14 Oct McPherson Mayor Tom Brown Receives 2018 Excellence in Local Government Award
TOPEKA – McPherson Mayor Tom Brown was named the 2018 recipient of the E.A. Mosher Excellence in Local Government Award at the League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference last week in Topeka. The award is the League’s preeminent award presented to an elected city official who has demonstrated outstanding service to their city, promoted positive intergovernmental relationships, and had an active commitment to the League.
Brown was nominated for the award because he is a consummate champion for local government and the passion he puts into everything he does for the McPherson community, the award announcement stated.
Brown has served as the McPherson Mayor since 2009. He has been involved in numerous initiatives to provide quality infrastructure in the community and develop economic opportunities, including two, successful ½-cent sales tax issues for streets, sidewalks and trails, and the community building. He was a strong advocate for the establishment of a citywide stormwater utility and facilitated community conversations on expanding day care and mental health challenges in the city.
Brown has immersed himself in the mayoral role in a way that goes beyond that of many Mayors. He has promoted and successfully negotiated intergovernmental partnerships. He realizes that government alone does not make for a successful city; he works to build partnerships among businesses, industry, citizens, and all levels of government. Brown’s role as a statesman includes listening to student concerns while visiting elementary schools, McPherson Middle School, and high school government classes.
Mayor Brown is also involved with the League in numerous ways including policy development and advocacy.
The award is named in honor of Ernie Mosher, League Executive Director from 1960 to 1991, and one of the most respected individuals in the profession. Mosher was a strong advocate of cities’ constitutional Home Rule Authority and played a vital role in the constitutional amendment adopted by Kansas voters in 1960.
Previous recipients included: Wichita Mayors Bob Knight and Carl Brewer; Kansas City Mayor Carol Marinovich; Colby Mayor Warren Hixson; Overland Park Mayor Ed Eilert; Abilene Commissioner John Zutavern; Ottawa Commissioner Richard Jackson; Kansas City Commissioner Pat Pettey; Sedgwick Mayor Don DeHaven; Lenexa Councilmembers Diane Linver and Andy Huckaba; Manhattan Commissioner Bruce Snead; Bonner Springs Mayor Clausie Smith; Lansing Mayor Ken Bernard; Canton Mayor Brad Smiley; Liberal Mayor Joe Denoyer; and Stockton Mayor Kim Thomas.