With the term of mayor still very much a topic of discussion in Parkville, Mayor Jim Brooks has settled speculation on if he will be running in the next election.
In a statement released last week, Brooks notified the Board of Aldermen and residents of his intent to move to Florida by 2015.
“There has been increased speculation and discussion during the past week or so regarding my intention as it pertains to a second term as mayor,” Brooks said in the press release. “As some of you are aware, my wife and I have acquired property near Gulf Breeze, Fla. and we intend to build a home there.”
At the Board of Aldermen meeting Aug. 6, the Board unanimously authorized a special election Nov. 5 to ask voters if the mayor’s term should be extended from two to three years. Two days later, Brooks e-mailed a letter to the Board stating he would not sign the ordinance.
“I have no intention of signing this action, as I see the special election costs, estimated by staff to be $5-6,000, as an unnecessary and blatantly wasteful use of taxpayer money considering that you have the option of waiting to bring this measure to the voters at the April 2014 municipal election at no additional cost,” Brooks stated in the letter. “I want you to understand that my action and request here is due entirely to the needless expense you are causing the City to incur and has nothing to do with my options to run for re-election as mayor.”
He urged the Board to reconsider its decision, but said even without his signature according to state statute the ordinance would take effect Aug. 20. While Brooks later apologized for his method of bringing the matter back to the Board’s attention, he never wavered from his stance that the special election was an unnecessary expense. The Board chose to let its decision stand and the ordinance took effect.
Last week, resident Virginia Ground spoke out at the Board meeting in support of Brooks’ actions.