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 the 53rd mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. He served one four-year term from May 1, 2007, to May 2, 2011. Before becoming mayor, Funkhouser worked as Kansas City's city auditor. He also published Governing magazine. He writes a blog called "Bring on the Funk" and a book titled Honest, Competent Government: The Promise of Performance Auditing. In 2016, he became a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Early Life and Schooling

Mark Funkhouser was born on October 4, 1949. He grew up in Paden City, West Virginia, and finished high school there. He went to several colleges to earn his degrees. He got a bachelor's degree in political science from Thiel College. He then earned master's degrees from Tennessee State University and West Virginia University. Later, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

Starting His Career

Funkhouser began his career as the first editor of a publication called Local Government Auditing Quarterly. He worked in this role for ten years. He also 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 held this position until 2006, when he decided to run for mayor.

Running for Mayor in 2007

Mayor Funkhouser speaking at a dedication ceremony in 2010.

Mark Funkhouser announced he would run for mayor of Kansas City, Missouri in late 2006. The Kansas City Star newspaper supported him early on. In the first mayoral election, 13 people ran. Funkhouser was one of the top two candidates who moved on to the final election. He 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 deals with big developers. 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. He wanted more open government and to listen to citizens. He also felt that the city had spent too much money on projects before he became mayor.

About His Personal Life

Mark Funkhouser enjoys playing chess. After he won the election, he celebrated at a local tavern. This was a place where he often played chess with the Westport Chess Club. He also works as a professional speaker. He is very tall, standing at 6 feet 8 inches.