File photo.
Six Eudora residents applied for the City Commission seat being vacated next month by Commissioner Ruth Hughs.
The applicants include Zach Brooks, Alex Curnes and Susan Howig, who submitted letters of interest by the May 4 deadline, while Russell Seybert, Dallas Smith and Aaron Thakker submitted after the deadline.
Commissioners will discuss next steps in the process during tonight’s meeting.
The commission will review the letters and interview applicants May 16 and 17. The selected candidate will be sworn into the commission June 13.
In each letter of interest, the applicants explained their background and qualifications to serve on the City Commission.
In his letter, Brooks said he has leadership experience in the construction field, volunteers as a committee chair for a local Cub Scout group, and moved to Eudora in 1989.
“I want to help the city be the best it can be,” Brooks said.
Curnes wrote of his appreciation for Hughs’ work over the years. Curnes moved to Eudora with his family in 2016, and said he was looking for a place with quality schools and neighborhoods.
Curnes said he has a bachelor’s in history from the University of Kansas and has worked as a manager for a Kansas City retailer since 2014.
“A successful leader does not dictate terms nor do they demand their way alone, they listen, they ask questions, they work to understand, and then they build cooperation with those around them to accomplish goals together,” Curnes said in the letter.
In her letter of interest, Howig said she moved to Eudora over 15 years ago, and “fell in love with this city.”
For her qualifications, Howig said she has owned and operated three businesses over 38 years. She has worked with the Eudora Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and the Eudora Baptist Church.
“I am familiar with and have worked alongside some members of the commission as well as several city staff members,” Howig said in the letter. “It would be an honor to fill this position.”
Seybert detailed his expertise in environmental engineering. Seybert has a bachelor’s and master’s of science in chemical engineering, and has worked as an engineer in Kansas and Missouri.
Seybert listed problem solving, communication and personnel management among his skills.
Smith has lived in Eudora since 2005 and said he has a vested interest in the success of Eudora. In his letter, Smith explained how his eight years of experience as a compensation analyst at the University of Kansas will serve him in the commission.
“My experience in data analytics and human resources would be a valuable asset in working with the community to support the aspirations of our town and the City Commission,” Smith said in the letter.
Thakker described himself as a “Class A contractor, master electrician, master plumber, business owner, Eudorian, father of 6, husband, community member.”
In his letter, Thakker said he has been involved with the Eudora Planning Board of Appeals, Joy Meadows Board and the Eudora Parks and Recreation Foundation.
The City Commission will receive these letters of interest at tonight’s meeting, reviewing them before interviews next week.
Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]