Becky enters City Council race

19 Mar Becky enters City Council race

Becky Tuttle, longtime Wichita community champion dedicated to working for a strong local economy, thriving neighborhoods and a vibrant quality of life for all Wichitans, announced her candidacy for Wichita City Council District 6 today.

Claycomb’s announcement followed a five-week exploratory process, which included meeting with District 6 residents, neighborhood advocates and civic and business leaders.

“In 40 years of observing city leaders I am hard pressed to find anyone who is as prepared as Becky in experience, as capable in temperament and as well armed in intellect,” said Mark Chamberlin, business owner, former media executive and community leader. “She cares deeply about the future of Wichita and will make an outstanding council member.”

With the primary election three months away, more than 150 Wichitans have already declared their backing for Claycomb, more than 100 have pledged to volunteer and her campaign has raised $30,000 so far.

“I have been honored by the outpouring of support I have received from all corners of District 6, and beyond,” Claycomb said. “I know Wichita is poised for greatness. I am prepared, committed and ready to work to move Wichita forward in a fiscally responsible manner.”

A life-long Wichita area resident, Claycomb has lived in District 6 for the past 12 years and is involved in many community and business activities. She currently serves as President of the Wichita Board of Park Commissioners and is on the Wichita City Council District 6 Advisory Board. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation and serves as a board member on the Greater Wichita Partnership, Botanica, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Wichita State University Alumni Association. She is currently Assistant to the President at Wichita State University, where she works part time, dedicating the remainder of her time to community activities. She co-chaired the Clean Air Wichita campaign that resulted in smoke-free restaurants and bars in Wichita.

Claycomb has played significant roles in the development and update of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces plan, a 20-year strategic plan for Wichita, the development of a master plan for Crystal Prairie Lake Park, a new regional attraction in District 6, the establishment of a Golf Advisory Committee dedicated to keeping Wichita public golf courses economically viable and the creation of the Wichita Bicycle Master Plan to develop a guide for the City of Wichita regarding bicycle infrastructure investments, operations and policies.

“Through her service on the Wichita Park Board, Becky is improving the quality of life that is so important to the livability of a city that millennials seek,” said Laura Bernstorf, former Board Chair for Young Professionals of Wichita.

Claycomb graduated from Wichita State University with both Bachelors and Masters of Business Administration, and Oklahoma State University with a Ph.D. in Marketing. Her previous professional experience includes various positions at Wichita State University, including Interim Dean of the W. Frank Barton School of Business, founding Director of WSU Ventures and Professor of Marketing. She co-chaired the university’s strategic planning process that resulted in a bold new vision and mission for Wichita State University. She spent almost 12 years in industry working at both Pizza Hut headquarters and Boeing in Wichita.

City Council District 6 boundaries are roughly: Douglas on the south; Washington/I-135 on the east; as far north as the City limits; and the Big Ditch on the west (with a one-mile appendage north of the Sedgwick County Zoo). Claycomb and her husband of 36 years, Charlie, live in a 1920’s converted warehouse in Old Town.

City Council member Janet Miller, who is finishing her second term and is not eligible for re-election, currently holds the District 6 seat.

The primary election is August 1, 2017. The general election is November 7, 2017.

We have got to stay focused on a strong local economy, safe and thriving neighborhoods and a vibrant quality of life