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Wichita council selects JV Johnston as vice mayor; oath administered
Summary
The Wichita City Council elected Council Member JV Johnston as vice mayor on Jan. 16, 2025, by a 7-0 vote and administered the oath of office; outgoing Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard was recognized for her year of service.
The Wichita City Council elected Council Member JV Johnston as vice mayor in a 7-0 vote at its Jan. 16 meeting and administered the oath of office.
The council conducted a secret-ballot selection before taking formal action. Mayor Lily Wu read ballots and announced that the tally favored JV Johnston. Council then moved to adopt the motion to appoint Johnston; the roll call showed unanimous support. Judge Jones administered the vice mayoral oath; Johnston replied, “I do solemnly swear … that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Kansas,” before concluding, “So help me God.”
The council recognized outgoing Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard for her service over the past year. Ballard received remarks of appreciation from several council members and a small gift presentation. In his acceptance remarks, Johnston told a brief personal story about a young woman who moved to Wichita and chose to stay, saying it “tells a lot about our city and our people.”
No council action beyond the appointment and oath was taken as part of this item.
Council members present voted unanimously to confirm JV Johnston as vice mayor; the vote was recorded as passing 7-0.
The vice mayor will assume duties that include representing the city at official functions when the mayor cannot attend.
Election and oath details were completed during the regular meeting; no related ordinance or further council direction was recorded.
