NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Stuart Conklin prepares to join the Hutchinson City Council next month, he's glad to have time to help.
"I've lived here all my life," Conklin said. "I've not done a lot of community service type endeavors, because I was really busy working and I didn't have a lot of time to dedicate to outside interests. I do now."
Conklin sees growing the community through economic development as a big part of where he can help.
"Turning the economic situation here to a swing upward, from this constant slowly declining situation that has occurred over the many years is a priority," Conklin said. "It's a huge priority for me and my family and really everybody that lives here. You know, not that I have any particular answers, but it's really important."
It's not that the problem is unique to Hutchinson, but it's one that needs to be worked on.
"Most towns across the nation are dealing with these same problems," Conklin said. "We need to try to expand jobs, obviously, we need to get higher paying jobs, but we also, we currently have lots of jobs that are unfilled. We actually, currently, have a lot of people working here in town that don't live here. We need to make this a more attractive place for people to want to move and come and be a part of the community."
Conklin notes that it isn't just one thing that will improve that quality of life, but he's looking forward to the opportunity to help in whatever areas the council can. Conklin starts his duties Feb. 7.
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