29 WEEKLY 2025
SEPTEMBER
VOL 3 • NO. 34
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B A L D W I N
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N E W S P A P E R
BALDWIN CITY CANDIDATE FORUM SET FOR THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5! Baldwin City residents will soon have the opportunity to hear directly from those running for mayor and city council at the 2025 Mayor and City Council Candidate Forum, hosted by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce. This important community event will take place on Sunday, October 5, at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Baldwin Junior High School, 415 Eisenhower Street.
The forum is designed to give voters a clear and fair opportunity to hear each candidate’s views, plans, and priorities before casting their ballots. By bringing all candidates together in one setting, residents can better understand where each stands on the key issues impacting Baldwin City — from infrastructure and economic development to community growth and services. Forums are an essential part of the election process because they promote transparency, encourage civic engagement, and help voters make informed choices. Unlike a debate, a forum allows candidates to answer the same set of community-submitted questions, providing a side-by-side comparison of their ideas and leadership styles in a respectful and organized environment. Forum Details
Jenni Fish, Events Coordinator for the Baldwin City Chamber, will host the forum, welcoming attendees and closing the event. Sandy Chapman, co-owner of Om Grown Yoga & Wellness, will serve as moderator, bringing a professional and neutral presence to the proceedings, just as she did in the 2022 School Board Candidate Forum. Jeff Hill, Finance Officer for the Chamber, will act as
timer, ensuring every candidate has equal speaking time and that the event stays on schedule. Questions for the forum have been collected from the community, with the submission deadline extended to Sunday, September 28, at 11:59 p.m. No “day of” questions will be accepted, giving organizers time to prepare and create a well-structured event. While the forum will not be live streamed, it will be recorded. The full video will be posted on the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce website by Tuesday, October 7, allowing residents who are unable to attend to still hear from the candidates before voting.
MEET THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES Gerald “Gerry” Cullumber
Cullumber brings 45 years of experience in law enforcement, including time as a Chief of Police. He hopes to apply his leadership background to address growth, infrastructure, and public safety, promising a full-time, hands-on approach to the mayor’s office. Casey Simoneau
Currently serving as Baldwin City’s mayor, Simoneau is a former Kansas State Trooper and business owner. He is focused on infrastructure improvements, particularly water supply issues, and securing grants to ease the financial burden on residents while encouraging thoughtful growth.
MEET THE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES Robert “Bob” Flegal
Flegal has decades of experience in engineering, budgeting, and project management. He wants to bring strong planning and sustainability practices to city government, with a focus on long-term growth and stability. Jay King
A lifelong resident and current council member, King is the Maintenance Supervisor for Baldwin City Recreation Commission. His priorities include affordable housing, lowering utility costs, and completing the City Lake project. Dan Riney
Riney recently retired after 45 years in municipal utility management. He is dedicated to maintaining high-quality services while managing rising costs and preserving Baldwin City’s small-town charm. Susan Pitts
With two terms on the council, Pitts brings experience and a focus on fiscal responsibility. She is passionate about supporting new development, expanding retail space, and maintaining Baldwin City’s unique character.
Peter Wentz
A U.S. Army Reservist and former nurse, Wentz now works in the corporate sector. He emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and respectful communication, aiming to strengthen connections between citizens and local government. The 2025 Candidate Forum is a chance for Baldwin City residents to engage directly in the democratic process and better understand the choices before them. By attending — or watching the recording later — citizens can make informed decisions that will shape the future of their community. For more information or to submit a question before the deadline, visit www.baldwincitychamber.com.
CANDIDATE FORUM
OCT. 5 2 P.M. (SHARP)
AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER