Ken Ladner has announced his candidacy for Mayor in Silver City's upcoming election on march 1, 2016.

Ladner, a professor emeritus retired from WNMU, taught chemistry and forensic science for 31 years, since moving to Silver City in 1976 and holds a PhD in chemistry.

€œI've loved Silver City since I got here. It has been a great place to raise my family and over the years I have tried to work toward the town's betterment through a number of good causes," Ladner said.

Ladner is a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, the Silver City Main Street organization, was a member of the Silver City District School Board, and a past interim president of WNMU. He served in several other positions at WNMU including Chairman of the Natural Science Department, Dean of the College of Science and Math, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and President of the Faculty Senate.

Ladner has played pivotal roles in the committees that brought new streetlights and sidewalks to downtown, the establishment of the Murray Ryan Visitor Center and parking area, and currently is actively engaged in the final stages of the reopening of Silver City's Silco Theater. He is also a past Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, and a United States military veteran.
€œNow that I'm retired, I have the time to dedicate to making the most of the mayor's office, and finding out what the people of Silver City hope for their town. I'm a big believer in listening to people, € he said. €œIf elected, I would have open-door office hours and regular community-input forums. I have a vision of what I hope Silver City may look like in the future, but I believe strongly that what the future holds for Silver City must be the result of a joint effort. Community members, city council and employees, educational and governmental institutions, media and the arts, and the business community, both large and small, all have a vested interest in the future of our town. €

€œI have a lot of experience working with the town council and city officials in various capacities, and believe I have a good rapport with city workers and the public. I believe in getting people together to get things accomplished. Mayor Morones and the current city council and city staff have done a great job. With the upcoming election, it's a chance for fresh leadership to continue the work of moving Silver City forward. €

Ladner lives in District 3 with his wife, Becky Smith Ladner, and has 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys woodworking and building furniture and musical instruments, hiking, and fly-fishing.