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Derby City Council, Ward 1
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Dan Billman
Insurance Professional
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Jim Craig
Retired
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Jerry Lucas
Aircraft mechanic
Comparison
- Biographical Information
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Why are you running?
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Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What in your background most prepares you to serve?
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What is the biggest issue facing your city, and what would you do to address it? Please be specific.
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What other priorities would you have, and how would you address them?
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Please state, in detail, your position on open records, meetings and openness and transparency in government.
Dan Billman:
I want to be a new voice for Ward 1. Since 1999 I have served my community as both a Police Officer and Fire Fighter. Now I have the opportunity to serve the community from a government stand point. I believe this will enable me to serve the residents to improve quality of life and help enact decisions for the betterment of the community. I am proud to be a resident of Derby and call it my home. I want to be a part of setting a strong foundation for a bright future.
Dan Billman:
While I don't have city council experience, I do have 9 years experience working with city staff and making decisions that affect the safety and well being of the community.
Dan Billman:
The biggest issue facing the city is a franchised trash agreement. I truly believe an issue of this magnitude affecting the entire city should be put to a public vote. As elected officials, if it is not put to a public vote then we should make a decision based on what the majority wants not our own personal feeling. We are elected to be a voice for the people.
Dan Billman:
Other priorities I would have are getting more sidewalks in certain locations for the safety of our citizens and their children. With state budget cuts at the municipal level, I would seeks ways to cut the budget and still efectively run the city as well as providing the utmost quality service to the community.
Dan Billman:
I am a firm believer in a transparent goverment. We work for the public. The decisons we make affect everybody and they should know what is going on and when it is going on.
Age:
31
Education/Degrees:
Associates of Arts in Business Administration From Cowley County Community College. Certified Police Officer, and EMT
Occupation:
Insurance Professional
Community Involvement:
Vice President of the Derby Baseball Association
Political experience:
None
How long lived in district:
5 years
Campaign Phone:
316-789-8340
E-mail:
danbillman@sbcglobal.net
Jim Craig:
I am seeking re-election because it is an honor to serve the community that I have lived in for 25 years. It has been interesting, challenging and rewarding to serve as Ward 1 councilman. Derby has moved from being considered a “bedroom community” to a “first class” city with its own identity and a reputation for families and businesses to grow and prosper in a safe environment. I am an experienced and proven advocate for the citizens of Derby. Derby will continue to grow and develop in a controlled manner while continuing to provide quality public services.
Jim Craig:
I am the candidate with four years of experience on the Derby City Council. The council has dealt with many issues during the past four years. I have successfully worked to lower the cost of city water and make it more affordable to the customer. My goal of equal cost for equal consumption has been met. The best decisions for the citizens and city have proven to be the result of the diverse ideals and thoughts of eight council members. Meeting preparation is the key to being an effective council member. I strive to be an informed participant in the council’s decision making process.
Jim Craig:
The biggest issue facing Derby is growth, development and the infrastructure that will support the projected increases. Additional public services will be required to meet future needs. Fortunately the city has planned well and the needed capital improvement projects are on the schedule (city water, sanitary sewer, waste treatment, etc.). As Derby grows in size (area, businesses and people), it will require additional public services and personnel. While growth is good; the challenge will be to retain the amenities that make Derby attractive to newcomers (i.e. Aquatic Park, DRC, hike and bike pathways, library, parks, schools, to mention a few).
Jim Craig:
Additional issues facing the community are that the city council must ensure the city does not burden itself with an amount of debt service that exceeds the limits established by the governing body. General obligation bonds are issued to finance new infrastructure and improvements. Derby has achieved an excellent credit rating, one of the best for a city of its size. Presently the city has areas that require attention, which are the S’s: Streets – Streams – Sewers – Sidewalks. Streets are a top priority, expensive to repair and/or replace. Bottom line is to get the most value for the taxpayer’s dollars.
Jim Craig:
My position on open records and transparency in government was, is and will remain clear; “Absolute Openness and Transparency”. As an experienced and proven advocate for the citizens of Derby, I have worked continuously to guarantee quick and full access to Derby city records. Anyone can view the meeting agenda and all supporting staff documents that are provided to council members before a meeting is held. Full accountability of all council actions and public comments by individual councilman/woman are available thru complete and comprehensive minutes that are published and accessible at city hall or on the city’s website at www.derbyweb.com.
Age:
67
Education/Degrees:
Bachelor of Science Biology, Baker University 1964, Master of Arts Psychology, University of Northern Colorado 1977
Occupation:
13 years Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Quality and Process Improvement Consultant, 20 years military service USAF/Kansas Air National Guard, Chief of Safety
Community Involvement:
Derby City Council, Kiwanis Club of Derby, Committee to establish Derby Education Foundation, Pleasantview Baptist Church member,
Political experience:
Four years on the Derby City Council representing Ward 1
How long lived in district:
25 Years
Endorsements:
None
Campaign Phone:
316-788-4449
E-mail:
jslscraig@sbcglobal.net
Social media (list any pages on Facebook, MySpace, etc.):
None
Jerry Lucas:
I believe that smaller government is better government. The current council seems to want to put government into everyone's personal choices.
Jerry Lucas:
Because of my proven leadership abilities in the Army, serving in Operation Desert Storm as commander of an Engineer unit, serving in Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia) as the public affairs officer to the senior military police commander and my leadership as past commander of the Derby VFW post and as past chairman of the Derby 4th of July Parade Committe for four years.
Jerry Lucas:
In light of the current financial shortfall the state of Kansas is experiencing, the city needs to prioritize all spending. The first concern is the health and safety of the residents, with the police, fire and EMS receiving top priority. Second should be properly maintaining the streets and other city property as needed. Currently planned capital improvements should be postponed to alleviate the budget shortfall.
Jerry Lucas:
The proposed Trash Recycling & Franchising ordinance has grave problems. As written, recycling is not mandatory. Franchising is the goal of the plan which could force some "mom & pop" trash companies to close. Small business is the backbone of a strong economy. The ordinance seems to be taken directly out of a homeowner’s association rulebook. Many Derby residents don't want HOA rules. I would vote against the porposed ordinance.
I will reject the city council pay stipend.
Jerry Lucas:
All public records should be open to the public unless there is a compelling reason not to release the records, such as an ongoing criminal investigation. Most cities poorly communicate with their citizens. I have proposed to the Derby city manager creating a semi-monthly e-mail, residents could sign up for, that will contain the minutes of recent city council, planning commission, etc. meetings and the proposed agendas of upcoming meetings so that all Derby residents can stay informed.
Age:
52
Education/Degrees:
B.S., Administration of Justice, Wichita State University
Occupation:
Aircraft Mechanic, Spirit Aerosystems
Community Involvement:
Past Commander VFW Post 7253 Derby Ks., Past Chairman Derby 4th of July Parade Committee, Life member of VFW and American Legion, member of American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard, currently serve as a Trustee of Derby VFW post and Secretary of Derby American Legion Riders post.
Political experience:
none
How long lived in district:
15 years
Campaign Phone:
316-789-9466
E-mail:
jlucas21@cox.net