Six term Mayor Mike Amyx is no stranger to the job, which he refers to as the best elected position in Kansas. Mike is also a barber and business owner of Amyx Barber Shop located in down town Lawrence. His family has operated the business since 1942. The job makes him very available to the citizens of the community. He is the former Chair of the Kansas Board of Barbering and he has also served as a Douglas County Commissioner. Mike had good words for civic groups like Rotary, noting that city staff can’t do everything. Being Mayor is a 24-7 commitment and Mike states that he enjoys being busy with city business. He noted some dramatic moments he has experienced, including the visit of President Obama and the opportunity to represent Lawrence on a visit to the Big Red One’s exercises in Arizona.
The Mayor spoke of big challenges facing the city with lots of infrastructure projects, policy decisions regarding development, and the selection of the new city manager. He also believes that the principle of home rule is under fire as the legislature in Topeka looks for solutions to the state budget crisis. The Mayor lamented lightly attended public hearing opportunities and urged citizens to vote their convictions. He took questions on the police station planning, city abatement policy and prospects for a down town grocery store. The Mayor expressed considerable pride in the community and enthusiasm for his job. He was thanked for his years of service to the community
