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Tom Stephens

Council member Tom Stephens wants to see more growth in Bonner Springs, but not right away.

“I’m wanting to continue to provide, with other council members, directions for the city to continue a slow, steady growth,” Stephens said. “Not an explosive growth.”

Stephens said development projects that are taken up and completed in a rapid fashion may deter the city from its ability to create cohesion among residents, especially new ones. To his way of thinking, slow and steady always wins the race.

“You’ve got to try to make sure that you grow in such a fashion that you’re able to absorb the fusion of new people that are part of the community,” Stephens said.

Stephens has filed with the Wyandotte County Election office for re-election to his Ward 2 seat on the city council. He was appointed two years ago to fill the vacancy left by council member Doug Clemens, who moved to Ward 4. Though Stephens is running unopposed, he would like those he is representing in Ward 2 to know that he doesn’t take his campaign lightly.

“Whether you’re running unopposed or not, you still have a commitment and responsibility to your constituents,” Stephens said.

Stephens is equally committed to the place his constituents call home. He describes Bonner Springs as a city that, while still needing much “slow and steady” development, has a knack for making people fall in love with it nonetheless. As a 23-year resident himself, Stephens can personally attest to this.

“There’s a reason why people come here and don’t want to leave,” he said.

Stephens said one reason he is seeking re-election is because he enjoys the camaraderie among members of the city council.

“The group seems to be a group that is respectful of each other,” Stephens said. “We don’t always agree on everything, but when we disagree it’s done in a very respectful manner.”

If re-elected, Stephens has several goals he would like to focus on. One is to continue developing the downtown area along Oak Street into, as he puts it, “a very vibrant niche that would attract (people) from other areas.” He wants to see more specialty shops and restaurants added — ones like The Pink Zebra Boutique and Elsner’s Café — and he said that doing this would bring additional revenue to Bonner Springs and also help to make it competitive among surrounding cities like Kansas City and Lawrence.

He said he would also give much focus to ongoing infrastructure projects, such as those along Kump Avenue and Front Street, as well as to future building expansions he believes are becoming increasingly necessary as the city develops. He mentioned City Hall specifically.

“We’re at a point where we’re outgrowing the size of the facilities we have,” Stephens said. “We have got to look at doing something with City Hall.”

Stephens said that while he was mindful of running unopposed for the Ward 2 seat, the outcome of the upcoming election can only be determined by what will most benefit the city of Bonner Springs.

“Assuming that I’m back on the council in April will be based upon what’s best for the constituents and the city as a whole,” he said. “Not what’s best for me to be re-elected.”

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