Wagner seeks city commission seat

Blair Wagner is seeking position one on the Holton City Commission in the April 7 spring election. He will face incumbent Tim Morris.

Wagner, 59, has served as the administrator of Medicalodges Jackson County Nursing and Rehabilitation since 2009.

“Holton is the kind of community that you’re either lucky enough to be born in or lucky enough to build a life in,” Wagner said. “My wife and I grew up in a community very much like Holton, so when we had the good fortune to join the Holton community six years ago, we immediately felt at home and wanted to contribute to its success,” he said.

Wagner has served on the Holton Planning Commission since 2012 and has been active in the Holton Rotary Club in a leadership role. He’s volunteered at Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce events, lining up floats in the 4-H parade and parking cars at Banner Creek Reservoir during July Jubilee.

“I have worked beside community leaders who are sacrificially passionate about Holton, and I share their passion,” he said. “Being a part of the Holton City Commission is an opportunity to continue contributing to Holton’s success by representing the interests of local residents and businesses and encouraging city staff.”

Wagner said that Holton has momentum – new commercial development, attractive housing, a desirable location and excellent schools – that he wants to help build on if elected. 

“As a city commissioner, I would support continued strategic planning and infrastructure investment in our roads, parks and utility systems to ensure we attract opportunities and are prepared for them when they come,” he said. “I also believe that the life blood of the community is its traditions – festivals, parades and Glory Days. These not only bring new dollars to Holton through visitors and tourists but also create the memories that knit a community together. I support continued involvement from the city in support of these community events.”

Wagner said that the backbone of city services is the employees.

“I want to provide encouragement through city administration to ensure that staff have the right resources to do their work and that the city is able to offer competitive compensation to attract and retain the best and brightest people to serve our citizens,” he said.

Wagner has been a nursing home administrator for 16 years in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. Prior to that, he worked in Christian camp management at camps in northern and central Illinois.

Wagner graduated from Tower Hill High School in Illinois and received an associate of science degree from Lake Land Junior College in Mattoon, Ill. He has a bachelor of science degree in zoology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. 

He and his wife, Lynne, have two adult children, Mandy and Michael.

“My professional and personal life has been devoted to leadership and service,” Wagner said. “It would be an honor to contribute my knowledge and experience to the community as a member of the Holton City Commission. Professionally, I have served 32 years in management at non-profit organizations that care for the health and welfare of our seniors and organizations that care for the spiritual enrichment and entertainment of our youth.

“I have experience in budgeting, operations, personnel, long-range planning and working cooperatively with regulatory agencies. I have met people from all walks of life, and I know this is to be true: We all want connection and community. Holton is a town that is still a community of neighbors. I think that’s very important to preserve. My experience qualifies me – and my passion for community compels me – to ensure that we have the planning, financing and oversight for the parks, public safety, public works, utilities and other city services that make Holton an attractive, livable community.” 

The Holton Recorder

109 W. Fourth St.
Holton, KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-3141
 

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