TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! FORMER KANSAS CITY PARKS BOARD HONCO JOHN FIERRO MAKES CITY COUNCIL RUN OFFICIAL!!!
FINALLY . . .
The presser the we've been telling you about for months.
FIRST here on TKC . . . A look at the new website as well . . .
johnfierro4citycouncil.com
Recently, a Northeast Insider offered a bit of encouragement for Mr. Fierro . . .
"Jolie thinks she has this locked up . . . But she's going to have to win it on her own merits. John's not just going to give it to her and there is a lot more support for him in Northeast than she might realize."
Now check the presser with a rather impressive list of qualifications and support:
FORMER PARK BOARD PRESIDENT TO RUN FOR CITY COUNCIL
Kansas City, Missouri - John Fierro, a seasoned not-for profit administrator will publicly announce today that he is seeking the position of Kansas City, Missouri, City Council, 4th District, in-District. John has been a dedicated civic leader and successful public administrator in the not for profit sector for over 25 years. He currently serves as the President/CEO of the Mattie Rhodes Center.
John Fierro will focus on improving long-term financial sustainability of the City, improving public safety, job creation, economic development and making City government as effective and efficient as possible.
“The 4th District offers the opportunity to fuse the distinct cultural, economic and social groups that compose our unique commercial districts and neighborhoods, including Briar Cliff, Historic Northeast, Downtown, The Crossroads, the Westside, Midtown, and The Country Club Plaza.”
John has led Mattie Rhodes for over 15 years. Under John’s leadership as President/CEO, Mattie Rhodes quadrupled its budget and staff. John grew the organization’s budget from $650,000 in 1998 to $2.3 million today, and created 33 new jobs. He also expanded the organization’s service areas to include not only the Westside, but Historic Northeast, and the Argentine neighborhood in Kansas City, KS, thus giving more access to behavioral healthcare, wellness programs, and cultural arts for the metro’s low income families.
John has held Mayoral appointments under each of the last 4 Mayors. Former appointments have included Mayor Emanuel Cleaver’s Bi-State Empowerment Zone Committee and serving as Finance Chair for the Kansas City Housing Authority under Mayor Kay Barnes. In 2007, Mayor Mark Funkhouser appointed John to lead the prestigious Park Board, serving as its first Hispanic board president in its 115 year history. John was instrumental in catalyzing the development of the state-of-the-art 9th and Van Brunt Athletic Complex, and The Bay Aquatic Center in south Kansas City. He led the development of the new pedestrian-friendly and safe Red Bridge, while preserving the Old Red Bridge as an attractive amenity in Minor Park. John also increased the number of dog parks in the City, in response to the needs of City residents. Currently, John serves as an appointee of Mayor Sly James to the Port Authority Board of Commissioners, responsible for economic development along the 4th District’ Berkley Riverfront Park, among other area locations.
“I am very fortunate to have garnered the trust and support of our City’s leaders in service to my City. I bring a positive, well informed, and open-minded approach to public administration with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Kansas City.”
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John Fierro pursued and completed his college education as an adult, working full-time and raising four children with his wife, Loretta, on Kansas City’s Westside. John holds a bachelors degree in business administration from Park College; a Masters in Public Affairs from Park University; and an MBA from the prestigious Helzberg Executive Fellows Program at Rockhurst University.
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