1983
Page 2 University Daily Kansan, August 18, 1982
City commissioners thrive on Lawrence politics
By CAROL MILLS Staff Reporter
MARCI FRANCISCO
The Lawrence City Commission consists of five community members who reflect a diversity of background and opinion.
Mayor Marci Francisco has served on the commission since 1979. She said she got interested in city politics because she was a resident of house she still lives in at 1040 Ohio St.
"After I bought the house, I got involved in the Oread Neighborhood Association," she said. "The people in the association asked me to represent them in the Community Development Block Grant program, and I was appointed to the advisory board by the City Commission."
"So between my friends and the Oread Association Block Grant business, I got interested in the City Commission.
"When I decided to run for office, my friends told me I'd lose, so I thought it was time."
FRANCI8COS SAID she enjoyed work on the commission, though it took up a lot.
"I wonder what else I'm missing," she said. "Earning $75 a month as an intern."
She said her biggest frustration as mayor was trying to focus on each issue and give each decision the attention it deserved.
"You have to decide what to do and what's happening with the downtown area," Francisco said, "and at the time you have to worry about flooding."
"THE COMMISSION reflects the diversity of opinion of the Lawrence community, and I wouldn't want it any other way."
Francisco moved to Lawrence from Prairie Village in 1973.
BARKLEY CLARK
Barkley Clark, professor of law, is the senior member of the commission. He was first elected in 1973 and has served three consecutive terms.
"I see this commission as a quite different commission than the other two commissions I've served on," Clark said.
"This one is much younger and different in its approach to problems. There is no business representation, and it is reflected in the commission's actions."
Clark said that he was impressed with the current commission because it had been able to operate well, in spite of the traumas.
"THIS COMMISSION is so different in its personality," he said. "Never
have I experienced more internal warfare, and the shouting matches that go
But, Clark said, the commissioners have new, refreshing ideas and are surprising in their ability to overcome the obstacles.
Clark said that he had seen the city prosper over his last 10 years on the commission, and that he had seen unprecedented growth in the city.
"I'm proud of the Senior Center, the Downtown area and the new City Hall," he said. "I think that says a lot for the commission."
CLARK SAID HE DECED to get involved with city government because he had always had an interest and a fascination with local politics.
"But I won't run again. Three terms are plenty."
Clark moved to Lawrence from Denver in 1969.
Second in seniority on the commission is Don Binns. Binns was first elected in 1975 and has served seven consecutive years on the commission.
DON BINNS
"These past seven years on the commission have been the most enjoyable experiences of my life."
"Politics fascinates me. I'm one of those strange guys who loves controversy."
HINNS SAID THAT because of his attitude toward controversy he loved being involved with the commission. "Lawrence politics are wonderful," he said. "The diversity of opinion in Lawrence is really what makes Lawrence great."
"Lawrence is just spicv."
Binns said his most rewarding successes on the commission were being instrumental in the building of Clinton Parkway, the new City Hall and the
However, he said the last year had been the most frustrating, in spite of his efforts.
"I'm ignorod," Bimns said. "I'm a looner; I can't get any of my motions right."
"I don't suppose it will get better until next April. Maybe things will change then."
Binns moved to Lawrence after retiring with 20 years in the U.S. Navy.
HE SAID HE had not made any plans for the future.
NANCY SHONTZ
Nancy Shontz, one of the two newest members of the commission, was elected in 1980. She said she got involved with the League because she intends to activities in the League of Women Voters
and the Douglas County Environmental Improvement Council,
"I became more and more interested in what made the city work," she said.
"I thought I might as well jump in.
"I've been drowning ever since."
Shontz said that she loved her work on the commission, though she was occasionally frustrated and depressed with the crises and pressures.
"BUT THERE'S NO Place I'd rather
"she said." The commission has the poten-
tial to make a statement.
"I just wish I had started out knowing what I know now," she said. "But I'm so engrossed in what I'm doing, I'm not thinking about what's ahead."
“It’s possible that I may run again.” Shontz moved to Lawrence in 1960. Her husband had taken a position with KU's psychology department.
Tom Gleason was first elected to the commission in 1961. He said he became involved in city politics because he was interested in seeing that city government was opened up so that all the citizens could have a voice.
She completed her bachelor's degree in psychology and then finished her graduate degree in clinical psychology in 1951.
TOM GLEASON
Gleason was involved in a recall election in May. This was a result of a letter Gleason had written in February to the Governor of Oklahoma Watson, asking for his resignation.
At the time, the commission was reviewing Watson's job performance. Glenns's letter called for Watson's reservation, and Watson might be fired if he did not resign.
GLEASON HAD said in a statement in March that "many of (these involved in the petition drive) opposed my election in April 1981; their efforts now are an effort to deny your right to select your representatives."
Gleason said his term on the commission had been an interesting one.
"The notion that who you are is not important as the proposal you make is really the objective," he said. "The position of the commissioner should not have as much merit or mean as much as the proposal."
Gleason said that he had no other political aspirations and that it was too early to tell whether he would run for office again.
Gleason grew up in Ottawa and began working on a journalism degree. He finished his bachelor's degree in 1970 and moved to law school, graduating in 1973.
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