Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple wants to create a position of “deputy to the mayor” or a chief of staff similar to support positions for mayors in comparable cities. He said the position would help with policy research, community outreach, working with city department heads and engaging in efforts to increase transparency and accountability.
After a lengthy discussion during their meeting Tuesday, the city council voted unanimously to hold off on a decision until city manager Robert Layton completes a staffing study. That study should be complete by the end of June.
Whipple said there was a previous position of executive assistant to the mayor, and he wanted to reinstate that position to provide assistance and support to the mayor and city council. He said previous positions have left out some major areas of responsibility.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)
