"First, of course, I want to thank those who voted for me to serve two 4 year terms; thank you for the confidence that I could fill this role to your expectations. Just as importantly, those who were willing to contribute to my campaigns, which has become very important to a candidate’s ability to share their story within the current media vacuum. To those who took the time to offer me advice personally by phone, email, or personal visit, these were invaluable. And, of course, to those who patiently allowed my civic contribution; to my family, my business partners, and especially, my wife, Jody; thank you, for the continuous support.
Let me thank all department heads and staff for their attention and candor; I don’t think I have asked much but for cooperation and efficiency, basically, good customer service. I believe all of our efforts are to build community and that you all want to build the best family community in Kansas. Keep up the good work.
Greg Bengston, a special thanks to legal counsel not only for defending and advising the city of Salina but the integrity of each commissioner.
To City Manager Mike Schrage, I am so pleased that you took the role of city manager when it was offered. In my opinion, you are the finest city manager in the State of Kansas, and you have worked passionately in order to carry through the wishes of your commissioners. Your good judgment and financial and negotiation skills reflect your honest intentions and integrity and I think these qualities are spilling over into the culture of the entire organization and community. We certainly now have one of the best executive teams in the state.
Thank you to all the commissioners I have joined with. Every commissioner I have shared this dais with has been passionate and concerned about the city of Salina, its people, and the future.
And, finally, to the group of commissioners sitting here today, you have been my favorite and in particular you have been, together, a group of commissioners that own your roles and have attempted to prosecute the work as a commission that puts business first and treats one another in a collegial manner. I hope we have exemplified a model for future commissions.
I would leave my fellow commissioners with this story about former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and of the desk plate on his desk as military commander and as president:
In the Latin: “Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re”
“Gently in Manner, Strongly in Deed”
To every member of the Salina community: thank you for the opportunity to serve."
- Karl Ryan
