Jan 15, 2020

Behind the scenes work is vital in Great Bend Mayor role

Posted Jan 15, 2020 7:05 PM
Cody Schmidt was sworn in as the third mayor in three years for the City of Great Bend on Jan. 6, 2020.
Cody Schmidt was sworn in as the third mayor in three years for the City of Great Bend on Jan. 6, 2020.

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

The City of Great Bend saw their third mayor in three years sworn into office earlier this month when Cody Schmidt took over for Joe Andrasek. Schmidt has been clear in saying he would like to hold the mayor’s position for several terms if the voters choose to have him.

While the mayor’s position in Great Bend does not have the ultimate authority that some cities do, City Administrator Kendall Francis says the position is still vital.

"Our form of government is not a strong mayor, like Wichita for example," said Francis. "That does not diminish what that role truly is. A lot of it is behind the scenes and providing direction."

Francis referred to the mayor position as the “face of the city” for several meetings, including economic development.

"The mayor is involved with meetings that most people do not know about," said Francis. "The position helps set the agendas, meets for economic development, and other entities that the city partners with."

The mayor is unable to vote at Great Bend City Council meetings unless the vote ends in a tie.  

"The mayor has a hand in nearly everything or as much as they are able to take part," Francis added.