By TIM UNRUH

Salina Journal

BROOKVILLE -- Pulling inspiration from the memory of his youngest son, who died Jan. 9, Ken Cannon launched a campaign for Kansas governor Friday that he'd been mulling for years.

With his tour bus parked outside, Cannon, 58, of Salina, an English teacher at Ell-Saline High School in Brookville, announced his candidacy to students, who were seated in the gymnasium.

Running as an independent, Cannon advocated "using the best of what each (political party) has to offer" as he joins the fight to fix several issues. Topping his list are the economy and education.

"People have to put food on the table," he said. "We have to take care of our teachers, educators and kids."

Cannon admitted being an underdog in the race for the office that's sought by Republican U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback and others.

A longtime educator, Cannon intends to continue teaching at Ell-Saline while campaigning on evenings, weekends and weekdays when there is no school, such as spring break.

"We have an uphill battle," Cannon told his audience that included his wife, Connie, a first-grade teacher in Tescott, and their son Kris, of Harper, a special education para educator and coach in the Chaparral school district.

"I don't sleep much, and I know how to work. I have a lot of people across the state working for me, too," Ken Cannon said following his speech.

He promised to listen and invited comments by e-mail at kencannon@hotmail.com.

Printed on a large banner hanging on the opposite side of the gym was the acronym "H.E.R.E. B.Y. C.H.O.I.C.E," which stands for Health, Education, Retirement, Economy, Business, Youth, Community, Helpfulness, Opportunity, Integrity, Charity and Elderly.

"I'm a fresh face, not a politician. I truly believe in my heart and mind that I can make a difference," Cannon said. "I'll surround myself with good people, and I know how to work."

Wearing a Nike swoosh on his sweater, Cannon said he added a word to the famous shoe maker's slogan.

"If everyone would 'just do it right,' we'd have a much better world," he said.

Cannon's approach to leadership is with a closed fist rather than an open hand.

"A closed fist represents all five digits working together, with one purpose in mind, a sense of oneness," he said. "And then, with a little heart, you're cooking on the front burner."

Discipline and work ethic are important, too, Cannon said, adding that he learned both growing up in Goff, a town in southeastern Nemaha County, working on a family farm and delivering the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Cannon praised his parents, Bud and Lucylle Cannon, of Sabetha, who were seated in the audience.

"They knew, if they kept me busy, they kept me out of trouble," Ken Cannon said.

Cannon began his 67-minute speech by reading an anonymous sympathy letter and poem written by a student after the death of his son, Kirk Cannon. Kirk Cannon was found dead of a gunshot wound in Sunset Park, Salina.

"Kirk, we miss you," Ken Cannon said, fighting back tears.

Following the ceremony, Cannon said his youngest son's death "has provided motivation for me and my wife."

Kirk Cannon, 27, was found in the park Jan. 8. He died the next day at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.

Deputy Salina Police Chief Carson Mansfield said Friday the shooting was "preliminarily ruled a suicide. However, the Saline County Coroner (Charles Allred) and the police still have test results pending."

Cannon has issues with the case.

"It is my belief that the Salina Police Department did not do their job to the best of their ability. The autopsy report has not been finalized, and we believe there are circumstances that still need to be explored," Cannon said.

He has spent a career helping young people on more fronts than the classroom. In 1998, Cannon co-founded Dream Weavers Leadership Retreats for youth in junior high and high school. From 2001 to 2003 he was an administrator of the Salina Central Mall and The Mall at Hays. During the same period, he was teaching night classes at Brown Mackie College and serving as an assistant coach on the men's basketball team.

"It is a humble man who stands before you on Kansas Day ..." Cannon said. "I take this decision seriously. I think I can make a difference for the betterment of this great state."

Four Ell-Saline seniors -- Karlie Koelling, the student council president, Rylee Miller, Jenny Debold and Eric Nelson -- used high praise to introduce Cannon, who has been on the faculty two years.

"He's not only taught us English, but he's taught us life lessons as well," Koelling said.

"He's not the one to back down from a challenge. He will never back down," Miller said.

Nelson was impressed that Cannon takes the time to listen and talk, even if he's busy.

"Today, I believe he can be our governor," Debold said.

n Reporter Tim Unruh can be reached at 822-1419 or by e-mail at tunruh@salina.com.

Join the Discussion:

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Cannon Has My Vote says....
school board member- People on other articles have commented on the students grammar...Maybe you should look at your spelling on several words that you posted. What a great leader you are! Not.
2/5/2010

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says....
Ell-Saline Student
If this is the only thing that our administration has to worry about then they are not doing their job. I'm sure there are bigger problems to deal with then a guy running for Governor. Leave Mr. Cannon alone. He has done nothing wrong and he is a good man! He has more character than any of the administration at this school! Mr. McDaniel is just mad because he is not in the spotlight anymore...
2/5/2010

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devoted student says....
I believe that Mr. Cannon is a strong and courageous man. I think there is no better time for him to run then now. Being able to use the legacy of his son as motivation takes great strength and I admire that in a person.
I am HERE BY CHOICE!
we love you!
2/5/2010

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Kelly Crump says....
Im a former student of Mr. Cannon, he taught me during my senior year at Ell-Saline. I will admit i was probably the biggest pain for him, i didnt like him at the start. The man is an excellent teacher and views life in ways that i support. I may not have gotten along with him but i know he would make a good leader.
2/4/2010

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What I got from it says....
The first part of the article says Cannon has been considering running for sometime now and that he is inspired to do good things after the loss of his son.
2/2/2010

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says....
I believe everyone handles death/loss differently but it is hard to understand Mr.Cannon's choice to run for governor so soon after his son's death. It is difficult to not question his true character as an educator and father. (RIP Kirk)
2/1/2010

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Kansas voter says....
Go for it! Mr. Cannon gets my vote as well!
2/1/2010

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says....
DOn't you care aboout your son???????????
1/31/2010

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PALADIN says....
I do not know Mr.Cannon so my judgement is reserved.However,it seems that all that seek office "SAY ONE THING, THEN DO ANOTHER"We do not need anymore "CAREER POLITICIANS" or anymore of those who speak with a "FORKED TONGUE".Hope he is different.....
1/31/2010

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wichita ks says....
Cannon is a great candidate. He has my vote! I am excited to support him!
1/31/2010

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school board member says....
Pelople can and do change every day, hopefully for the best.
Before jumping on the Cannon band wagon you had better take a good long hard look at Mr. Cannon past preformances as an educator.
1/30/2010

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It's me. says....
YES!!!!!!!! SOMEONE OTHER THAN BROWNBACK that I can vote for!!!!
Keep Brownback OUT of Topeka!
1/30/2010

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