We continue taking a look at the political candidates for Wyandotte County offices today with Rev. Jarvis Collier, who's running for the Unified Government's 5th District position against incumbent Mike Kane.
1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve as UG commissioner for Wyandotte County?
I am a native of Los Angeles, Calif. I am a graduate of the University of California, UCLA, with a BA in Political Science. Additionally, I received the MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. I have other Graduate Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have written five books being used in churches across America.
I have been a resident of KCK since 2000. I came to serve as Pastor of the 146-year-old Pleasant Green Baptist Church. Over 13 years, we have served well in the community: feeding over 2,000 individuals/families each year; establishing a Christian School; annual blood drives (American Red Cross); and,we developed Northeast Junior High School into 43 units of senior housing.
Additionally I have served as Chairman of the Board for the United Way of Wyandotte County (2007-2008). I have met with Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback regarding public education. Later, I testified before the Kansas Senate Education Committee. In consultation with US Rep. Kevin Yoder, US Senator Jerry Moran and other officials, I raised important concerns.
During the recent controversy regarding the move of the EPA to the suburbs, away from downtown KCK, I led the fight to keep that building and those employees right here. I also accompanied Mayor Reardon to a White House meeting with officials there.
Most dear to my heart, with other ministers and community leaders, I championed the need of a quality grocer in the urban core of our city.
