Funk's Front Porch10 August 2007
Dear Folks,
Funk and I had a nice weekend off, sort of. He worked in the car while I drove six hours each way. Then, because we’ve been so tired I guess, we just sat and stared at the woods and the stars for the rest of the weekend. We ended up leaving early because both of our kids are headed off to college soon and I want to spend as much time with them as I can before they go. This is our son’s first year at college, so it’s a big adjustment for our family.
The town hall meetings continue to be a huge success. Funk really shines at these events. One of his best traits is being able to break down very complex ideas into simple terms so that everyone can not only understand the idea, but they can grasp it in a short amount of time. Also, he connects with people best when face-to-face; with them realizing that he is someone that they can trust.
One of the greatest things that the Kansas City, Missouri school district offers is Ailey camp. It is an intense six-week program that culminates with a performance mid-summer. Our daughter Tara was part of the program when she was 12 years old and it was probably the highlight of her elementary school years. It was an honor for Funk to be asked to speak at this year’s event. We were both amazed at how far the program had come in the nine years since Tara’s experience. The kids seemed to perform at a professional level. That, in and of itself, is a testament to the great efforts by all of the people involved with the program, with the main player being Tyronne Aiken. This is one of the main reasons Funk chose Tyronne to be on the Parks Board – he is a wonder with kids. I cannot imagine how many of them he has saved. We’re both looking forward to seeing what he brings to the youth of our city with regards to parks and recreation.
I forgot to tell you that the first and hardest draft of Funk’s book was completed a few weeks ago. Guess where the big lug took me out to dinner to celebrate. Yes, my big spender took me on a date to the Westport Flea Market - mostly because it was chess club night and he didn’t want to miss it – some date, huh? It was strange walking in there though, because I hadn’t been back since the primary election night last February. Things have been so fast paced that we haven’t really had time to celebrate the win, much less digest it. So going back to the Flea Market brought a little clutch to my heart for all that we’ve achieved this past year.
Please continue to help us to help you by lending your support to Funk each Thursday. If there is an issue on the Legislative docket that is important to you, let us know how you’d like Funk to vote. If he’s voting your way, please call your council members and ask that they support him with their vote as well. If he’s not voting your way, give our office a call and try to convince him to see things your way. Remember, the man is not averse to changing his mind.
In faith,
Gloria & Mark
You can respond to this newsletter at funksfrontporch@gmail.com.
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The Mayor’s top ten priorities:
1. Establishing a good working relationship with the Council
2. Getting the City’s finances in order
3. Making downtown work
4. Tending to our neighborhoods
5. Implementing the Housing Policy task force recommendations
6. Improving the perception and the reality of public education in Kansas City
7. Reducing Crime
8. Repairing our sewer systems
9. Establishing an excellent regional transit system, which includes light rail
10. Improving citizen satisfaction with City services.
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