Holland Sworn In as New KCK Mayor April 26, 2013

Mark Holland (file)

Mark Holland was sworn in as the new Mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County Thursday night.
The Kansas City Star reports Holland said in his inaugural speech, he believes the city is in better position than ever to continue to meet its challenges and continue grow.
“We’re better positioned to address all these challenges that we’ve ever been,” according to the report.
Among KCK’s challenges is to extend the revitalization and growth of the western end of the county to the core of KCK.
Holland was elected last month after surviving a primary an defeating fellow Commissioner Ann Murgia in the April run-off.
He replaces former Mayor Joe Reardon who surprised many by not running for a third term.

Reardon & Marinovich Endorse Holland for KCK Mayor February 7, 2013

KCK Mayor Joe Reardon and former Mayor Carol Marinovich endorsed City Commissioner Mark Holland for Mayor Thursday.
“”I know he has a strong vision for Wyandotte County and understands that collaboration, hard work and persistence will keep Wyandotte County moving forward on the path that our residents, businesses and leaders have forged during the past 16 years, “ Reardon said according to the Holland campaign.
Reardon followed Marinovich into City Hall. She served as Mayor from 1995-2005. She’s credited with starting KCK and Wyandotte County’s resurgence by landing the Kansas Speedway.
“Wyandotte County needs now is a Mayor who can build upon that success and continue to move the county forward for all residents,” Marinovich said as she endorsed Holland.
Holland has been on the City Commission for six years.
He’s one of five candidates running in the February 26th primary.
The run-off election is April 2.

KCK Mayoral Forum Set February 1, 2013

One of the first debates of the KCK Mayoral raced has been set. It will focus on mass transit.
The Kansas City Regional Ttransit Alliance (KCRTA) and BikewalkKC has set a forum for February 11, 6:00-7:30 at the KCK downtown Public Library, 625 Minnesota Avenue.
Organizers say space at the library forum is limited. They’re urging people to register in advance.
Check here: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=gvxbiodab&oeidk=a07e6z18m8ndfb7cdc3&oseq=a016ig93l1s0j
The current mayor, Joe Reardon is leaving office after two terms.
Five people are running to replace Reardon.
They include Nate Barnes, Mark Holland, Cordell Meeks III, Ann Murguia and Janet Witt.
The KCK Mayoral and City Commission Primary is Feb. 26. The run-off election is April 2.

Cordell Meeks III to Join KCK Mayor’s Race January 15, 2013

KCK Businessman Cordell Meeks III is the latest to enter the KCK race for mayor.
Meeks is expected to formally announce his campaign at a noon news conference at City hall.
He is currently the Chairman of the city’s Human relations Commission.
A news release says he’ll try to convince voters “his ability to attract continued economic development that will benefit all parts of Wyandotte County,”
Meeks now owns his own business consulting firm.
The race for KCK mayor was thrown wide open by last week’s surprise announcement two-term Mayor Joe Reardon would not seek another term.
Meeks joins a growing field that includes Unified Government Commissioners, Nate Barnes, Mark Holland and Ann Murguia.

Murguia Makes it Official, Launches Campaign for KCK Mayor With No Property Tax Hike Pledge January 14, 2013

Ann Murguia

Third District Commissioner Ann Murguia is opening here campaign for KCK with a pledge to make the government work better; oppose property tax increases and improve public safety.
He campaign had been expected after two-term mayor Joe Reardon announced he would not seek a third term.
The filing deadline is about two weeks away. The election is this spring.
“The goal is to get the residents in Wyandotte County what they need and want. I will continue to take a stand against higher taxes and work relentlessly to improve government services. Public safety is a priority with the residents of this community and it will continue to be a priority with me, “ Murguia said in a news release officially announcing her campaign.
Murguia said she’ll oppose property tax increases in Wyandotte County.
“They make our County non-competitive for many businesses. They hamper our ability to retain and grow our population. They are devastating to the family living pay check to pay check and it has had a major impact on the foreclosure rate in Wyandotte County. I demonstrated as a UG Commissioner that I will not vote for property tax increases and I will not support property tax increases as Mayor,” she said.
Murguia is the Executive Director of the Argentine Neighborhood development Association.
Two other Commission members, Nate Barnes and Mark Holland are also running for Mayor.