Editor's note: The print edition of this contained an error regarding the candidate forum that the Goddard Chamber of Commerce will be hosting in October. The Chamber will be hosting candidates for the Goddard City Council, not for the Goddard Board of Education as incorrectly reported in the Aug. 17 print edition of TSnews. The online edition of this story has been updated to reflect this correction.

By Judd Weil

TSnews

A Goddard City Council candidate forum was held at the Goddard Chamber of Commerce’s August 2023 members meeting.

The candidates are Jeffery Jones, Keaton Michael Fish, Larry Zimmerman, Krista Hall, Gary Charbonneau, Travis Bryant, Scott Garton, Steven Gregory, and George Liebe.

Travis Bryant was the only one out of the nine candidates who did not appear at the Chamber meeting.

When asked how they identify, each of the eight attending candidates answered either conservative or Republican.

Many of the candidates’ top priorities advocate for things such as rooftops for business growth and protecting existing businesses, while also being in support of additions such as sit-down restaurants, which Goddard lacks.

When answering what her top priorities would be as a city council woman, Krista Hall said she would like to see a more cohesive community when it comes to the city’s relationship with citizens.

When asked how they would support local businesses, the candidates’ answers were fairly broad. Many of them voiced an interest in supporting tax breaks or incentives.

The prospect of working with the Goddard USD 265 Board of Education sparked myriad answers.

Jeffery Jones foresees the Goddard population to reach 11, 000 people. To him that necessitates the possibility of building a new school campus. He also addressed a need for transportation and sidewalks.

Keaton Michael Fish said he did not see the need for a new school. He said it could be an avenue to let “Wichita problems” become Goddard problems. He added that Goddard needs to care for Goddard first.

When asked how to fix the mistrust between citizens and City Council, many of the candidates valued transparency and communication.

A lot of that mistrust was created when the council voted to fire city administrator Brian Silcott at their Jan. 17 meeting.

There are three positions up for election on the Goddard City Council, and a total of nine candidates.

At their meeting, the Goddard Chamber announced the deadline for the Chamber Blue Survey is Aug. 18.

Chamber Board elections are coming up. Chamber President/CEO Angie Duntz reminded those interested in running to register.