Shawnee Mayor's Race - Kemmling vs Sandifer

 

Dr. Mike Kemmling who currently represents Ward II in Shawnee is running for mayor of Shawnee.  He is opposed by Mickey Sandifer, a former councilmember.

 

Mike would bring many things to the office. Among these would be a youthful, current generation outlook, a conservative financial discipline, experience as a business owner and a strong desire to do what is right for those who elect him.  All of this without being beholden to a “good old boys network”.

Unlike Sandifer, Mike has already  shown that he is not a rubber stamp for any group.  Sandifer, along with other members of previous councils abrogated their rights and responsibilities and basically let a former city manager do whatever she wanted to.  He, Sandifer, was a classic puppet on a string.  He also has a history of wasteful spending to attend conferences outside the city. 

Kemmling for Shawnee Mayor has a nice ring to it.

Positive Outcome for Midland Drive Project, Thank You City Council

 It looks like something is going to finally be done about that terrible, unsafe, stretch of road.  Midland Drive, west of I-435 to where it turns and meets Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Let's back up a little.  I'm going to simplify this.The city council was presented with a variety of plans.  The one that staff was recommending would have cost the city $6.5 million in addition to federal funds ($4 million) and JoCo CARS funding.  That plan would also have had serious encroachment into homeowner's property.

The council was looking at a reduced concept, that would not cost the city $6.5 million and that would not have had as much encroachment into homeowner's properties.  City staff had advised the council that if they reduced the plans the city would probably lose the fed's $4 million.  In the old days, the previous councils would have just rubber stamped the recommendation as presented.  This council said no.  They wanted it reworked.  Now, this is where some malcontents would shout that the council was being disrespectful of the staff's work and knowledge.  Not so.  The council has respect for staff, and they also have an obligation to the citizens of Shawnee to act in their best interests.

So what happened.  We know that Councilmember Jacklynn Walters (Ward IV) did a whole bunch of leg work on this project to get it going down a better path (no pun intended).  And, she was supported by Council President Eric Jenkins of Ward II.

So, what is the result?  It appears that the project is going to go forward.  It appears that the cost to Shawnee has dropped to $2.5 million, and, it looks like the $4 million in fed money will still be there, along with the JoCo CARS funding.

What are the basics of the improvement?  First of all the roadway itself will be redone and made to be a safer stretch of roadway. Two dedicated bicycle lanes will be added.  A sidewalk will be added on the north side (no more walking in mud, dirt etc).  Curbs and gutters will be added, and the ditches will be replaced with a stormwater/sewer system.  And last but not least, the encroachment into homeowner's property will be substantially reduced.

Kudos to Councilpersons Walters and Jenkins and the rest of the council that pushed for the plan as finalized.  This was a true win-win for all concerned.

Shawnee Mission Post Blows It, Again

 It is getting worse.  Methinks the SM Post needs to hire some reporters who a) understand government and b) do historical research.  Or, maybe they can't affor those type of reporters.  Heck, they run enough "sponsored" items (that look like news articles) and their staff is constantly pleading for subscribers to get $$$ into the system.  Oh well......

In that left leaning ludicrous article, which appears to try and toss aspersions on the current city council, they were missing a few key points about the council not approving the reappointment of Alan Willoughby to the Planning Commission.

First, as a member of the Planning Commission he is a part of the government of the city.  Guess what.  It's a no-no to use an official position in the city to advocate for or against an item that is to be voted on by the citizens.  His wearing of that t-shirt, on the dais was contrary to that.

Now, if the reporter had done some research she might have come across this article and others at that point in time including doing a search of this blog.  Mr. Willoughby was appointed to fill an eunexpired position on the city council which resulted in the Mayor, Jeff Meyers and various council members being called out by the JoCo DA for violating the spirit of the KOMA.  Then, when he lost the election to serve a full term (the basis of most of the article) Mayor Jeff Meyers nominated him to be reappointed to the Planning Commission.  He had previously served there.  The vote for the appointment was evenly split 4-4. So, Jeff Meyers broke the tie and voted yea.  Oh, did I mention, that Willoughby is Jeff Meyers' uncle by marriage.  That's right, let's keep Uncle Alan in positions of importance, or piss off your spouse.

Some folks wanted to know how Uncle Alan got reappointed four years ago.  That's easy to answer. Mayor Distler recommended the reappointment and the council at that time (which had a different philosophical make up) voted to approve.

As we get into another election season I really think the full time reporters for the SM Post need to study the functions and operations of government and also learn how to research for their articles.  My opinion, and I'm entitled to it.

Does The Shawnee Mission Post Have Tunnel Vision?

 A few weeks ago the Shawnee Mission Post ran an article saying that staff leaving city government was the fault of the city council.  My first impression was that the two young ladies who wrote the article needed to do things.  First, take a class in Government 101, and then really do some historical research on Shawnee's city gjovernment.

One expression that has been bandied about is "diviseveness", including by our perjury committing mayor.  Well ladies, were you aware that the counci is a legislative body.  True, not as many members as the state legislature or the congress, but still a legislative body.  And, guess what?  Legislative bodies are made up of people.  Yes, people, who have different ideas and opinions.  And yes, because of that they will be divided on issues. 

They also mention, again, former city manager Nolan Sunderman who left the city because his vision for the city was not the same vision as the council's.  I covered this before.  The city manager is an employee subordinate to the city council.  The council (who is answerable to the citizens) sets the vision, not the city manager.  Basically the city manager is supposed to do what he is told.  Sunderman apparently thought he could get away with what his predecessor had for many years and do what he wanted.  One of the more egregious acts of insubordination on his part was when the council wanted him to come to them with the info on a 2 mill levy reduction in property taxes.  Sunderman took it upon himself to bring forth the info on a 1/2 mill levy reduction.  The council had him redo that and they passed a 2 mill reduction.

Sunderman's predecessor had for many years basically done what she wanted to do.  The council, while she was in that position basically abrogated their responsibilities and just rubber stamped anything that she and staff brought forth.  If that is the way that city government is supposed to be run then we don't need a council.  Think about that.  Why have the voters changed the face of the council from one that just rubber stamps anything to one that wants answers, explanations, etc.?

That now brings us to the various comments about the council not respecting staff.  Horse s**t.  This council has great respect for staff.  We have some excellent folks on staff at city hall.  Staff is composed of people.  Human beings with human frailties.  It is the council's responibility to review what is brought forth and then make decisions based on their evaluations, not to just willy nilly rubber stamp everything.  Remember, the council needs to answer to their bosses.....the citizens.

The article mentions the departure of Julie Breithaupt who left to go into private industry.  She had been the city's communications manager and then shortly prior to her departure had been promoted to communications director, with a communications manager subordinate to her.  Originally she was attending most of the city's various public meetings (which are held at night) and had to be available 24/7/365 if there were inquiries that required a city response.  When she got promoted the responsibilities of PIO for the PD and FD were put on her plate.  That could mean expanded 24/7/365 accessibility.  So now the question begs to be asked:  Was her departure really because of the council or was it because as a young mother she wanted to spend more time with her family and did not want the to be on call 24/7/365? Anybody ask her for an honest answer to that question?  Could be interesting!!!

Whenever there is a major change in the philosophical make up of a legislative body there will always be staff departures.  This is not new.  

Something else I noticed.  It is my opinion that if one was to print out the Shawnee Mission Post and stand it on its edge it the sheet of paper might have a tendency to lean to the left, instead of just standing straight up with no leaning.

Memorial Day - More Than Just BBQ

 Tomorrow, Monday, May 29th 2023 is Memorial Day.  Many folks will be visiting with friends and relatives.  Lots of meat is going to be tossed on the backyard BBQ, along with corn on the cob, beans and a slew of other enjoyable edibles.  Nothing wrong with that.  Enjoy.

Just one favor.  Take a minute or two (or even three or four) before you sink your teeth into those culinary delights to remember what Memorial Day is all about.  Remmeber the saying, "All gave some, some gave all"?  Well, Memorial Day is to honor those who "gave all".  Keep in mind, if it wasn't for them you might not be in that backyard BBQing.  Sure, we have disagreements on many things in this country.  But, we also have more freedoms than almost all other countries in the world.

So, take those few minutes to remember and remind those with you why Memorial Day is the day that it is.  Especially the youngsters.  Drag them away from their Nintendos, X-Boxes, Cell phones, etc.  Teach them about it.

Shawnee Mission Post Whitewashes Mayor Distler's Indiscretion

 In an article published today, the Shawnee Mission Post did a bunch of rah rah for outgoing Mayor Distler, and just glanced over her perjury arrest.

Yes, she may have been the first female mayor elected, but she was also the first mayor ever to be arrested and charged with a felony.  By performing certain acts (and refraining from others) under a diversion agreement, charges were dropped and prosecution was not pursued.

This is what the SM Post had to say in their long, rah rah article:

That inclination ultimately may have gotten her in legal trouble in March 2020, when Distler reported an alleged violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act by some city councilmembers in an email thread.

In doing so, she was charged with felony perjury in Johnson County District Court because she used a blogger’s name instead of her own in filing the complaint. The case was dismissed after Distler completed 150 hours of community service.

Here's a real kicker.  In the SM Post's link to their original article about the community service, this is what they wrote:

Distler’s case stems from a March 7 email thread that included four council members as well as others. Distler told an investigator she was concerned that the discussion violated open meetings laws, but reluctant to put her own name on it for fear of repercussions from some political opponents. She said she tried to file anonymously, including identifying information from another person and that the complaint was filed accidentally. Investigators disputed that.

What a bunch of nonsense.  She claimed it was filed accidentally and that investigators disputed that.  What a joke.  If you read the affidavit for the arrest warrant you can count how many different stories she told investigators.  Including the possibility that her daughter transmitted the complaint.  What is ironic, is that all of those stories emanated from the mouth of an individual that works in cyber security.

Well, in a couple of days you will have a chance to read those different stories she told as the arrest affidavit will be republished here.  It had been previously published in other local KC area media outlets.  And we'll also publish  the diversion agreement.  They both make for good reading.

Maybe she'll finally get around to apologizing publicly to the people of Shawnee for her actions,since she cares sooooooo much for the city.  

Celebrate Armed Forces Day @ Wyandotte County Park with F.I.S.H.

 On Saturday, May 20th, 2023 F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service of Heroes) is having their annual celebratory event at the Wyandotte County Fairgrounds 13700 Polfer Rd, KCK.  It will be from 10:00AM to 4:00PM (and if you are used to the 24 hour clock 1000 to 1600 hours).

There will be displays of military equipment, live bands, service dog exhibits and many other military related activities.  

Info can be found by clicking here  Here is a list of their partners that help to support their activities

This is a very family friendly event. Refreshments will be available for purchase.  C'mon out.  Support them and show support for our troops.

Our Military is Being Decimated by the Woke Culture!!!!

 OK, I've just about had it with the woke culture.  All branches of our military are failing to meet their recruiting goals and are bleeding long term members who are failing to continue their time in service.

What is causing this?  The BS of placing more emphasis on woke crap like DEI, CRT and all the rest of the alphabet of garbage topics, within the military and even at the prestigious military academies.

The military is supposed to be trained to defend this country not to make social statements.  Our military needs the latest and greates in weaponology, and tactical training, not who can identify as what to use another gender's bathroom.

Our current Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin is bowing to the Conspirator-in-chief Biden and the rest of the woke culture to accomplish this..

My solution:  First, stop with all of the classes, lectures, books, and pamphlets designed to denigrate our system and that promote the woke culture.  Second, bring back the draft and let's have these whiney, cry baby, woke culture folks drafted into the military, train them to be warriors to defend our country and let them learn what it takes to do so.  That includes all of them, including the LGBQT+xyzabc alphabet soup.  I used to be very understanding and respectful of these folks until they started trying to jam their lifestyle down everybody else's throats.  They are entitled to their lifestyle.  They are not entitled to jam it down my throat.

Please Help a 97 Year Old WWII Vet and His Wife of 74 Years Stay In Their Home

 It has recently been brought to my atention that the parents of a long time City of Shawnee volunteer are experiencing health and financial problems.  Her father is a WWII Vet (part of the "Greatest Generation).  They will be married 74 years this year and are doing anything and everything possible to remain in the home that they have occupied for over 70 years.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up and can be accessed by clicking here.

We have recently been told that Shawnee is a "Hometown With A Heart".  Let's show it........please!!!!!

New City Manager Has the Right Attitude

 Welcome to Shawnee, Doug Gerber.

In a recent article in the Shawnee Mission Post, our new city manager is quoted as saying, “Ultimately, my priorities will be what the governing bodies priorities are.” (spelling/syntax error courtesy of the Shawnee Mission Post).

This is an entirely different, and welcome change from what was displayed by his two previous predecessors who appeared to think the council worked for the city manager.

His background should prove to be very useful to positively affect Shawnee.  We won't hold his fondness for K-State athletics against him.

Read the article at the Shawnee Mission Post.

Mayor Distler's Hypocrisy Knows No Limits

 At the beginning of each council meeting Mayor distler reads a litany of things that folks cannot do/say at a meeting.  This is based on info from Policy Statement 7 (PS-7).  That policy statement even goes so far as to say how members of the council need to act.  To be respectful of other members of the council, yada, yada, yada.

So, what does our hypocritical mayor do at a recent council meeting?  She referred to the council as "shady", "sneaky", "unethical" and "not supportive of staff".  Hmmmm, who is going to "gavel her down"?  Very hypocritical for someone who was arrested for felony perjury to refer to the council in that manner (the first three items).  Folks need to read the affidavit from the DA's office requesting the arrest warrant and see for themselves how many different stories our illustrious mayor came up with regarding her actions.  Folks just might have that opportunity in the not too distant future.  

As for being supportive of staff, the council supports staff.  What the mayor wants, is for the council to rubber stamp everything that staff submits.  That is not what the council is supposed to do.  The council sets policy and is supposed to review what staff prepares, and if they feel it is appropriate to suggest other possible  courses of actions. 

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29 in the United States. It is a national observance that recognizes veterans who served in the US military during the Vietnam War.

On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

And yet, our illustrious mayor did not issue any kind of proclamation acknowledging this.  At least our council president, Eric Jenkins, COL, USA (Ret.) mentioned it at the last council meeting.

Mayor Distler's "Softball Interview" For Women's History Month

 The current email of the city's weekly newsletter "A Few Good Words" has a softball interview with Mayor Distler since this is Women's History Month.

I feel sorry for the staff member that had to conduct this interview, which can be read here.  They could not ask the tough questions.

Instead I'll ask them.

1.  As the first female mayor of Shawnee how do you feel about being arrested for felony perjury?

2.  As the first female mayor of Shawnee how do you feel about serving a diversion agreement so as not to be prosecuted?

3.  As the first female mayor of Shawnee how do you feel about never having apologized to the citizens of Shawnee (including the person whose name you fraudulently used)?

Now those would be interesting questions to get answers to during Women's History Month.

Loser Lisa Larson-Bunnell is Recruiting Candidates?

 Oh my gosh.  Lisa the Loser Larson-Bunnell is recruiting candidates to run for city office.  You can read it here.  

I gotta laugh at what she says.  First, why isn't she running again?  Hmmm, as an appointed city council person when she ran for a full term, she lost....(dumba$$).  Why did she move from Ward 3 to Ward 4?  Could it be that her neighbors in Ward 3 were not happy with her views for the city?  (dumba$$)  Could she even get support from the public to run?  Door knocking, literature handing out and monetary contributions?  (dumba$$).  What does her family feel about her running again?  Maybe, just maybe they are against it, and that is why she isn't running? (dumba$$).

She says:  "

1. The Council insists on imposing their limited culture and beliefs on our entire community. Their extreme behaviors transcend political party affiliation and lead to dangerous precedents and outcomes. "

 Wow, is that a stupid statement from a dumba$$.  Why did the face of the council change?  Simple, because the citizens were not enamored with her and the others of her leanings who were on the council.  Is that why she lost?  And is that why the two folks who ran instead of Zimmerman and Constance also lost.  Maybe the folks were tired of the left wing, sock it to the public attitude of these people.  Like trying to jam that community center down the city's throat.  (dumba$$)

She even goes on to say that the current council does not rely on the professionals on staff for analysis, etc etc etc.  Hmmmmm, let's talk about the recently departed city manager Nolan Sunderman.  He who thought the council worked for him and not the other way around.  He who was told to bring the info to the budget meeting about a 2 mill reduction in the mill levy and then took it upon himself to bring a 1/2 mill reduction.  Fortunately the council corrected his arrogant move on that one.  Also, she talks about folks leaving.  Hey, that happens when there are changes in government.  Especially with younger folks looking to "move on up".  Just look at Washington.  How many folks have left the Biden administration in only two years?  Man, is Loser LL-B a dumba$$.

Ballad of the Green Berets, #1 on the Charts, March 5, 1966

 On March 5, 1966 the "Ballad of the Green Berets" was #1 on the music charts.

A great song, dedicated to a fantastic group of servicemembers.  Some folks may not be aware of the fact that Eric Jenkins, current city council president and a retired colonel, was at one time a member of that very elite unit.  And fewer even know that his legs were severely damaged while participating in an airborne (parachute) activity.  Thank you for your service Eric.

Mayor Distler's Narcissistic S++t Show

 Ah yes, our illustrious mayor put on a great display of narcissism at the annual state of the city address last Thursday.

While she did mention various accomplishments by various city departments she left out a few important things related to the council.  How about the fact that the council voted to reduce the mill levy by two mill?  Or the fact that all except one of the city fees were voted to be frozen with no increase?  Or the fact that our PD and FD pay scales have been adjusted for both starting and then for advancement.

Over half of her speech was dedicated to "how great she was and how she loves Shawnee".  Her only mention of the council was that they had not approved her "theme" as the new logo, but more about that in another post.

Her narciscissism really played out in her dedication to the late Keven Fern.  Kevein was a fantastic member of the community.  What I found outrageous is that every picture she had up there of Kevin had her in it.  With all the things that Kevin had done for Shawnee, other pics, without her, couldn't be found?

State of the City-What Lies Will the Mayor Tell Us?

 On Thursday, Feb23, 2023, our perjury performing mayor will deliver her State of the City address.  It is to be held at the Aztec Theater on Johnson Drive acros from city hall.  Doors open at 4:00PM and the address is scheduled to be at 5:00PM.  Admission is free, unless you wish to partake in some local libations and nibblies.  That will cost non-chamber members I believe $38.  I'll pass on those.  Won't fit into my diet.

Just check my postings of 1/29 and 2/4.

Yes, the mayor has a habit of not being totally honest about many things.  All one has to do is read the affidavit for the arrest warrant when she was arrested for felony perjury.  Haven't read it yet?  I just might have to post it here.  It did appear in local media at the time.

Anyway, I plan on being at the event.  Want to get there early and sit close to the front.  I want to be a reminder to the mayor that she still owes the people of Shawnee and me a personal, public apology.  I doubt that she will give one as she probably feels she did nothing wrong.  Well if she feels that way, why did she take diversion so as to avoid prosecution?  Simple, if prosecuted and found guilty of a felony she would have been administratively removed from office.

Anyway, come join me and others so as to hear what kind of bovine scatology will spew forth from her mouth.

Will Merigold Become Shawnee's Pot of Gold?

 You have to read this article at the Shawnee Mission Post

The strip center on Nieman, just south of Johnson Drive was allowed to deteriorate by its previous owner.  Now, the current ownership wants to revitalize it to include  an upscale sit down restaurant, and over two dozen public parking spots to be used by folks visiting downtown.

This is probably one of the few projects that can really have a positive impact on the city and without a TIF and without a CID.

Read the article please, and let's get behind this project.  

Mayor Distler Lies to the Citizens, Disrespects Staff and Refuses Transparency

 Read my previous post of January 29, 2023.  The design that was supposed to be a new logo instead looks like a city seal.  The vendor said it was not a replacement for the city's seal but the average person looking at it would think it was a seal.  As mentioned in the previous post the council tabled the issue and it's not coming back up until the February 27th council meeting. That will be after the city's State of the City address.

I sent a query to both the mayor and the city's communications manager asking when a retraction/correction would be forthcoming regarding the erroneous info in the City Line magazine.  The mayor has not replied.  The communications manager said there would be no retraction/correction.  I've been around the city long enough to know that that comment from the communications manager had to be a relay from the mayor.  She really made the communications manager look bad.

That design again, is not a logo.  I seriously doubt if it will ever be approved.  From all things that have been said it would appear that the mayor used her position to push her own concept down everybody's throat.  

A logo needs to be short, small, and readily recognized as to who or what it belongs to. Shawnee can have a logo that recognizes its history yet is forward looking for the dynamic city that we are becoming.  It should not look like something that can be used as a location shoot for Little House on the Prairie. People love the home town feel, but they also want to move forward with more businesses, upscale retail and restaurants.  

So, our mayor does not want to face the truth.  Why should that surprise me as our perjury performing mayor has shown in the past that she can't be trusted to tell the truth.

The two pages from the City Line are below.  

Mayor Distler Eats Shoe Leather

 Oh yeah, our mayor really put her foot in her mouth this time.   Check out page 2 of the Spring 2023 City Line magazine.  Then take a look at page 7.

Note that our self indulgent mayor made this item pretty much about herself.  Here is what happened.  The city put out a contract to get new branding.  Basically, to get rid of the naked tree and the tag line "Good starts here."

The mayor appointed a panel to review what the contractor submitted.  Naturally she was the top dog on the panel.  She appointed six long term residents/lifetime residents to the panel, who also happened to be city employees.  Hmmmm, could their evaluations be influenced by intimidation of the top dog?  Two of the panel members were associated with the chamber management.  And then there was one "real" person.

Well, our arrogant self serving mayor was so confident that the council would rubberstamp the "panel's" recommendation that she had the info published in the City Line and was going to make it the basis of her State of the City presentation.  Surprise, surprise, madam mayor, the council was not exactly pleased with your choice.  The item was tabled and has not been approved.

When will a retraction be posted on the city's web site that the article is wrong?  Or will our sneaky mayor try to leave it up on line with no explanation?

There is alot wrong with the design and I plan on addressing the issues when it comes up before the council again.  Come to the meeting when it happens.