With a seat up for election in each ward of the city in 2019, Derby residents have an opportunity to file for election to serve on the City Council or as Mayor. The term of office is four years beginning in January 2020.

Registered voters living inside the city limits must file at the Sedgwick County Election Office by noon on June 3, 2019. City Council elections are non-partisan in nature, meaning candidates need not declare a political party.

“People find serving in city government to be a rewarding way to be a part of Derby’s growth,” said Kathy Sexton, City Manager. “City Council members and the Mayor represent residents in making important decisions about key services.”

The election for mayor is a citywide election, which means candidates may live anywhere inside the city limits, and all registered voters are eligible to vote. Mayor Randy White was elected in 2015 and has indicated his intent to run for re-election to a second term. If more than two others file to run, a primary election will be held August 6.

Four city council positions are up for election, one in each ward, and the following people currently serve on the City Council:

• Ward I – Rocky Cornejo (plans to file for re-election)
• Ward II – Jack Hezlep (undecided)
• Ward III – Cheryl Bannon (retiring after 17 years of service, leaving this position open) 
• Ward IV – Mark Staats (will run for mayor, leaving this position open)

Any registered voter residing within the city limits of Derby must file their candidacy at the Sedgwick County Election Office in the Historic Courthouse in downtown Wichita at 510 N. Main, Suite 101 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). The filing fee is $20, or a petition with 25 signatures of qualified electors living in the council ward could be submitted (or 50 signatures for mayor).

Information about the election can be obtained at www.SedgwickCounty.org/elections or by calling 316-660-7100. Several forms are available on this county website and must be filled out, and one additional form must be obtained and signed in person at the Election Office.

If a primary is needed, it will be held August 6, 2019 to determine the candidates on the general election ballot. For the Derby Mayor and City Council, a primary election will be held only if more than three people file for mayor or for any given ward. The purpose of the primary election is to narrow the field to two candidates for the November 5 election.

Due to changes in state law in 2015, city council and school board elections moved from April to November beginning in 2017. City officials elected on Nov. 5, 2019 will be sworn in Jan. 14, 2020 at Derby City Hall.

The City Council meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Information about serving on the council is available at www.DerbyKS.com/Council or by contacting Kathy Sexton, City Manager, at 316-788-3132 or KathySexton@Derbyweb.com.

Kathy Sexton
City Manager

Published in the Derby Informer on Jan. 30, 2019.