Bill Shirley, completing his eighth year as a city commissioner, hopes to become Iola’s next mayor.
Shirley, a retired school administrator, became the second mayoral candidate to file. Shirley will be opposed by Iolan John Smith. Other candidates have until noon Tuesday to file.
The next mayor will take office when Iola’s new city council is seated April 18, replacing the existing three-member city commission.
“I’d thought about it since (current mayor) Bill Maness said he wasn’t going to file,” Shirley said. “I can offer some continuity for the new council when it’s seated.”
Shirley, 72, sees several challenges remaining for Iola that he would like to continue attacking.
“Finding a way to stop the population loss is a huge thing,” he said, “and we are putting in a lot of money for the new hospital. It looks like that’s getting off to a great start.”
The new council also must continue working to keep the city’s utility rates and property tax levies low, Shirley said.
“I’m proud we’ve been able to do that, and we’ve stayed under budget,” Shirley said. “We have great employees with the city, and we have a great city. I’d like to keep that going.”
In addition to his eight years as an Iola city commissioner, Shirley also served on Humboldt’s eight-member city council.
“We were able to work well together there, and I’m certain we can do so here, too,” Shirley said.
In addition, Deb Troxel, who has served as Iola’s city treasurer since 2003, filed to keep her seat.
The treasurer’s position becomes an elected position, instead of an appointed one, with the formation of the new city council.
Iola voters will elect eight council members, two from each of the city’s four voting wards. The mayor and treasurer votes will be citywide.
Shirley seeks mayor’s seat
