Garnett Mayor Jason Shehan has publicly endorsed his opponent in the upcoming general election. Even though his name will still be on the ballot, he is encouraging everyone to vote for another candidate to fill his position, Nate Wiehl, a local pharmacist who announced his write-in candidacy earlier this week. Shehan says that he will be voting against himself in the election and says he looks forward to seeing that he has zero votes after the election.
Sheahan has been entangled in a number of high-profile controversies since he was appointed to fill the post left vacant by the death of Cody Gettler in late 2021, mainly dealing with the operation of the city’s recreation department and criticism of former Department Director, Phil Bures. Bures resigned his position in August.
Two other candidates will be in the race. “Growing Garnett Heart & Soul” founder, Paula Scott also announced this week she’d run as a write-in candidate, and candidate Mark Powls entered the race when he filed for the post against Sheahan in June.
