Steve French
Steve French grew up in Allen County, lived in Topeka for 18 years and returned to the Iola area six years ago. He works for the Kansas Board of Healing Arts as a medical investigator.
“I really didn’t like the big city life,” he said. “I liked what Iola had to offer.”
This is his first run in elective politics.
Richard Gilliland
Richard Gilliland retired after working 30 years as a firefighter, of which half was with the Iola Fire Department. He also worked six years for Allen County at the landfill and as a dump truck driver.
“I don’t profess to know it all, but I want the people in my ward to know that they can come to me if they have concerns,” he said.
This is his first time to run for an elected office.
Jerod Kelley
Jerod Kelley is a construction engineer with the Kansas Department of Transportation. He moved to Iola about six years ago.
“I love Iola, so I have a vested interest in seeing this community continue to grow,” he said. “There are several challenges before us.”
This is his inaugural foray into elective politics.
Ken Rowe
Ken Rowe is an American Family Insurance agent in Iola.
“Since the election in November, I have been encouraging other people to run for positions on the council,” Rowe said. “If I’m out there asking other people to serve a two-year term, I should be willing to serve as well.”
He ran for city commission once previously, narrowly losing to Craig Abbott.
Gary Wells
Gary Wells retired in 2009 after working in Iola’s Gas, Water and Wastewater Department for more than 30 years.
This is his first foray into elective politics.
“I’ve been a little busy in the past,” he said. “Serving on the city council would allow me to continue working for the public.”
Jim West
Jim West retired seven years ago after working for the city for 28 years, the last 17 as superintendent of the Gas, Water and Wastewater Department.
“I figured after working for the city for 28 years, it was time to give something back to the community,” West said.
This is his first foray into elective politics.
