A week after The Wichita Eagle publlished a story about Sedgwick County commissioner Kelly Parks deciding not to run for re-election, Parks confirmed his decision at a news conference today.
Parks hinted that he may run for state office but did not elaborate. He said he is taking a “never say never” attitude toward public office.
Elected in 2006, Parks, a Republican, touted that he has consistently voted against tax increases and to lower property taxes.
Parks is known for making offhand remarks that he refuses to elaborate on, such as saying in November during a commission discussion about ethics that he had turned some “stuff” over to the FBI.
Two candidates already have filed for Parks’ seat in the northern part of Sedgwick County, Democrat Sharon Fearey, a former Wichita City Council member, and Republican Lucy Burtnett, whom Parks defeated during the last election.
Read more about the story in Saturday’s Eagle.