City of Derby

Ward IV

George Arnold
email
788-8654
Appointed in March 2007

Although not a native of Kansas, Ward IV council member George Arnold has spent the last 28 years working in Wichita. Born and raised in Jersey City, N.J., Arnold began his venture into the professional world at the University of South Carolina-Columbia majoring in Human Resources. He also attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J.

Arnold worked at New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. for 10 years and also worked in the Personnel Department of the U.S. Army at Ft. Jackson, S.C. He was then employed by Manpower, Inc., in N.J., Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbia, S.C., Kansas City, MO, and Tulsa, OK before establishing The Arnold Group, a Human Resources Company in Wichita in 1979.

Arnold is a member of the Derby Chamber of Commerce and the Derby Rotary Club.

He believes an elected official should work for the people of the community in which he/she serves. Their focus should be on community and methods that will improve living conditions, commerce and safe environment.

Arnold also feels that the City of Derby needs to expand its commerce and base of businesses, such as warehousing facilities, small manufacturing companies and other commercial endeavors. In turn, this will expand the city’s tax base and provide jobs for the citizens of Derby.

His appointment as a Ward IV council member is his second experience with the Derby City Council. As a human resources professional, he caters to the needs of people on a daily basis and will be open and willing to suggestions by the citizens of Derby. In April 2008, Arnold was chosen by the City Council to serve a one-year term as Council President.

Arnold is married to Marion, and the two have three daughters, Kerri Campbell, Jill Staats and Susan Hoffman, as well as four grandchildren.

Mark Staats
788-9056
email
Elected in April 2007

Staats spent his childhood in California and has lived in Derby since 1979. He graduated from Derby High School in 1983, and attended Wichita State University and Friends University before embarking on a career as a police officer in Derby.

During his tenure with the Derby Police Department, Staats started the D.A.R.E. program (1990), worked as a detective and retired from the police department as a patrol sergeant. He was also responsible for the Reserve Officer Program and served as president of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Staats now works as a realtor for Estates Unlimited in Derby, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.

When asked about his government philosophy, Staats will tell you that he feels city government is the purist form of government because citizens have direct contact with elected officials. Also, quality of life issues, such as enhancing parks and recreation, are important in continuing to make Derby a great place to live.

Staats’ favorite issues include business development, since many Derby citizens would like to see a wider variety of business in our community. He also enjoys working with public safety issues.

Staats is married to Echo and has a 5-year old son, Mason, and 16-year old stepson, Drew.

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