the residents need more input. I would like to see at least one city meeting a month held in the evening and hold a public forum, not just a gripe session, but to get ideas from the public."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Collett: "I don't know if I am qualified for the position, but I do work with the city employees every day and I see what is being accomplished. I also helped establish and chair the Marion Chapter of Quail Unlimited."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Collett: "I have been employed by Atmos Energy for the past 17 years. I love my job and in my spare time I like to hunt and fish.
"My wife Carla and I have been married for the past 32 years and she is the love of my life. She is employed at Carlsons' Grocery.
"We have three grown children and soon to have five grandchildren.
"I have been a member of the Marion Fire Department for 14 years and have the rank of lieutenant."
Jim Crofoot
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Crofoot: "I would like to continue my service to the community of Marion. I feel that it will be very important to have experience within the make up of the new council. The city is in the process of several very positive projects that will benefit Marion. I would like to see the upgrading of the water plant, the completion of the 12,500 (electrical) line and more business recruitment during my next term.
"The city has taken a very proactive approach toward improving the quality of life in Marion, and I would like to continue to be a part of this positive, progressive leadership."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Crofoot: "Help establish tenants in the industrial park. We have the necessary tools in place for new or expanding businesses. I would like to see new jobs to bring new people to town and also allow some of our residents who commute to other communities have better job options in Marion.
"Complete the water plant upgrade to conform to KDHE guidelines. We have been working on the planning stages for the past 18 months and should begin construction later this year. This will give Marion the ability to produce water that meets all current and future requirements mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Continue to streamline city services to maximize the use of tax dollars. We have a very dedicated city crew that takes pride in their work. There has been more cross training and use of employees in more than one department to improve efficiency and allow us to remain within our budgets. We have been able to complete many projects with city workers that were contracted out in the past, which has saved the city several thousand dollars. The completion of the 12,500-volt line is near and this will help better serve parts of the community and should help reduce future rate hikes as we will be able to reduce our peak load once this is completed."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Crofoot: "I feel that the current commission and administration have been functioning very well. The condition of the city finances and the overall workings and appearance of the city are very good. There seems to be team attitude of working together from top to bottom for the benefit of the citizens.
"The only thing I feel that possibly could be improved would be better communication with the citizens and community. There is a lot of misconception about the workings of the city. The few people who come forward and voice their concerns or have questions are usually satisfied with the explanations given. I feel that it is a great thing that 13 people are interested in filling the new positions. In the past we had trouble getting anyone to run to fill the one open position."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Crofoot: "I have served on the city commission for the past 15 years. Prior to that I served on the Florence City Council. I feel that I have gained a vast amount of information during the past 15 years in regard to the operations of the city. I have been involved in bond issues for street improvements, sewer upgrades, and improvements to the water plant. I also can remember the workings of the city prior to having a city administrator and the city seems to run better with full-time leadership."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Crofoot: "I graduated from Marion High School in 1973, and have lived in Marion since 1982. I am married to Joni Wiens, also from Marion. My son Andy chose to make Marion his home. My daughter Sarah Voss lives near San Antonio, Texas. I am president of Western Associates of Marion."
Jim Davis
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Davis: "The current commission seems intent on abdicating their authority and liability to people who are not elected. There currently are no responsible parties for any action taken by the city."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Davis: "Finishing higher voltage service to south hill, lowering city debt, and realignment of city salaries and pay."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Davis: "I am dissatisfied. Our current commission has turned over the operation of the city to the administrator and given him no direction, but approves any expenditure that he brings before them."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Davis: "Thirty-four years as a businessman not incurring large debts, and treating people and their problems correctly, and with common sense."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Davis: "Spouse Jan Davis who is an art teacher at USD 408. Heating, air conditioning, and electrical contractor, lived in Marion since April 1976. Member of Marion Volunteer Fire Department since 1978, Marion VFW, and Marion Aviation Club."
Roger Hannaford III
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Hannaford: "This has been my hometown. I feel a city cannot stand still. You will either grow and flourish or decline. It is time to move ahead. I feel it is easy to sit back and complain but felt it was time to get involved and make a positive difference. We can go from being a good community to a great community. It is time to set a new vision and strategy for success."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Hannaford: "Look at the budget and see how we can be better stewards of our tax dollars. Two new businesses in the industrial park by 2007. Beautification of downtown Marion business district and entrances to Marion."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Hannaford: "I feel that they have done a good job but there is always room for improvement and new ideas. I am excited and optimistic that we can make our town grow and prosper.
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Hannaford: "I am a businessman in Marion. I have held two consecutive terms on the Marion school board. I have held leadership positions on many Marion civic organizations. I feel I can work well with others, listen with an open mind, and offer new ideas. I am not afraid to ask questions and search for new solutions."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Hannaford: "I am married to Sally Hannaford who works at Central National Bank. We have raised all three of our children in Marion. I graduated from Marion High School and Kansas State University. I am co-owner of Hannaford Abstract and Title Company which has been an integral part of our community for the past 135 years."
Max Hayen
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Hayen: "I believe I have experience that could benefit the city."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Hayen: "Growth, street repair, and taxes. We need economic and population growth. Some streets have not received any maintenance in the 35 years I've lived here. Current taxes are high and it is the result of being too fiscally conservative in the past. Taxes will continue to go higher until significant growth or decline occurs."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Hayen: "If I were satisfied, there would be little chance for improvement, but I'm not ready to throw everything away. 2005 began with a devastating ice storm that stripped away money and manpower, and caused maintenance and projects to be delayed. I feel this could be the root of some citizens' frustrations."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Hayen: "For the past five years, as public relations officer for InfiniTec, I meet with city clerks, administrators, and council members in more than 400 communities in Kansas. This has provided me with insight into what was wrong or right within these communities. Prior to InfiniTec, I was Marion County Appraiser for 27 years."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Hayen: "I have resided within Marion County for 60 of my 69 years and within Marion for 35 years. I am married to Donna (Kelsey) Hayen who is retired from Marion National Bank.
"I attended Emporia State University and served three years in the U.S. Army. Currently I am board chairman of Marion Christian Church. I served on the board of Marion County Hospital District #1 for 18 years and currently serve on the board for Parkside Homes in Hillsboro."
Bill Holdeman
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Holdeman: "I see the newly-formed council as a new, fresh beginning that's been a long time coming. With new thoughts, concerns, and abilities, there's no boundaries on the good things that can happen for Marion. I'm excited and ready to be a part of the team."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Holdeman: "(1) To support our current businesses. (2) To help develop new industries and bring in new businesses. (3) Marion needs new housing projects started for growth."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Holdeman: "I would have to say dissatisfied with the current commission because Marion is not advancing and, at best, status quo."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Holdeman: "I had been part of a five-man council for the City of Newton, serving both as mayor in 1979-80, and commissioner. I resigned from the Newton City Commission in November 1982. The reason was to move to Marion. I have owned and operated my own business in Marion for the past 11 years."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Holdeman: "I'm a homeowner, a member and attend Eastmoor United Methodist Church. I serve on the church council, and am a member of "Come Join Us" Sunday school class. I am a former Marine, was combat wounded, and received a Purple Heart. I hold a life membership in the VFW, American Legion, Disabled Veterans Association, National Rifle Association, and 2nd Marine Division Association.
"I graduated from Wichita Barber College and have been barbering for 51 years.
"My better half, Feebie Holdeman, has been Marion's Shelter Insurance agent for the past 22 years. She belongs to the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Marion Kiwanis Club, and the 20th Century Club. We have five children and 10 grandchilden. We enjoy camping."
Melvin Honeyfield
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Honeyfield: "I would like to have an opportunity to help form the future of Marion and to work with others with the same mind. I think going to a five-member commission will allow more input and ideas, and give the citizens more representation on the commission."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Honeyfield: "1) To maintain an develop our infrastructure so we can attract businesses and jobs to our community. 2) To provide an atmosphere where current businesses can expand. 3) To see that our citizens have more input in city government."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Honeyfield: "I think it's time for new blood on the commission. It's hard to evaluate and make a fair judgment on the current commission looking from the outside in. They all are fine men. I haven't always been pleased with their decisions. There are some issues and problems in the community I don't think they have addressed."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Honeyfield: "I graduated from Marion High School in 1971. I went one year to college before returning to Marion to accept a job offer at the Marion County Record. I like living here and desire to do my share to help Marion prosper."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Honeyfield: "I am single. I am production manager at the Marion County Record. I enjoy fishing, hunting, and photography. I also am treasurer of the Marion Lions Club. If given the opportunity, I would like to serve the citizens of Marion."
Gerald (Jerry) Kline
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Kline: "It's a time in my life when I feel I have the wisdom, common sense, and life experience to deal with city issues. Also friends have encouraged me to run for the newly-expanded council."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Kline: "a.) To assist the council and economic director to be business-minded, helping to create more businesses and jobs for our city to grow. b.) To work to keep down operating costs. c.) To remind our citizens to take pride in our great city."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Kline: "I am not dissatisfied, but I believe with the expansion of the number of council members to five, we have a better chance at success in managing city government."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Kline: "I've been dealing with lots of people in business for the past 20 years or so. My considerable knowledge of street and road construction methods would be a benefit to the council. In past years, I've served on several KCA committees and currently serve on the legislative committee with that organization."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Kline: "I've been married to Norma for 44 years and have lived in Marion all of my life — the past 10 years at 222 South Lincoln Street. I work in sales for Martin Marietta Aggregates, Marion, and am an active member of Eastmoor United Methodist Church and Centre Masonic Lodge."
Darvin Markley
Question 1: Why do you want to be elected to the newly-formed Marion City Council?
Markley: "I would like to see Marion as a whole move forward in improvements and community development. With a new council new things can happen that have become idle and slow in developing."
Question 2: If elected, what would be your three top priorities and/or goals for the City of Marion?
Markley: "1. To ensure that the taxpayers' money is being spent wisely and that purchases can be justified based on good, old-fashioned common sense. 2. Infrastructure improvements for attracting housing and industry options. 3. We need growing businesses and new businesses for employment to keep our next generation in Marion."
Question 3: Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current commission and administration?
Markley: "I cannot say that I am satisfied. It is obvious with 11 new people running for city council that there is a lot of concern on how the city is being operated. I believe that if city commission meetings are held in the evenings it would allow citizens to have more input, more ideas, and allow more public involvement. The city council is working for the citizens — they should not forget that."
Question 4: What is your background and/or qualifications for the position of councilman?
Markley: "I have been a citizen of Marion for more than 20 years. I have served and am currently serving on community committees. I have owned and operated a business in Marion for 19 years."
Question 5: Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.)
Markley: "My wife Sue and I own and operate our business Markley Service, Inc. towing and recovery, together. We have lived in the community for 24 years. We have two children who graduated from Marion school district. We have one grandson and another grandchild expected in the near future."
