Gary Wells, a retired city employee, became the latest candidate to file for a seat on Iola’s new city council.
Wells, 62, is the fifth from Iola’s Fourth Ward to file. Iola voters will pick two candidates from the ward, as well as two from each of Iola’s other three wards, to fill the eight-member council.
“The main reason I’m filing is because I think the new council must have some experience and knowledge on city functions,” Wells said.
Wells retired in 2009 after working in Iola’s Gas, Water and Wastewater Department for more than 30 years.
This is his first foray into elective politics.
“I’ve been a little busy in the past,” he said. “Serving on the city council would allow me to continue working for the public.”
Wells also served for several years on an employee task force for the city. His knowledge there will serve the public well, he said, as the new council assumes control.
“The city is running well and it has for years,” he said. “As a council member, it’s important that we keep it running like a well-oiled machine. We don’t need to make a lot of changes. We need to focus on long-term decisions, not short ones.”
Starting a new council from scratch “is going to be an education for all of us,” Wells continued. “With that many people there should be some good ideas. We have a good group of candidates.”
Iolans have until noon Tuesday to file for a seat on the council or for the mayor’s or city treasurer’s seat.
Also filing from Ward 4 are Richard Gilliland, Jerod Kelley, Ken Rowe and Jim West. The ward covers much of southeast Iola and is bounded by the west by Cottonwood Street and to the north along Carpenter, Second, Douglas, Kentucky and East streets.
A total of 15 candidates have filed for seats on the council, as well as two mayoral candidates, Bill Shirley and John Smith. Deb Troxel has filed to remain as city treasurer. The treasurer’s post had been an appointed one, but it became an elected one with the formation of the new city council.
The city election is scheduled for April 5. The new council will be seated April 18.
Another council hopeful files
