Congressional Forum
Mayor Tyrone Garner came to the Congressional Forum Friday, Feb. 17 to give a talk. He was
careful to let the more than 50 persons who attended know that his presentation was not a
speech.
The Forum is a committee of the Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce that meets
monthly, usually at Children’s Mercy Park.
The mayor’s talk covered a wide range of subjects including economic development, tax base,
the Unified Government’s budget, infrastructure, and the finalist for County Administrator.
Western Wyandotte County continues to attract development including warehouses in the
Turner community. Areas that need attention include the former Indian Springs Shopping
Center. He said a developer has shown in the Reardon Center; such a development would be
the gateway to the city. Residents of the 18 th Street and Quindaro Boulevard area need a
grocery store.
The Mayor said it is important that there is adequate housing for all people. He said Tom Lally is
doing a study of the homeless population.
The Mayor said it is most important to increase the tax base. Projections indicate that unless
there is an increase in revenue soon, the Unified Government will be facing severe cutbacks in
service. Attempts by the Mayor to cut taxes have met with opposition from the Unified
Commission. The Unified Government is seeking federal grants to fund various infrastructure
projects.
Mayor Garner said the hope, subject to the approval of the Unified Commission, was to have a
County Administrator chosen by Mid-March. The three finalists of 42 candidates are John P.
Curp, former interim manager of Cincinnati, Ohio; Elke Doom, former interim manager of Royal
Oak Township, Mich.; and David W. Johnson, former city manager of Covington, Ky.
Mayor Garner said all of the final candidates have been vetted properly and are qualified to
serve.
Murrel Bland is the former Editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is Recording
Secretary of Business West.