Tonganoxie City Council member Paula Crook works for the Leavenworth County Council on Aging and through her work hears from senior citizens in the community whom she helps.

“They’re on fixed incomes,” Crook said. “They really pay attention to mill levies and how it’s going to affect them. If we raise the mill, that might be a prescription for them.”

Crook, who is seeking a second term, was elected in 2007. She said during her campaign she’s heard from voters about the city’s budget management, and, like people she serves through the Council on Aging, how mill levy increases might affect their households.

She said that the school district bond issue is at the forefront of discussion as well with voters. If the bond passes, she said her stance is that public safety comes first and the city would need to be involved in making sure that’s the No. 1 priority with road improvements to handle new schools.

Crook, who is 49 and previously worked for JC Penney for 15 years before joining the Council on Aging about eight years ago, hopes to win re-election because she enjoys being part of moving the city forward.

“I’m interested in how the city is growing and what are the best actions for growth,” she said. “I just like being a part of my community. And city council is a big part of that.”

Looking toward the future, Crook said she’d like to see Tonganoxie have a larger role in the Council on Aging, which provides Meals on Wheels and transportation for senior citizens.

She said the Council on Aging has “spread its wings” in Tonganoxie.

“It’s really a great opportunity for them,” she said about the Council on Aging with its transportation services. “But sometimes I think they feel like it might be a little more than what they can afford.

“And I’m not saying the Council on Aging is overpriced. Because they (senior citizens) don’t believe they are.”

Another priority for the city, Crook said, is addressing the future of the police station. The city has been looking at options with existing buildings in the city in which to move the police department, which currently is in downtown Tonganoxie.

Crook also responded to a questionnaire The Mirror sent to Tonganoxie City Council and School Board candidates. Her answers can be found at: tonganoxiemirror.com/news/2011/mar/24/2011-candidate-questionnaire-tonganoxie-city-counc/.