New Wichita City council member Dalton Glasscock wants the council to revisit the campaign finance ordinance that was narrowly passed on January 2.
The ordinance was aimed at prohibiting candidates in city elections and their political committees from accepting contributions from corporations or LLCs.
Glasscock called the new ordinance less transparent and says it treats the seven members of the council differently than other elected officials around the state. He added that the city's ethics policy addresses issues like this one.
The new District 4 council member’s proposal would revert the amendment to its original form prior to January 2, and would match state law. It passed by a narrow 4-3 margin. The council will likely take up the issue on January 16th.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, the council discussed proposed street improvements, along with plans for L.W. Clapp Park.
Mt. Vernon between Southeast Boulevard to Oliver will be rehabilitated and converted from a four-lane to a three-lane roadway with on-street bike lanes. The project should start this fall and be completed by Spring of 2025 at a cost of $710 thousand.
The council also approved a design concept to improve 143rd Street East between Kellogg and Harry. The current two-lane roadway would become 5-lanes with a center turn, curb and other improvements. After the project is designed, we'll have an idea of what the price tag might be.
Long-awaited enhancements are coming to L.W. Clapp Park. Bridge and creek improvements, along with the construction of an inclusive playground, a dog park and parking lot improvements will cost around $6.2 million.
Prior to the meeting, the council unanimously selected Maggie Ballard, who represents District 6, as the city's new Vice-Mayor for 2024. She replaces Mike Hoheisel, who served as Vice Mayor in 2023.