Mayoral race down to one candidate
Marion mayoral candidate Troy Leith will be relocating, therefore ineligible to be elected as mayor.
Leith attempted to withdraw his name from the ballot but Kansas statute states the filing deadline and the withdrawal deadline is the same — Jan. 27.
Therefore, Leith's name will be on the April 6 ballot, even though Leith has informally "withdrawn" his name from contention.
"An opportunity came up that I couldn't pass up," said Leith.
Leith was offered and he accepted a position with VanWall, a John Deere dealership in Olathe.
"I debated it quite a while because there aren't many towns like Marion," said Leith. "Marion offers a great quality of life, has friendly people. I have never disliked anything about Marion."
Leith Service, owned and operated by Leith and his brother David, will continue to operate.
"Leith Service isn't going to change and will continue to operate," said Leith. The only difference Leith noted is the discontinuation of the retail sales of Stihl products. The servicing of Stihl products will continue.
"There just wasn't enough work for two full-time employees this past winter," said Leith.
Leith said he will stay in Olathe during the week and come home on the weekends until he and his family are ready to make the final move.
When asked about the mayoral election, Leith said that "Marion needs to elect a mayor that literally has ties and connections to the local economy — like a business owner."
"Someone from the Marion community needs to run as a write-in," said Leith. "Someone with good ideas for growth."
A blank line is provided on the ballot for write-in candidates.
Only one poll site, Emanuel Baptist Church, will be available for the city election April 6. The church is located at 229 Walnut, Marion.
