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John “Jack” Helin
(Articles are in reverse chronological order)
TAB 5
The Chieftain (Bonner Springs, KS)
June 5, 2002
Letter: New City Manager May Find Development Difficult
Darrell Knight
To the editor: "I believe this is an exciting time to be living in Bonner Springs. I think the
Bonner Springs area is really on the 'cusp' of major development." This was a quote from John
Helin, the new in coming city manager of Bonner Springs.
With these words, we are introduced to John Helin and sent running to Webster to find the
definition of 'cusp.'
Multiple choice for the definition of 'cusp': 1. A town with more than one horse; 2. The driver's
seat on a bulldozer; 3. An easel used to mount blueprints; 4. A new chemical used to solidify
quicksand; 5. None of the above. The answer is No. 5 and probably means a point that marks the
beginning of change: on the 'cusp' of a new era.
Immediately, I began searching for the location of the 'cusp.' What is the major development that
will take place? Where there be more than one? This might be the beginning to a new era, but
we've seen it before when council members have pet projects they would like to see first on the
agenda and then they will discuss the question of what will it cost. And who is going to pay for
it? How will it affect the budget?
I would like to welcome Mr. Helin to our community and wish him the very best. I'm fearful that
the new city manager will find the powers that be at City Hall (excuse the pun) to be more
difficult than extracting a hen's 'cuspid.'
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