Meet Mark Mark Forsythe was born at the old St. Joseph's Hospital on East Linwood as were his six older siblings. Growing up the youngest of seven in a working-class neighborhood in Independence, MO gave Mark the strong work ethic and down to earth sensibility that has served him well to this day. Mark got the political bug at an early age. He volunteered for his first campaign at the ripe old age of seven, planting yardsigns for family friend Joe Bolger who ran for the Jackson County Legislature. As a teenager he attended St. Mary's High School where he was a consistent honor roll student as well as a track and field standout. In 1984 he won the Missouri 3A state championship in the 110M High Hurdles, tying a state record that had stood for several years. At DeVry University, Mark continued his academic success by serving as president of the local chapter of Tau Alpha Pi, the Engineering Technology national honor society. He paid his own tuition by working as a teacher's assistant, eventually being promoted to manage the entire undergraduate teacher's assistant program. Most days school meant opening the office at 7AM and not leaving until the lights went off at 10:30PM. Mark also won the school's public speaking contest, another precursor to his eventual move into the realm of politics. As a young engineer, Mark quickly adapted to new technologies in his field eventually becoming head of his company's computer aided design training program, developing curriculum and teaching other engineers in the usage of sophisticated software tools. Not one to grant himself much leisure time, Mark bought his first house at the age of 23. A real fixer-upper in the Armour Hills neighborhood, he used the skills he learned from his sheet metal-worker father to completely rehab the house. Plumbing, electrical and completely rebuilding the kitchen from the studs out were all projects he undertook on his own. Mark soon found the need to continue his education and returned to school, earning a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Kansas. Career and personal interests soon led Mark to Minneapolis so his wife Nicole, an aspiring classical musician could attend graduate school and study with a prominent viola professor. While in Minnesota, Mark greatly missed Kansas City, making periodic weekend trips down I-35 and spending his time exploring the city. After two years, Nicole's studies were complete and the couple returned to Kansas City once again settling in Brookside, this time in the Wornall Homestead neighborhood. Mark quickly re-engaged in the Kansas City civic arena, obtaining an appointment from Mayor Kay Barnes to the KC-GO Competitive Review Committee. The "CRC" as it was known was a group of business professionals who advised City departments on developing "best practices" to realize cost savings and become more efficient. Even though he had long desired to serve in public office, it was this complete immersion in the workings of City Hall that convinced him that his calling was to run for City Council. He is an active member of several civic organizations including Southtown Council, Brookside Merchant's Association, and serves on the boards of Downtowners and Octarium. Mark previously served as the president of the Wornall Homestead Homes Association. His wife Nicole, is a professional violist with Ensemble Con Brio and occasionally subs with the Kansas City Symphony. She is currently a full-time law student at UMKC. They both frequently volunteer for various arts organizations. They are members of Visitation Catholic Church where Mark is a lector and Nicole serves on the board of the Visitation Fine Arts Society.

Citizens For Mark Forsythe : Cecile Denny - Treasurer