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John “Jack” Helin
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TAB 5
The Chieftain (Bonner Springs, KS)
May 22, 2002
Bonner Springs Hires New City Manager
Author: Scott Summers
Months of speculation came to an end Monday night as Minnesota native John Helin was
officially hired to be the new city manager in Bonner Springs.
The City Council voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Helin during its regular meeting,
ending the city's four-month search to find a permanent replacement for Weldon Padgett, who
announced his resignation in February.
Helin, who has family living in the Kansas City area, currently serves as the city administrator in
Central City, Neb., which has a population of approximately 3,000. He said during a phone
interview Tuesday that accepting the position as city manager in Bonner Springs seemed like a
step forward in his career.
"I was interested in moving to a community that was bigger in population and had more
responsibility," Helin said. Helin said he believes 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," he said.
He is anxious to work with the City Council members to learn more about their goals for the city
and determine the best course of action to achieve those goals.
Helin said being chosen from a field of more than 30 applicants shows the City Council believes
in his abilities. "I appreciate the trust and confidence the mayor and council have shown in
selecting me, and I will do my best to live up to their trust," Helin said.
Helin, a 21-year Army veteran, has a apply for the job on a permanent basis.
City Council members have endured several closed-door meetings over the past few months
while reviewing applications from people interested in the position, interviewing candidates and
finally negotiating a contract with Helin.
Mayor Steve Breneman said he believes the council's efforts have paid off. "I know it was hard
on everybody to get away night after night and week after week, but I think we probably have
chosen one of the best city managers we've ever had," Breneman said. Breneman said he found it
heartening that so many people applied for the job, showing him they thought Bonner Springs
had good opportunities to offer. "It has been an interesting process and, to me, it's been very
rewarding," Breneman said.
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