TOPEKA — At the League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference this week in Topeka, Tom Brown, mayor of McPherson, was named as the 2018 recipient of the E.A. Mosher Excellence in Local Government Award.
The E.A. Mosher Award is the 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. Brown has served as the mayor of McPherson 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. Mayor Brown 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.
His nomination included the following comment about his commitment to his community: “His leadership is driven by his strong faith in God which can be witnessed by his many volunteer efforts with both small groups and entire church congregations both in and outside of his city. With a background in the insurance industry and strategic planning, he has used his skill set to participate in various planning efforts with the county, a local retirement community, and area colleges.”
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.
“I appreciate the award, but it’s really a recognition of a very unique and successful community,” Brown said. “Many of the things we have done – the sales tax renewal, fixed roads, stormwater utility – all those things have been embraced by the community.”
Brown also noted the importance of youth in the community, “I hope that we are working for the next generation.”
Brown’s role as a statesman includes listening to student concerns while visiting elementary schools, McPherson Middle School, and high school government classes.
Brown is also involved with the League in numerous ways including policy development and advocacy.
“I have personally worked with the mayor and experienced the passion he has for his community and taking the municipal message of local control to the statehouse,” said League Executive Director Erik Sartorius.
The E.A. Mosher Excellence in Local Government 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’s heart and soul was local government, and he was a strong advocate of cities’ constitutional Home Rule Authority. He played a key role in the constitutional amendment adopted by Kansas voters in 1960.
The E.A. Mosher Award has been presented to the following individuals: Mayor Bob Knight of Wichita; Mayor Carol Marinovich of Kansas City; Mayor Warren Hixson of Colby; Mayor Ed Eilert of Overland Park; Commissioner John Zutavern from Abilene; Commissioner Richard Jackson from Ottawa; Commissioner Pat Pettey from Kansas City; Mayor Don DeHaven from Sedgwick; Councilmember Diane Linver from Lenexa; Commissioner Bruce Snead from Manhattan; Mayor Clausie Smith from Bonner Springs; Mayor Ken Bernard from Lansing; Mayor Brad Smiley of Canton; Mayor Carl Brewer of Wichita; Mayor Joe Denoyer of Liberal; Councilmember Andy Huckaba of Lenexa; and Mayor Kim Thomas of Stockton.