Fairway council appoints Whitney Henley to Ward 4 seat after public interviews

The Fairway City Council on Feb. 10 appointed Whitney Henley to the Ward 4 council seat, voting 5–2 after public, on-the-record interviews of the two finalists.

The appointment came after the mayor explained the vacancy and the council’s interview process. Two finalists — Whitney Henley and Cassie Thompson — answered questions from council members about leadership style, neighborhood priorities and outreach. Both candidates described civic motivations for applying; Henley cited community engagement and a desire to improve resident communication, and Thompson emphasized local outreach and attention to small‑house, older neighborhoods.

Henley, who said she has worked at KU in telemedicine and previously served on professional boards, told the council she would focus on improving communications so more residents know how to engage with city government. Cassie Thompson, who said she works at Evergy and serves on internal business-resource groups, highlighted the need to look after the distinct needs of smaller, older Ward 4 homes and noted concerns with enforcement of ordinances such as trash-can citations.

Council members asked both finalists how they would handle difficult conversations and how they would engage neighbors; both emphasized listening and outreach. After the interview segment and roll-call voting, the mayor announced the result and invited Henley forward for a photograph.

The appointment fills the seat vacated when Jenna Broski moved from Ward 4 into Ward 2 and cannot continue representing Ward 4. The council did not indicate any additional procedural steps beyond the on-the-record vote and the swearing‑in/photo step the night of the appointment.

Council members and staff encouraged residents who attended to remain engaged in city business and to sign up for city email updates for future notices.