Ward II Primary Election Results

OK, the results are in:

Mike Kemmling.................197
Alan Willoughby................138
Jill Y Reed............................52
Trishelle Miller.....................22

So, now what happens?  Well, Dr. Mike Kemmling and Alan Willoughby will now face off in the general election on April 2, 2013.

Is there a possibility that the citizens of Ward II are thoroughly disgusted with the way that Willoughby, the mayor's uncle by marriage, was appointed to the council to finsih out the term of David Morris who had resigned the seat?

It would be nice if the people in Ward II elected Mike Kemmling in April, and showed that they no longer wanted to put up with "backroom deals" initiated by the mayor as "ringleader", (terms used by JoCo District Attorney Howe in his letter about the KOMA violation investigation).

Primary Voting Times And Location Changes

These changes are for the Ward II Shawnee primary election.  If you live in Ward II please make a note of these changes.  If you know someone who lives in Ward II who may not have heard the news please pass this on.

Early voting has been extended until 7:00PM this evening, Mon 2/25.  This is for in person voting at the JoCo Election Office 2101 E Kansas City Road, Olathe 66061.

Tomorrow, Tue 2/26, because of the weather all Ward II Shawnee primary voting will be held at

Merriam Christian Church 9401 Johnson Drive Merriam, KS from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Voting and Expected Snow Storm

With a possible snow storm coming late Monday, this is a reminder that folks can still vote early, on Monday instead of Tuesday:

From 9 am until 12:00 noon, at the Johnson County Election office located at 2101 East Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS

Less Than 48 Hours To Go

In less than 48 hours, the polls will open in Ward II in Shawnee for the primary election for city council.  The election will narrow a four person field down to two, with the two biggest vote getters going on to the general election on April 2.

Dr. Mike Kemmling is undeniably the best qualified for this position.  He proved it in the last election that he had the confidence of a large number of the Ward's voters since he barly lost to Neal Sawyer by only 11 votes.

When David Morris resigned, and that position came open, instead of appointing an individual that the voters wanted the city council gave the job to the mayor's uncle by marriage, Alan Willoughby.
And that was done, without allowing public input, and according to the JoCo DA, the result of "backroom deals" with the mayor as the "ringleader".

If you'd like to read the back up documentation for that, go here:
http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2013/01/das-statement-on-shawnee-koma-violation.html

Kemmling for Ward II

About a week and a half ago I stated on this blog why I thought Mike Kemmling deserved the votes of the citizens in the Ward II primary to be held next Tuesday, 2/26/13 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2013/02/ward-2-primary-coming-feb-26-2013.html

I still feel that way and hope the readers of this blog agree. 

Check out Mike's page at http://mikekemmling.blogspot.com/

Dealing with a COW

I wrote about this during the last election cycle.  What is a COW?  A COW is a "councilmember from other ward"

OK, let me explain.  We each live in wards in Shawnee.  We vote for councilmembers to represent us.  When the council meets and votes on items they are representing the entire city.

Now let's say that there is a councilmember in another ward that you feel does not vote for what you feel is right.  Well, you cannot vote for that person's opponent.  But, you can help that person's opponent.  You can contribute to the other person's campaign.  You can help distribute flyers.  You can make phone calls for them.  You do NOT have to live in the ward to do those things.

Remember, every coucnilmember represents you.  So, if you are unhappy with the way a COW functions, support their opponent.  The reverse is also true. If you feel that a COW truly represents your feelings and beliefs, then you can do the same things to help them get reelected.

Shawnee Heroes Pull

OK, here's the deal.  After the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Sunday March 10th at 2PM there will be a charity event at the Splash Cove parking lot (Johnson Drive and King St in downtown Shawnee)

Various teams have been formed and will attempt to pull a police armored vehicle and a firetruck 50 feet.

This is being done to raise money for Kansas Special Olympics.  All money raised stays in Kansas and helps the Special Olympics Athletes with physical fitness training and sports programs, health and nuitrition programs, and leadership development. Special Olympics is not just about the sports, but it uses sports to build the athletes' confidence, self esteem, physical well being, and gives them the opportunities to be doing things they normally would not have.

OK, so what about donating.  Each team member is trying to get as many doantions as possible, and there is a little challenge going on to see who can raise the most money.

One of the teams is the City Hall Crusaders and their page is http://heroespull.ksso.org/2013/crusaders/

You can click on the name of an individual team member and make your donation in their name.   I chose to make mine on behalf of my Ward 4 councilmember Michelle Distler, and her page can be accessed directly at http://heroespull.ksso.org/2013/crusaders/michelledistler/

Join in..........the donations don't have to be big..............every bit helps............it's for a good cause.........and then turn out on the 10th of March to cheer the team on............I can hardly wait to see them pulling those vehicles.

Side note:  If you're bashful, the donation page (since this is a charity) has a box that you can check to be anonymous.

Ward 2 Primary Coming Feb 26, 2013

Since four individuals have  filed for the Ward 2 council seat in Shawnee there will be a primary on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2013.  The top two vote getters will move on to the general election on Apr 2, 2013.

Let's see what we have here:

Mike Kemmling ran against Neal Sawyer last April and only lost by 11 votes, 661-650.  Clearly there were many citizens in ward 2 who supported his candidacy.  A very intelligent individual, Dr. Kemmling has his dental office in Shawnee.

A couple of months after that election, David Morris the other ward 2 counilmember at the time resigned because of a conflict with the city manager.  Five individuals, including Mike Kemmling applied to fill the remaining time for the position. The selection was to be made at a special city council meeting.

Alan Willoughby was selected by the council to fill the unexpired portion of Mr. Morris' term.  Ironically four members of the council ignored the strong support that Kemmling had received in the election and chose Willoughby, the uncle by marriage of the mayor.  Additionally, the mayor did not allow public comments/input at the special meeting. 

Subsequent to that selection a complaint was filed that Mr. Willoughby's appointment may have violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) because discussions were held prior to the meeting. 

The JoCo DA stated that "KOMA was enacted to prohibit the 'backroom' deals that were going on in Shawnee."
 
The DA also said " the spirit of KOMA was violated" and that the the actions of the mayor, as ringleader, were found to be "unacceptable".

Jill Y Reed and Trishelle Miller have also filed to run but I can't find much about either one.

Personally, I sincerely hope that the voters of Ward 2 elect Mike Kemmling.

Sidebar:  With regards to citizen input at meetings, by not allowing it at the special council meeting it is my opinion that the mayor violated the oath he took to defend the Constitution of the State of Kansas. 

Section 3, of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution says:

3. Right of peaceable assembly; petition. The people have the right to assemble, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition the government, or any department thereof, for the redress of grievances.

KC Star Editorial About the KOMA Situation

The KC Star's editorial can be read at http://www.kansascity.com/2013/01/31/4042455/wrist-slaps-for-open-meetings.html 

Please read the full editorial at the above link................quoted below are two of the paragraphs:

The latest incident involved Shawnee Mayor Jeff Meyers and the City Council members who basically agreed on a deal in private to elect the mayor’s uncle to the council in 2012, according to Howe. (my note:  the councilmembers were Neighbor, Sandifer, Kuhn and Vaught)

Ultimately, Meyers and all the other politicians who have abused the public trust need to stop bellyaching about the open meetings law and start obeying it.

I'm just wondering if  Councilmember Vaught is going to treat us to a repeat of one of his diatribes about how it's not right for the media to publish negative items about Shawnee.  Hey Vaught, if ya don't want negative items appearing in the media don't do negative things.  Don't appoint someone to the council as the result of a "backroom deal"  (the DA's term, not mine).

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/01/31/4042455/wrist-slaps-for-open-meetings.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/01/31/4042455/wrist-slaps-for-open-meetings.html#storylink=cpy

DA's Statement on Shawnee KOMA Violation Complaint

If you would like to read DA Steve Howe's full statement on the KOMA violation complaint filed by a resident of Shawnee against the city council, go here:

http://www.shawneefwiw.com/files/joco_da/2013-01-30-joco-da-shawnee-koma.pdf

KC Star on DA's Findings

From the KC Star:

The Shawnee City Council violated the spirit of the Kansas open meetings law when “backroom deals” were made to elect the mayor’s uncle to a council seat, Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe said Wednesday.

Howe’s decision was especially hard on Mayor Jeff Meyers saying he found “Mayor Meyer’s actions unacceptable.” More at:  http://www.kansascity.com/2013/01/30/4039545/district-attorney-shawnee-violates.html

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/01/30/4039545/district-attorney-shawnee-violates.html#storylink=cpy

Willoughby's Appointment Result of Backroom Deals

The District Attorney has issued his ruling on the KOMA invetigation into the appointment of Alan Willoughby, the mayor's uncle by marriage, to the city council.

From the Shawnee Dispatch:

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office ruled Wednesday that the spirit of the Kansas Open Meetings Act was violated by Mayor Jeff Meyers and most members of the Shawnee City Council last July and that the resulting appointment of Alan Willoughby to a vacant Ward 2 council seat was the result of “backroom deals.”
 Full article at:  http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2013/jan/30/district-attorney-shawnee-officials-violated-spiri/

Note:  Distler & Pflumm did not go along with the backroom deal.

Primary Election Feb 26, 2013

There will be a primary election on Feb 26, 2013 where more than two folks have filed for offices that are scheduled for the spring (April 2nd) election.

Shawnee has one primary as such, in Ward II

The KC Star has an article about this at http://joco913.com/news/primary-season-is-near-for-municipal-races/

More On The Boston Boondoggle

Yesterday I posted info about the number of individuals the city sent to the National League of Cities recent conference in Boston.

Keep in mind that two members of the council did NOT participate in this extravegant behavior (Dan Pflumm and Michelle Distler).

Anyway, as mentioned, 4 people instead of 8 would have been sufficient, and would have saved the city over $7,000.  Another method, to save money, is to have folks that do go to double up in the rooms.  At approximately $270 per night/per room that adds up.

But, people can't double up if some bring guests on the trip.

Who brought guests on this trip?

Mayor Meyers
Councilmember Willoughby (the mayor's uncle by marriage and appointed not elected councilmember)
Councilmember Neighbor
Councilmember Kuhn

Must be nice..............................

The Costs to Visit Beantown

What did it cost to send 6 council reps, the mayor, and the city manager to Boston for the National League of Cities conference this past November? 

Before I post the figures, keep in mind that previously on many occasions, I have said it was not necessary to send more than four people to these conferences, and that for a short period of time the number of people going had been reduced.  See my post of 10/23/12 at http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2012/10/from-shawnee-to-boston.html#links

Then on 10/26/12, I posted info that we were sending more folks than other cities in JoCo http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2012/10/shawnee-is-number-1.html#links

So, what were the costs?  Oh, as predicted, Mickey "Travelin' Man" Sandifer led the field in money spent:

Councilmember Sandifer                     $2,389.42
Councilmember Vaught                         2,358.91
Councilmember Kuhn                            2,162.48
Mayor Meyers                                        1,887.05
City Manager Gonzales                          1,812.99
Councilmember Neighbor                      1,812.51
Councilmember Willoughby                  1,753.00
Councilmember Sawyer                         1,335.99

Total                                                   $15,512.35

Besides reducing the number of folks going, another way to save money on these types of trips is for these city officials to do what corporate America makes its employees do..............double up in the rooms.  We had 6 males and 2 females.................instead of 8 rooms that could have been reduced to 4 rooms/per day.  That could have been a savings of approximately $1,000/night.

But, when participants bring guests along, it is difficult to have them double up.  So, in effect, the bringing of guests (even if the city does not pay for transportation and meals) costs the city by not allowing the city to save on room rates.
                           

The Race Is On

OK, the filing deadline has come and gone, and the election for Shawnee City Council is set.

Let's look at Ward II first, since four people have filed and that has created a primary election which will be held on Feb 26.  The top two vote getters move on to the general election.

Mike Kemmling, the individual who challenged Neal Sawyer last year and received 650 votes to Sawyer's 661.  Talk about close.  Seems like lots of folks in Ward II were impressed with this young professional (he's a dentist, with a practice in Shawnee).

Alan Willoughby, the mayor's uncle by marriage, who was appointed to the position after David Morris resigned.  Amazing that Kemmling, who had just narrowly lost to Sawyer did not get the appointment.  Also of interest, the manner in which it was given to Willoughby, without public comment, and other factors, has resulted in an investigation as a possible violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

Jill Y Reed and Trishelle Miller, two individuals that I do not know much about at this point.  Reed apparantly works for both the US Army Corps of Engineers and Gneral Electric.  Miller works for Kids TLC.

Wards I, III and IV will go direct to the general election on April 2

Ward I incumbent Dan Pflumm is being challenged by John Segale
Ward III incumbent Jeff Vaught is being challenged by Gordon Herron
Ward IV incumbent  Michelle Distler is not being challenged.

More comments by me as we get into this.

Another "Will We Get Anything From This?"

Well, the dates are for Kanrocksas 2013 are set.  June 28-29, 2013.

Again, the question needs to be asked :  "Will we get anything from this?"  We are so close to Village West and what do we have to offer folks who go there for those big events to get some of the bleed off?

Add that music festival to the soccer all star game, the races at the speedway and there so many people coming into a venue 10 minutes away that we have to be losing out on some major revenue.
Do we even want to talk about the large number of athletic tournaments that are held in the spring, summer and fall?  These tournaments bring in large numbers of teams and utilize sports venues all over the area to accomodate them.

We have some members on tghe council who constantly talk about economic development.  Economic development is good.  But there seems to be alot of emphasis on an industrial park that won't even start to come into reality for about ten more years.  What about destination venues to draw from all of the activity that is literally in our backyard?

Shawnee Wins One

The Shawnee Dispatch, in a recent article, went into detail about how E. C. Manufacturing will be moving into a 142,000 sq ft building.  The projection is that within three years they will employ 250 people.  The neat thing:  no giveaways by the city.  Congrats to Andrew Nave, executive director of the Shawnee Economic Development Council.

The full story can be read here:  http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2013/jan/10/manufacturing-startup-bringing-250-jobs-shawnee/

Will This Benefit Us?

What am I talking about?  Aha, maybe I should let you think about it for a minute.

Nahhhhh, I'll tell you.  It has been announced that the 2013 Major League Soccer All Star game will be played at Livestrong Park.  That truly is good news.

Now, how will that affect Shawnee?  In the past, on many occasions I have asked that question regarding races, concerts, and other special events held at the Village Wesr Complex in KCK.  Will we get an appreciable "bleed off" from this event?  Well, we still have only two hotels on the I435 corridor.  The proposed Holiday Inn is still a blank spot.  Some of the restaurants might see an uptick in business.  Especially if residents wind up with out of town friends/relatves staying with them.

But, we still do not have anything resembling a destination venue to attract the folks who will be going to that game.And, some will probably be arriving a few days early and maybe staying a day or two extra.

Another event gone to waste.............for us.

Proof: Jeff Vaught Does Not Understand His Job

 

We knew it would happen someday. We now have documentary evidence that Jeff Vaught does NOT understand his job on the city council. His ego has overtaken his responsibilities.
 

OK, here is what happened. I submitted a KORA request for some emails for an item I was researching. Included in the group were some emails between Vaught and the city manager about adding an item to a meeting agenda Keep in mind that last April Vaught was elected by the rest of the council to be council president (a one year term).
 

Apparently another councilmember (Dan Pflumm) had an item he wanted to add to a meeting agenda. So he requested that to the city manager in accordance with Policy Statement 7:

Agenda

A.      Agendas are set by the City Manager. Any member of the Governing Body can request an item be placed on the agenda by 12:00 (noon) on the Wednesday prior to the meeting.

 

Now here is what happened.  In an email about this to the city manager Vaught said:  "As the council president he should be making the request to me anyway, but I guess he doesn’t know that."

 

Surprise Mr. Vaught...............no council member has to go through you for anything.  Charter Ordinance 40 and Policy Statement 7 are very specific about the duties/responsibilities of the council president.  To preside over council meetings in the absence of the mayor, to become mayor if something happens to the mayor and to be the chairman of the Council Committee.  No where in either document is the council president put in a postiion where the council members have to submit anything to him/her to be passed on.  Now, just in case I missed something, I asked the city manager about this.  Her response:  "You are correct, there isn't any 'published procedural requirement' that states that a councilmember 'has to go through the Council President for anything'"

 

Apparently, egomaniac that he is, Vaught apparently wants to give himself additional authority over his fellow council members.  Maybe he needs to re-read the appropriate documents.  That is, if he can understand them.