1. Name and office sought
Dani Gurley, Bonner Springs City Council Ward 2
2. Age 43
3. Occupation — Administrative Assistant, Applebee’s Services, Inc.
4. Education –Associate in Arts from Kansas City Kansas Community College
5. Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong
Bonner Springs City Band
Wyandotte County Extension Council
Bonner Springs City Band Commission (Secretary)
Basehor United Methodist Church
6. Reasons for running
I have several community members and neighbors to thank for encouraging me to run for City Council. I have served on the City Band Commission for more than 10 years and am currently the Secretary. Being a City Council member offers me an additional opportunity to be involved as part of the positive, diverse leadership team as a liaison between the residents and the City government.
7. What is your top campaign issue?
I am not running with a focus on any specific issue. I come to the council with no agenda or special interest. My goal is to be the voice of the community and to help make decisions with the best interests of the City in mind.
There are several issues that consistently come up in conversation: keeping taxes low, repairs and improvements to infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, curbs, etc), and the K7/I-70 interchange project. The first two deal directly with fiscal responsibility and I believe the Council has its greatest responsibility to the City through conscientiously budgeting and managing expenses. The K7/I-70 interchange project will require patience and ongoing communication for quite some time. Luckily, KDOT has been receptive and responsive to the City and is working with the City for condensed timelines for as minimal impact to businesses as possible.
8. There may be budget constraints facing local governments and schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?
Every budget decision directly affects more than one person or area. I believe the City Council must consider the ramifications and ripple effect of every financial decision. If I am elected I promise to educate myself about the budget and the impact it has on everyone. I will work with my fellow Council members to make the most responsible decisions possible.
9. If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office. If you are not an incumbent, what would you change?
I am less concerned with change as with continuing growth and development. I would like more people to attend council meetings to gain a better understanding of how the system works. I would like the ongoing evaluation of infrastructure repairs to be made as public as possible so people know the issues are being addressed. I want the Council to work as a team for the good of the City, with unbiased and open-minded consideration of the issues that come before it.
10. What is the difference, on the issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?
There are two somewhat divisive issues that have recently come before the Council:
1) The handling of animals impounded by Animal Control; and
2) The suggestion of collective bargaining for emergency services.
I will be the first to admit I have questions and need more information on both topics but I have realized that my initial opinion doesn’t agree with some of the current council members.
11. Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?
I have not previously run for elected office.