1. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being most important), how do you rank the importance of each of the following:

2. Do you support a popular vote on gaming in South Central Kansas?

3. What are the 3 most important issues facing the City of Wichita?

Paul Gray:
1. Economic Development and Job Creation
2. Limited Governmental intrusion, lower taxes and fiscal responsibility
3. Reversing the trend of Youth leaving our community, ‘Brain Drain’

4. What specific leadership attributes and experiences qualify you to effectively lead the Wichita City Council and city administration in advancing our community?

Paul Gray:
Before I was elected to the City Council, I operated my family’s construction and development company, Gray Construction Inc. This gave me first hand, real world experience in operations, payroll, HR, supply chain management, governmental regulation and finance. I believe the best way to appreciate the needs of the business community is to have been among them as an operator and owner.

I translated my business experience into four years of dedicated representation for the business community and the citizens of Wichita, on the City Council, and that is the best proof that I am qualified to represent the people of Wichita for four more years. In addition to my business and political experience, I am continuing my education in political science and finance at Wichita State University.

5. What role should the City of Wichita have in each of the following?

Attracting new business?

Paul Gray:
I feel both questions have similar answers, because both are equally important.

Our role should be a very active one. We should continue to support GWEDC, provide proper incentives, maintain and improve on a tax friendly municipal environment, advocate for more fair and improved tax structures in other jurisdictions (such as State, County, and local School districts), limit governmental regulations and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies’ and barriers to

Retaining existing businesses?

Paul Gray:
Same as above

6. How does local government contribute to the public perception Wichitans’ currently have of their city?

Paul Gray:
Many in our community feel that Wichita is one of the best places in the country to live and work. Others feel differently. We at the governmental level, have to recognize that we are the center of attention and need to act accordingly. We are the gate keepers of perception, we are the cheerleaders of the community, we are the arbitrators of fairness. If we want the community to be strong, positive, respectful and proud, then we have to feel, act and portray those same values. The community looks to us and we have to look into the future and at where we want to be and work tirelessly to achieve that vision. The community gave us a road map (Visioneering) and we need to help drive the bus to that destination and beyond.

7. What do you feel are the three most important issues facing your district in the coming 12-24 months, and how would you focus Council attention on those issues?

Paul Gray:
The first issue is continuing the trend of redevelopment along the major thorough fares such as Seneca and West St. These areas are examples that when good infrastructure combined with good economic times and favorable demographics, an area can and will redevelop itself privately without (or at most very limited) governmental assistance.

Secondly, rebuilding the remaining aged and inadequate infrastructure and flood control systems such as South Meridian, Maple St, Douglas and others.

Lastly, developing the city owned property adjacent to the Airport into an Advanced Composites Manufacturing and Research park. This opportunity has the potential to diversify our economy by creating products for aviation as well as military, automotive, medical, IT, and many other industries. This may also have the potential to make Wichita a major player on the international scene in the area of these emerging technologies.

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