Buchanan leaving county better off

Sedgwick County Manager William Buchanan is leaving his job this week, and leaving county government far better than he found it 24 years, 19 county commissioners and countless challenges ago.

Buchanan has put his professionalism and problem-solving skills to outstanding use on issues from trash, workforce training, and homelessness to quality of life. He has kept the county’s fiscal condition strong despite economic downturns and damaging Statehouse decisions. His work on alternative programs for offenders has enabled the county to avoid another jail expansion.

Intrust Bank Arena, the National Center for Aviation Training, Exploration Place, the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County – Buchanan’s leadership has been crucial to their creation and sustainability, as well as to the continuing excellence of the Sedgwick County Zoo.

“The high level of interaction with the public at the local level helps keep cities and counties focused on the people they serve, and Bill has never lost focus,” a former county commissioner, state Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, told The Eagle editorial board.

As another former county commissioner, Tom Winters, said during Wednesday’s commission meeting, Buchanan also “made sure the right people were in the right place doing the right job.” His influence has extended far beyond Wichita, too, including his 2006-07 term as president of the International City/County Management Association.

As Buchanan heads into retirement, the community’s lasting gratitude will go with him.

For the editorial board, Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published June 11, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Buchanan leaving county better off."