Mission Mayor Laura McConwell will not seek another term in office. McConwell announced her decision shortly after the filing deadline for city offices passed at noon today.
Two candidates, current councilor Dave Shepard and former councilor Steve Schowengerdt, have filed for the office.
McConwell has been mayor since March 2002 following the death of Sylvester Powell, Jr. She served the unexpired term until 2003 and then was elected in 2003, 2006 and 2010. Before becoming mayor, McConwell was on the city council representing Ward 4 and had been on the Mission Parks and Recreation Commission. In 2008, she was recognized as Kansas Mayor of the Year by the Kansas Mayors Association.
In a statement about her decision, McConwell said, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of the city of Mission. I am so proud of what we have accomplished for our community. Mission is such a wonderful community. When I first ran for election in Mission, I did so because there was no one on Council who represented young families and my children were young grade-schoolers. The years have gone by quickly, my children are now in college. I have been in elected office for half of my legal career. While I would have loved to stay forever, we need to encourage new people to step up in our journey. It is time for a new vibrant leader to continue moving Mission’s vision forward. As for me, I am ready to ramp up my private practice and to prepare for new adventures and opportunities.”
McConwell’s law practice is in Mission. She is a graduate of SM North and Brown University. Her law degree is from UMKC.
Filing for city offices ended at noon today.
