Mark Funkhouser facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mark Funkhouser
53rd Mayor of Kansas City
In office May 1, 2007 – May 2, 2011
Preceded by	Kay Barnes
Succeeded by	Sly James
Personal details
Born	Mark Funkhouser (1949-10-04) October 4, 1949 (age 75) Paden City, West Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Gloria Squitiro
Children	2
Education	Thiel College (BA) Tennessee State University (MA) West Virginia University (MA) University of Missouri–Kansas City (PhD)

Mark Funkhouser was born on October 4, 1949. He is an American academic, author, and former politician. He served as the 53rd mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, for one four-year term. His time as mayor was from May 1, 2007, to May 2, 2011. Before becoming mayor, Funkhouser worked as Kansas City's city auditor. He also worked as the publisher of Governing magazine. He wrote a blog called "Bring on the Funk" and a book titled Honest, Competent Government: The Promise of Performance Auditing. In 2016, Funkhouser became a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Early Life and Education

Mark Funkhouser grew up in Paden City, West Virginia. He finished high school there. He earned his first college degree, a B.A. in political science, from Thiel College. He then earned a M.A. in business administration from Tennessee State University. He also received another M.A. in social work from West Virginia University. Later, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

Beginning His Career

Funkhouser was the first editor of a publication called Local Government Auditing Quarterly. He worked in this role for ten years. He has taught at several universities, including Salem College, Park University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and University of Kansas. From 1978 to 1988, he was the Director of State Audit in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1988, he became the Kansas City Auditor. He left this job in 2006 to run for mayor.

Running for Mayor in 2007

Mayor Funkhouser speaking at a Memorial Dedication ceremony in October 2010.

Mark Funkhouser announced he was running for mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, in late 2006. The Kansas City Star newspaper supported him early on. He was one of two candidates who made it through the primary election, which started with 13 candidates. Funkhouser won the mayoral election on March 27, 2007.

His campaign slogan was "A city that works for regular folks." He promised to focus more on neighborhoods. He also wanted to stop unfair TIF deals with special groups. During his campaign, people in Kansas City started calling him "The Funk."

Funkhouser's wife, Gloria Squitiro, managed his campaign. He often wore an orange tie. This was a symbol of his desire for change, like the Ukrainian Orange Revolution. His campaign website explained: "I've chosen orange as my official campaign color because it is fast becoming a symbol for change in politics – a shift away from back-room deal making and toward an open style of governance that respects and listens to citizens." Funkhouser also criticized how money was spent during the previous mayor's time. He said in an interview, "We've been buying stuff. What we don't know is whether what we bought is what is worth what we paid for it."

Personal Life

Mark Funkhouser enjoys playing chess. After he won the election, he celebrated at the Westport Flea Market. This is a local place where he often met with the Westport Chess Club to play. He also works as a professional speaker. He is quite tall, standing at 6 feet 8 inches.