In a release sent to Little Apple Post, late Tuesday evening, Manhattan City Commissioner, Linda Morse announced she will not seek re-election.
From City Commissioner Linda Morse:
"Manhattan City Commissioner Linda Morse has announced she will not seek re-election in the
November election. She was elected in April 2015 and re-elected in November, 2019. Morse has served two 4-year terms and served as mayor in 2018 and 2022. She received the most votes in
each election.
"It may seem odd, but I have decided to 'term-limit' myself! I'm not a politician, but rather a citizen who stepped forward to serve the community for a few
years," Morse said.
Some of the highlights and successes over the years on the City Commission:
* Wildcat Creek Flood and Recovery
* National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility groundbreaking and upcoming opening
* Improvements in the North Campus Corridor (now EDGE District)
* Following the near misses of Tuttle Creek flooding and after years of planning, the re-construction of the levee is finally underway
* Rebuilding and enlarging the Manhattan Airport terminal and runway
* Attracting Scorpius vaccine manufacturing facility
* Consolidating city personnel at the Joint Maintenance Facility to achieve greater efficiency
* replacing old water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure throughout the city
* connecting and expanding the trail system throughout the city
* one of the first Kansas cities to adopt a non-smoking ordinance
* support for funding two mental health co-responders in a partnership with the Riley County Police Department and Pawnee Mental Health
* development of a massage therapy licensing program to reduce human trafficking
As a commissioner:
*served on the Manhattan Library Board of Directors, two years
*served on the Manhattan Housing Authority Board of Directors for six years
*served on the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, two years
*served on the Flint Hills Regional Council as Manhattan's representative, eight years
*was the first Northview resident to serve on the city commission
An ongoing regret is the failure of the city commission to adopt a rental inspection policy and program to assure the safety of our residents. The quality of housing in our community continues to suffer.
My sincere thanks to the citizens of this community.
It has been an honor to serve as a city commissioner for these eight years.
Our city has seen so many successes. Manhattan is truly
a shining star on the Kansas map!
-Linda"