Marshall considers run for Barone's seat

Longtime local resident Bob Marshall recently announced his intent to establish an exploratory committee that will consider his candidacy for the 13th Kansas Senate District.

"I'm pursuing this because of my strong interest and background in economic development and my ability to form strong coalitions," Marshall said in a prepared statement. "I have been encouraged to run for this position and have been very appreciative of the strong support I'm experiencing throughout the district. I look forward to the opportunity to meet more people and hear their concerns and comments about our district. Southeast Kansas deserves the best possible representation in Topeka. To maximize economic development opportunities, we must continue the development of U.S. Highway 69 to U.S. Interstate 44 in Oklahoma."

Marshall, who possesses a strong aviation background, said that the Southeast Kansas region's aviation assets should continue to be further developed.

Marshall, a Republican, has held a number of economic development positions and is currently serving his second term as chairman of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce while also serving as the executive director of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. In addition, he serves as chairman of the Fort Scott Airport Advisory Board and a member of the Highway 69 Association.

Marshall also serve on the board of directors for the Kansas Food Bank in Independence, Kan.; is a member of Southeast Kansas, Inc.; is a member of the Kansas Farm Bureau; and is a lifetime member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association and the K-Club. He is an Ambassador Club member at Pittsburg State University, as well. He is a past treasurer and board member of the Mercy Health Center Foundation and is a member of the advisory board at Citizens Bank, N.A.

Marshall received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas, where he played quarterback and served as captain of the Jayhawk football team. He also lettered while playing for the KU baseball team.

Marshall was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines Corps and successfully completed Naval Flight School. He completed five years of active duty and later joined the Marine Corps Reserve, from which he retired with the rank of colonel after 33 years of service. During this same time period, he was a commercial airline pilot who served as chief pilot at three pilot bases and supervised more than other 300 pilots.

Marshall is currently the athletic director at Fort Scott Community College. He and his wife, Judy, are the parents of three children and six grandchildren.

The current legislator representing the 13th district in Kansas is Sen. Jim Barone, D-Frontenac, who has served in that position since 1997.