The former director of the Kansas Geological Survey and a former City Hall department chief on Tuesday made official their candidacy for the Lawrence City Commission.

Lee Gerhard and Lynn Goodell bring the field to four announced candidates seeking three seats on the commission.

Gerhard, 65, serves as principal geologist at the Kansas Geological Survey and courtesy professor of geology at Kansas University. He has had a varied career in education, public service and as a geologist for Sinclair Oil.

“My years … give me a unique perspective to help formulate and execute the practical, long-term solutions necessary to ensure a bright future for our community,” Gerhard said in a prepared statement to supporters and members of the media.

A newcomer to the political arena, Gerhard said he was concerned about deteriorating state financial aid to local government. He said addressing the budget shortfall would be a top priority.

With less fanfare, Goodell, retired city director of Housing and Neighborhood Development, filed his candidate form with the city earlier in the day.

Goodell, 66, joined the city staff 24 years ago. He points to his City Hall experience and knowledge to give him an edge over the competition.

“I know the inner workings,” Goodell said, “I know what kinds of questions to ask, and I know people.”

Goodell is responsible for a 1990s affordable housing project that joined neighborhoods and developers. The effort earned him an award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Goodell said that if elected, his top priorities would include addressing the $1.3 million budget crunch felt by the city after the state announced cuts last November. He suggests using money in reserve funds rather than postponing new detectives’ positions for the Lawrence Police Department and a new long-range planner for the Lawrence/Douglas County Planning Department. The commission may consider deferring new hires budgeted for 2003.

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Goodell also is concerned about how growth is planned.

“I think we can plan intersections better, with development phases,” the candidate said, citing a recent example from the Home Depot project in south Lawrence.

“I don’t mind where Home Depot is, but there was a lot of money expended for road improvements,” he said.

Gerhard and Goodell join Ken McRae, a Lawrence attorney, and Dennis Highberger, an attorney for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, on the list of potential city commissioners. Commissioners Marty Kennedy, Mike Rundle and Jim Henry’s terms expire in April. Only Commissioner Mike Rundle has said he would seek another term.

The deadline to file is noon Jan. 21. If there are more than six candidates, a primary election will be Feb. 25. The general election is April 1.