Joe Markley announces run for Junction City commission, emphasizes infrastructure and transparency

Joe Markley announced he is running for Junction City city commissioner and outlined a platform focused on basic infrastructure, downtown renewal, fiscal responsibility and increased transparency. "I'm Joe Markley, and I'm running for city Commissioner," he said, adding that friends encouraged him to run and that retirement from the Opera House in January gave him the opportunity to serve.

Markley said he would not enter the race with "an axe to grind or without a specific agenda," and emphasized accessibility to residents: "I want to be accessible to the people of Junction City and listen to their concerns." He said he would rely on input from the city manager and department heads when evaluating proposals and stressed the need for integrity and truthfulness in office.

On priorities, Markley put infrastructure at the top of the list, saying the city needs "roads, dependable utilities, and the support of quality of life items" such as the city park, the swimming pool and the opera house. He called for steady, sustainable business growth and downtown renewal while maintaining support for existing businesses.

Urging fiscal caution, Markley said the city is "on track to move the city out of debt incurred many years ago" and that commissioners must guard against repeating past mistakes so "we do not make the same mistakes of the past and keep the city in a strong financial position." He added, "We must work to make sure every tax dollar is well spent."

Markley praised the hiring of a public information officer as a step toward transparency and said he would support making meeting information readily available through social media and by streaming commission meetings to keep the public informed. He also highlighted the city’s diversity and the role of Fort Riley service members in the community and credited volunteers for organizing events such as Oktoberfest and Freedomfest.

Describing his experience, Markley said he taught for more than 30 years, served as Opera House director for over 10 years and has been music director at First Presbyterian Church since 1982. He concluded by saying he would bring "a decorum and calming influence to the commission" and asked for voters' support: "I appreciate your vote for the commission."