Mallory Herrmann
citydesk@lstribune.net

Mayor Bill Baird addressed city staff and councilmembers, members of the school board, and other stakeholders for the 2018 state of the city this week. The Sept. 24 event was held at the new B&B Theaters New Longview 7 and was attended by about 100 people, including State Representative Rebecca Roeber and Jackson County Legislator Theresa Galvin.

It was broadcast on Facebook Live from the City of Lee’s Summit Government page, where it had about 1,000 views the same evening.

Baird, the 42nd mayor of Lee’s Summit, spoke of the decades of stakeholders, time and money, and decisions – sometimes tough decisions – that have gone into making the city what it is today.
“I’m honored to be part of the next generation of difference makers,” Baird said.

He cited the city’s recognition on lists like Money magazine’s best places to live, calling Lee’s Summit “truly phenomenal.” Praising recently completed infrastructure projects and highlighting the importance of the downtown core, Baird looked forward to the proposed downtown farmers market and outdoor pavilion. He also suggested that there were still plenty of opportunities for additional growth to make the downtown area, “a local destination,” into a regional destination.

Encouraging all citizens to get involved in the community, whether by showing up, calling, emailing, or clicking, Baird said that the city wants to hear from you: “We want you to know that your voice matters.”

Baird was sworn in as mayor of Lee’s Summit in April of this year. This was his first state of the city address and the first to take place in the 207-seat theater.

“Anything is possible,” the mayor said, “and the best is yet to come. I’m honored to be your mayor.”

Baird’s address lasted about half an hour and was preceded by an invitation-only reception.