Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
NAME: Mark Hatesohl
AGE: 62
OCCUPATION: Doctor of Chiropractic
INCUMBENT: yes, current Mayor
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 10 Years on the City Commission, A Founder and Past-President of the Guardians, 20 years of leadership at my church, Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program graduate, for Chamber of Commerce Military relations committee chairman.
-Why have you decided to run for a position on the City Commission? If you are an incumbent, why did you decide to run for re-election?
I am running again for the Commission because the community will prosper under reasonable forward-looking policies and leadership. I have been a voice for economic development and enhancing the environment for small business growth.
-What experience/background do you have that would make you a good city commissioner? If you are an incumbent, what experience/background has made you a good city commissioner?
My experience in teaching patients every day has provided me with the ability to explain complicated issues in ways that are understandable by everyone. My 39 years in the community has given me a vast knowledge of the city and a history of what works and what has been tried over the years.
-What are the top three issues you believe the city will face during your term, if elected/re-elected?
Slow growth of the tax base has been an ongoing issue. We need more businesses and people to share in the tax load.
Housing for all economic levels-shortage of buildable land in the city is a major problem, we have to pursue Neighborhood revitalization programs and infill housing
Childcare supply and affordability - we need more people to fill jobs and we need to figure out childcare to allow those people to be available for employment
-What is the number one issue you plan to tackle, if elected/re-elected?
Work with Public Works to address the poor lifespan of our city streets. We need a new formulation for concrete or thicker asphalt. We have to have more resilient streets.
-Is there something you would like to see change about any city ordinance or program?
Nothing obvious, but we need to figure out if there are ordinances or regulations which don't make sense any longer or are more burdensome than helpful. Unnecessary regulations only drive up the cost without any associated benefit.