A not-so-funny thing happened to Gene Myrick on the campaign trail.
Myrick, who had previously served six years on the Iola City Council, had filed in June to regain a Council seat.
Less than two weeks later, Myrick found himself hospitalized — including 10 days in intensive care — after a tick bite led to a nasty bout of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
“Once that happened, I pretty much decided that, as badly as I want to be back on the City Council, my health is more important,” Myrick said.
As such, he has done no campaigning in the runup to the Nov. 7 general election, and isn’t likely to do much more than see his name on the ballot.
“I’m still feeling the effects” of the disease, Myrick said. “I just don’t feel like getting out and walking up and down the street, things I should be doing. I’ve just decided that whatever happens, happens.”
Nevertheless, if voters pick Myrick over the other two Ward 3 hopefuls, incumbent Kim Peterson and challenger Georgia Masterson, he plans to serve a full four-year term with the same vigor he carried when he last held office.
“I felt like we had some unfinished business from when I was there before,” Myrick said.
For one thing, the city must address a complete rebuild of U.S 54 through town.
“The longer we wait, the more it’s going to cost,” Myrick said. “It needs to be done. There are people who think it can be patched, but it’s like a 1954 Ford. You can put some Bondo here and there, but basically all you’ve got is an old rebuilt car. And for years, that’s all we’ve been doing with U.S. 54 through town.”
Likewise, Myrick said the city should aggressively seek funds to refurbish its infrastructure, in particular its water, sewer and gas lines. Perhaps Iola would be well served to have a grant writer on staff as well.
The Council also should continue to take steps to allow for development at the northeast part of town.
“I’m pro-growth, and if we’re going to grow, that’s where it’s going to be,” he said, pointing to the construction of a new roadside coffeeshop and the PrairieLand Partners plans to build a new dealership along U.S. 169.
“The city should do whatever it can afford to help businesses, but without jeopardizing the services to the rest of the city and the citizens.”
As for enticing another trouble spot — housing — Myrick says extending streets and utilities into the Cedarbrook Addition is a good start.
