Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for De Soto City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to De Soto residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Background: Readers want to know something of your background. Briefly explain your education and employment history and how those experiences qualify you for this job.
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Zack Bradley
I grew up near Memphis, TN, the only son of working-class parents who, for a time, made a single-wide trailer our family home. I have dedicated my life to service. I served 17 years in the Army (active and reserve). I was a medical platoon sergeant, received the Combat Medical Badge, and was medically retired after serving in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I have been a Deputy Sheriff, volunteer Firefighter/EMT, and am currently an Emergency Management Specialist for the Federal government covering most of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Abby and I have been married for 21 years. We have two sons, Adam, 16, and Noah, 13, both of whom attend DHS; we also have a foreign exchange student from Malaga, Spain.
I’m a member of American MENSA. I enjoy fishing, bird hunting, and scuba diving.
I have served in numerous volunteer positions locally: De Soto High School Cat Booster Club; former Scouting America District Vice-Chairman – Membership, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Merit Badge Counselor; De Soto Food Pantry volunteer; numerous committees and workgroups of the Mid-America Regional Council — Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Committee.
I am unique among the candidates with experience in non-profit, municipal, state, and federal government, public service, military, and civic duty. Over 25 years of service, I have proven my ability to bridge gaps between diverse interests, resolve problems, and ensure fairness for all parties involved. I will happily discuss or debate any issue or perspective to ensure a mutual understanding, even if not an agreement.
James Doscher
I received a B.A. from Angelo State University with a major in history and a dual minor in government and psychology. After college I was the joint owner of a construction company with my best friend which we sold four years after starting it. I than ran for over thirty years a retail jewelry store in Austin Texas. My experience with running businesses taught me to maintain a very strict budget and hire the most qualified employees to run a profitable business.
Mark Gulley, Jr.
I’m a lifelong De Soto resident and proud graduate of De Soto High School. My family has lived here for generations, and that deep connection gives me a unique perspective on how our community has grown and where it is headed. I understand what makes De Soto special, including the sense of pride, tradition, and small-town values that continue to bring people together even as we grow.
For the past several years, I have worked for the City of De Soto Parks and Recreation Department. In that role, I have helped manage community programs, oversee seasonal staff, and maintain city facilities that serve residents of all ages. This experience has given me a firsthand understanding of how local government functions and what it takes to keep city operations running smoothly. It has also shown me both the strengths and areas where we can continue to improve to better serve our citizens.
I also serve in the Kansas Army National Guard, where I have gained valuable leadership experience, discipline, and a strong commitment to public service. In addition, I have worked in the private sector through my family’s construction business, learning the importance of fiscal responsibility, careful planning, and collaboration between local businesses and city leadership.
Together, these experiences have prepared me to serve De Soto with the understanding, accountability, and hometown perspective our community deserves.
Joe Sabo
I grew up in small town Ohio around the corner from my grandparents farm. In my early teens I went to work for a local Italian restaurant and continued to work there thru college. I attended Bowling Green State University and opened a franchise of the restaurant I was working for after college which I operated for 7 years before finding my current employer where I have remained for the last 24 years. I’ve held two jobs during my lifetime, and I’ll bring this same loyalty to our City.
One of the key strengths I bring to this role is my experience handling over $30 million in assets. This work taught me a lot about accountability, transparency, and long-term planning — values that translate directly to serving on De Soto City Council.
With my current employer, I had to make sure every dollar was used wisely. Concentrating on balancing short-term needs and long-term goals. That’s the same thing De Soto needs right now. As the community grows, we have to make smart financial decisions and investing where it matters most, maintaining the services we all count on, and keeping our budget sustainable.
I’m used to working on complex projects, weighing ROI, and asking tough questions to make sure investments deliver that expected ROI. That’s especially important as we look at opportunities tied to the Panasonic plant and the Sunflower redevelopment. Growth can be exciting, but it has to make sense for our residents and fit the character of De Soto.
At the end of the day, I want De Soto to continue being a great place to live and work. A community which grows wisely, stays financially strong, and preserves the small town community we all value and want to keep. I’ll bring that same discipline, financial insight, and balanced approach to every decision I make on our city council.
