|
Mayor Carl Wilkes
9416 W. 49th Terrace
Merriam, KS 66203
(913) 722-1312
mayorw@merriam.org |
Carl Wilkes comes from a family of ten, with six brothers and one sister. Carl, of course, was the seventh son, and he refers to his one and only sister as his “favorite sister”. Carl was born in Haskell, Oklahoma and spent early childhood in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Carl obtained his education from the Olathe Public School system, receiving his high school diploma. Carl further attended Johnson County Community College where he studied business law and business administration through the Ohio State University at KCKS Community College.
Carl met and married his lovely wife of 45 years in Merriam, Kansas and to this marriage, four children were added: Carla, Marceline, Everett, and Christopher. Carl and his wife, Wanda, are the proud grandparents of eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Carl has held, over the years, positions that allow him to interact with various committees and organizations. He has a 40 year career in public service, and currently serves as field supervisor for the Johnson County Human Services and Aging Department, while serving as mayor for the City of Merriam, Kansas.
Carl was elected mayor of Merriam in 2001, and became the first African American mayor to serve in Johnson County, Kansas. He won his election by only two (2) votes. He, since, has been re-elected to a second term by a much greater margin.
Carl’s greatest love…Jesus. He is dedicated to his family, whom he loves dearly, who has unselfishly shared Carl with others, which has allowed him the opportunity to reach his goals and accomplishments.
Under his administration as Mayor several important events have taken place:
- New public safety police facility
- Renovated City Hall
- Construction of Merriam Historic Plaza and Visitors Bureau at Shawnee Mission Parkway and I-35;
- Acquisition of Waterfall Park land
- Expansion of Brown Memorial Park
- Completion of major streetscape project for the rejuvenation of Downtown Merriam.
- Aggressive capital improvement program including – installation of new residential streets, curbs, and storm drainage;
- New street lighting program;
- Improvements at the intersection of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Antioch;
- Currently working with developers on two new retail development projects, Merriam Village (Johnson Drive to 62nd, I-35 to Slater), and Merriam Pointe (67th Street and I-35).
- Merriam City reflecting growth thru private entities such as, 84 million dollar project at the Shawnee Mission Hospital – new homes through out the city.
Other Accomplishments & Honors:
- Developed and received funding for the first transportation program for the elderly in Johnson County "Dial-A-Ride"
- Established in conjunction with United Community Services the Multi-Service Center and served as Executive director.
- Developed and received a HUD Certification for Housing Counseling Programs.
- Developed and secured funding for the City of Kansas City, Kansas Section 8 Housing program and served as Director.
- Certificate of training, Advanced Housing Production Management
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Certified Risk Assessor for the State of Kansas.
- Lead base paint training certified
- The National Center for Lead Safe Housing & HUD.
- Certificate of Recognition, Outstanding Young Men of Kansas 1975
- Metro Johnson County Jaycees.
- Certified Contract Oversight Manager and Contract Administrator.
- Resolution Trust Corporation.
- Presently, serving second term as Mayor of the City of Merriam, Kansas.
Associations & Organizations
Member of:
- N.E. Mayors Association.
- Kansas Mayor Association
- Wyandotte/Johnson County Council of Mayors
- Kansas League of Municipalities
- National League of Cities
Awards
- Federal Deposit Insurance for Special Achievement.
- Honorable Record of Service, Rehabilitation Loan Corp.
- Letter of Commendation, NorthCorp Realty Corp.
- Certificate of Appreciation (RTC) Resolution Trust Corp.
- Meritorious Public Service Award. US Treasury Department & Internal Revenue Services.
- Distinguished Service Award - Overland Park Jaycees.
- Certificate of Appreciation, Selective Services
- President Gerald Ford.
- Distinguished Service Award - Johnson County NAACP (2004)
- Trailblazer Award - Johnson County NAACP (2006)
- Tuskegee Airmen's Public Service Award (April 2007)
|
