MORAN — Darcy Burton confesses she’d given little thought to city governance until a little more than a year ago.
The impetus?
Burton, 37, took on a new job, as an administrative clerk assistant in the Allen County Clerk’s office.
There, she learned the ins and outs of how city budgets are handled, and the tax levies that go into funding local governments.
“People may think they understand how cities and counties function, but if you don’t work there, you really don’t,” Burton said.
“As I learned more, I found it a lot more interesting.”
And with that came the inspiration to do her part.
Burton is one of five hopefuls running for two seats on the Moran City Council. She’ll be joined on the ballot by incumbent Jim Mueller and challengers Rachel Blevins, Lee Roberts and Joe Stotler.
BURTON, a Garnett native, has lived in Moran for the past 20 years. She and husband Brandon have a son, Waylon.
“We have a good, small community, where people are willing to help each other out,” Burton said. “And I can connect easily with people. I’m not quick to throw out someone’s ideas or thoughts without thinking about it.”
She sees challenges. Like anyone, Burton would love to see more economic activity.
“We’re at the intersection of two major highways, and we’ve had no growth in town for a while, and that surprises me,” she said.
While a City Council isn’t necessarily the only factor on economic development, Burton favors an all-of-the-above approach to attracting business.
She’s also keen on seeing residents take a bit more pride in their properties.
“There are properties that haven’t been kept up,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be anything major, just some cleaning. Small things make a big difference.”
