In seeking a seat on the Iola City Council, Kyle King vows to bring a business sense to his decision-making.
Im of the opinion that the city Iola really needs to quit spending money until we have it, said King, one of four candidates seeking to represent Iolas Third Ward on the Council.
Primary voters will pick Tuesday among King, Josiah DAlbini, Ashley Varner and Kim Peterson for the seat. The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.
King, owner of Kings Sandwich Shop one of the communitys oldest restaurants said he was asked by a handful of people of people on multiple occasions to run for a Council seat, in large part because of his business background.
We should inflate a nest egg, so if we have a couple of bad years, we can absorb that, King said.
Iolas population losses through the years have increased the strain on local taxpayers, King said, through a combination of sales taxes, property taxes and utility rates.
Thats a big chunk of money, he said. As it stands, the city makes changes and expects the population of Iola to be the bank. And I think the populations tired of that.
For example, King said the city should look at repurposing equipment instead of buying new, particularly for items used sporadically.
Why do we need a brand new truck that we wont use? he asked. We can put in a brand new motor for $3,500, which is a heck of a lot cheaper than $35,000 or $40,000 for a new truck.
I know I cant change anything, but I can make people ask a lot of questions, he continued. I know I can make people in the city accountable for what they say or do and thats including myself.
KING, 49, is a third-generation owner of Kings Sandwich Shop, having purchased the restaurant from his parents in 2000.
Grandpa built Dairy Queen in 1955, and this place in 1956, King said. Just about every family member on the King side has worked here at one point.
The restaurant remains a staple in the community. As a point of pride, King points to six different lists naming Kings among the best burger joints in the state.
Weve done the same thing for over 60 years, and we try to do what we do well, he said.
