Governing Body

The Goodland City Commission is comprised of five members elected at large. Each year the Commission chooses one of their members to serve as their chairperson. This individual is referred to as the Mayor, however under this form of government this position has no more authority than any other commissioner.

The City Commission meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. If a regularly scheduled meeting falls on an official city holiday, the meeting is re-scheduled to the next business day.  The City Commission meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Room located on the second floor of City Hall, 204 West 11^th Street. All formal actions of the Commission are considered during these meetings.

All meetings of the Commission are open to the public and are accessible to persons with disabilities. In limited cases the City Commission is allowed to discuss certain issues in an "executive session" closed to the public, however the Commission must take any formal action in open session.

John Garcia-Mayor

John was elected to the Commission to the Commission in 2003 and has recently been elected to serve as Mayor.  John was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas.  He and his wife Nora along with his two girls moved to Goodland in 1976.  Garcia worked for Caldwell's Inc. as the credit manager for sixteen years before venturing out to open Garcia's Home Furnishing and Appliances in December of 1994.  In 1998, John was awarded the Kansas Department of Commerce and housing for Minority Owned Retail Firm in the State of Kansas.  He has been involved with the Sherman County Economic Development Board, and Goodland Activity Center Board, Goodland Regional Medical Center Board.  John is a member of Rotary, Sherman County Leadership and the Nazarene Church.  His involvement in the community over the years includes such things as motivational speaking and being master of ceremonies for several area group banquets.

 
Annette Fairbanks-Vice Mayor

Annette was elected to the Commission in April 2005 and re-elected in 2007. Annette was  born and raised in Kansas City, but has lived in Goodland since 1979.  She and her husband Jerry have three children that are graduates of Goodland High School and Kansas State University.  Annette is a licensed and bonded abstract and title agent.  She is the owner and manger of Teeters Abstract Company.  She played an active role in getting Steever Water Park built in 2001 and has always enjoyed working on projects to keep Goodland moving forward in a positive direction.  She is involved with various boards and community events.  Having the knowledge of how a City operates and understanding and working together to achieve a goal are some of her favorite things about being a Commissioner.  Annette feels that a positive community attitude and our mid-west values are essential to the future of Goodland.

Chris Zimmerman-Commissioner

Chris was born and raised in Goodland.  Graduating from GHS in 2002, he continued his education at Wyoming Technical Institute and graduated in 2003. Chris obtained continuing education through K-State in hazardous materials. He is a City of Goodland Firefighter as well as the president of the FRA (Fireman's Relief Association).  Chris enjoys time with wife Christina, family and friends, working on old cars and street rods.  He also participates in the Kiwanis demolition derby each year.  Chris is very honored to be voted in as a City Commissioner and thanks the voters who voted for him.  He is eager to help and learn ways to improve our city.

Bill Finley-Commissioner

As a recently elected Commissioner and a long time native of Northwest Kansas, Bill is looking forward to  serving on the Commission. He was born in Goodland and attended school at Brewster, where he was a member of a state champion basketball team. He attended two years at Northwest Kansas Technical College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Pittsburg State University. Bill and his wife Jackie have lived in Goodland for the past 24 years. They have two children that are both graduates of Goodland High School and are blessed with three grandchildren. Bill is employed by Northwest Kansas Technical College where he serves as Vice President of Student Affairs.

Bill encourages input from the community and prides himself in being a good listener. A common sense approach to all problem solving has been Bill’s strength.