Michael Langley has decided not to run for Emporia City Commission, but his name will still appear on the ballot.
Langley, a retired produce manager, dropped out because of health reasons. He was one of four candidates to file the morning of the filing deadline.
Susan Mendoza, city clerk, said the deadline has passed for officially withdrawing so Langley’s name will still be on the primary ballot March 1. He can choose not to campaign, she said.
Advance voting stars Wednesday for the March 1 primary. The nine candidates with the most To read complete story see the print edition or the online print edition.
To read complete story see the print edition or the online print edition.
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sorry to hear this, but if Michael is not going to run, maybe those who are so mad about the rocks could go ahead and vote for him in the primary. Kind of a protest vote. Whata yall think?
February 3, 2011 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
As I said that would be better than at least 3 or 4 that are running, that I have already eliminated ?
February 3, 2011 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dougmarshall (anonymous) says...
Why don't all the commentators on the site with all the answers appear on the ballot for city commission and school board. You all make it sound so simple.
February 4, 2011 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I'm still voting for him. I wondered about his health when I heard he was running, but men with such integrity and real-life experience don't come along every day. I actually told a story about him once on these forums. It was the story about the person who has refused to stop working as much as he is able to, even though it puts him through incredible pain that is not a result of anything he has ever done to his body. The story of the person who, for decades, wouldn't just give up and file for the disability that is intended for people like him, at the first, second or even hundreth sign that work will be harder on him than on most.
I am disappointed that he won't be able to serve on the commission, but I understand.
February 4, 2011 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TexasGirl (anonymous) says...
I too know Mike and am sorry to see him withdraw. (The Gazette is way behind, Mike withdrew just a couple of days after the filing deadline, according to his Facebook campaign page.)
However, I must disagree with Steve and oh4. The whole rock fiasco and many other issues have proven that we MUST make our votes count during this next election. The "powers-that-be" MUST GO. It is time for a change. I would hate to see a "protest vote" cause a potentially good candidate to lose votes, thus leaving us with the status quo.
February 4, 2011 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
dougmarshall,
I can't speak for others, just myself. I ran for city commission once when I was younger and in better health. There was a primary and while I didn't win the general election, the race did force out a couple of long standing commissioners. I ran then because I felt change was needed.
I had many ask me to run in this election, but knowing the work load that the commissioners have, while knowing my own physical and health limitations I declined to run. If you run for office you should be able to give it a whole lot of time and effort, something I felt I could not do. I wish I could have, it would have been an interesting race.
That said, it does not preclude me or anyone else from voicing our opinions, our praise, (yes it has happened), or our disapproval on the issues affecting our town. That includes those who are running for office and those that hold it.
Do we commentators have all the answers? No, and you will find much disagreement and arguing amongst ourselves at times.
But the tone of your question seems to suggest that if a person does not run for office they should keep quiet. Hell, Doug that's not the American Way.
February 4, 2011 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
TexasGirl,
That is why I asked the question. i also wondered if the voters cast a protest vote how it would affect the election. I just wanted to get others opinions on it.
February 4, 2011 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TexasGirl (anonymous) says...
Way to go, Steve. The fact that I vote gives me the right to an opinion. Now, if you don't bother to vote, then you can't very well complain.
February 4, 2011 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dougmarshall (anonymous) says...
Well said Mr. Corbin. I was simply explaining my opinion that we have too many "idea" guys in this world and not enough "doers". Unfortunately that is becoming the American way. Let's all sit behind a computer (like I am too) and complain all day. That way, we don't have to risk anything.
February 4, 2011 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
dougmarshall,
There is a large field of candidates for us idea guys to chose from and for that I am grateful.
As a matter of fact while I am sitting here complaining, I should be down at the bar doing the books ;>)
So I have to go now and do something productive, but will be back soon pursuing my hobby.
Have a great morning everyone !
February 4, 2011 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
damn, if I only lived just inside the city limits..Steve I do wish you were in better heath, I would vote for you twice!
I just live out side of the citys boundary about a mile, good health, retired, a dummy, but I dont kiss anybodys a$$, and have no problem telling what I think of who I tell it to,, oh well, I probably wouldnt get any votes anyway, I dont fit in, and kesseler would NEVER agree with me on any thing and vise-versa. WE JUST NEED TO MAKE SURE MYERS DONT GET VOTED IN, AND I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO KEEP HIM OUT.
February 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sun (anonymous) says...
The reality of the situation is that the average working person could not be on the City Commission even if elected. If you work from 8 to 5 or anything similiar, you would have to have a VERY understanding employeer to be able to take off for meetings each week, other than the one week that they are in the evening. When there are study sessions combined with the meetings, sometimes you run into a 3 hour meeting. So either it is the owners of businesses or people who don't work that are able or can afford to do this. I guess it's the same everywhere.
February 4, 2011 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I had hoped I gave the city enough notice to take me off the ballot. Yesterday I got a call telling me I still had to file some paperwork as I would still be on the ballot.I am waiting for my doc. and the insurance company to get together so I can go in for my 3rd back surgery ( I have 7 blown disc in my back). A few folks have told me they are disappointed I had dropped out. What I will do is not be an active candidate and see what happens. I thank all who thought I would do a good job
February 4, 2011 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
dougmarshall,
I agree with Steve and would only add that, in my opinion " Common Sense " is or at least should be fairly easy, everyone, I believe is born with it or has the ability to acquire it, it is the ability to use it that seems to be difficult for some !!
I also would like to have run for a Commission seat, however my age and like Steve, health is not the best, also I will not hesitate to say " NO " to anything I believe is not in the best interests of the City and all the people, no matter who suggests it or WANTS it !!
February 4, 2011 at 5:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
p.s.
Neither have I just set around, behind a computer screen and complained or had ideas !
I have not only used this computer screen to try and imporive the City and its people, but have also spent my own personal funds to try to do so also !!!
And am currently working on doing it again !!!
February 4, 2011 at 5:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I would think if the average working person gets in they could change the hrs of the commish meetings?
February 4, 2011 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I will admit that I have not had any success, thus far, but the RDA, COC, CVB, EBF, etc., track record of successes is not 100% successful, for the money they spend either !
And I am one private individual, spending his own personal funds to try and accomplish the same thing, not because I recieve taxpayer funding and it is expected, but because I WANT TO, not for myself but for the possible benefits to the my/our City/Home and all of the present and hopelfully future people !
February 4, 2011 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Meth maybe you have told us but with my memory I cant remember what I had for lunch but at some time have you taken your ideas down town and if so what has happen? I know the times I have make a comment to the great minds I thought they would laugh themselves silly.( I had ask them what plans they had if IBP at the time would close or cut shifts they told that would never take place! Yeah never take place lol
February 4, 2011 at 5:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
booker, I'm so sorry to hear it is you. You have so many good ideas. At any rate, you take good care of yourself. I'm so sorry for your pain. :(
February 4, 2011 at 6:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )