CORRECTING THE CORRECTION - Qrivit vs City of Shawnee

OK, here goes................apparently there was a change made in which account the city was showing the expenditures for this item.

Are ya ready?  Three dozen CPAs, 135 auditors and 2 K9 units have certified this number as correct.

As of 6/22/16 the total amount that the city has spent in legal fees to defend the lawsuit brought by Qrivit is...........................$7,933.50

CORRECTED Legal Fees for Qrivit vs City of Shawnee

I just received an email that the figure I was given yesterday was wrong.  Apparently that figure included legal fees associated with the TIF project.

Here is the corrected information, as it pertains to legal fees for Qrivit vs City of Shawnee

4/26/16 to 6/22/16............................................$7933.50
3/3/16 to 4/5/16 (previously reported)...............3316.50

Total.........................$11,250

Legal Fees Are Skyrocketing

On April 13, 2016 I posted on this blog that the legal fees at that time were $3,316.50 in the matter of Qrivit vs City of Shawnee http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-legal-fees-are-starting.html

This is as a result of the failed apartment complex project known as Vantage at Shawnee.

In that post I predicted that the legal fees would be $75,000 to $100,000 before it's all over.

I think now that might have been a low estimate.  As of today the fees have climbed to $60,806.14

I'll come up with a new guess.  I'm guessing now that the legal fees will go to $125-$150K before this matter is settled.  If we lose, will we have to pay the other side's fees?  If they lose will they have to reimburse us?

Vaught Never Disappoints Me

It's almost a guarantee that Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught will either say something untrue, misleading, or just plain old BS when he speaks at council or committee meetings

Last Tuesday's committee meeting was no exception.  First, and it's been mentioned before, he has obviously inherited the title of "Motormouth" from former council member Dawn Kuhn.  At times he just goes on and on and on and on and on ad nauseum.

Now let's see what he did last week at that meeting.  Seems that when another member of the council has objections about new taxes he starts making denigrating comments about conservative republicans, and how Ronald Reagan "raised taxes nine times".  First it took a member of the public, not me, to remind the committee that our meetings are non-partisan. Next, just to make the statement that Reagan raised taxes nine times, without detailed explanation is doing everyone a disservice.  But then, Vaught likes to mislead.  It's in his nature.  Now, if you would like to learn more about this, and I would strongly recommend that his royal arrogance reads it too, to become educated, go here: 

http://dailycaller.com/2012/06/06/ronald-reagan-raised-taxes-11-times-the-real-story/

 

What next?  Oh, during the budget discussions, Vaught, in his characteristic "I know it all" attitude made a comment that all senior staff were concerned about the budget since they all lived in Shawnee.  Not true, oh one who does not know everything.  The number two person in the City Manager's office, the Deputy, does not live in Shawnee.  But then, he knows everything, just ask him.

 

Last but not least.  He should learn not to challenge the voters in Ward 3.  He made a comment that if they didn't like the way he represented them, they could vote not to reelect him.  Apparently he has both a short memory and an inability to perform basic mathematical calculations.  Just one year ago, his royal egomaniac entered the primary race for mayor.  As we all know, he never got past the primary.  Voters didn't want him to lead our city.  They know what he is all about.  But here is the kicker.  In Ward 3, his ward, he only got 32.26% of the vote in the mayoral primary.  That means that 67.74% of the voters in his ward told him, "we don't want you to lead the city".  Bet that is a premonition of what will happen if runs for reelection.  Can his ego handle another election loss?

DTJVSD

West Side Residents Are A Disappointment To Me

When Mayor Distler ran for office she made a promise regarding opening dialog between city hall and the citizens of Shawnee.

She has worked very hard to keep that promise.  Since being sworn in she has probably met with more groups in one year than all previous mayors combined.  She also established two informal citizen get togethers:  Third Thursdays With The Mayor and Quarterly Q & A.

The Third Thursdays are held at the civic center at 9AM and folks are invited for coffee and conversation.  The mayor usually gives an update on what has transpired recently in the city and then she opens the floor to comments and questions from those in attendance.  Usually there is a member or two from staff available to provide additional info and on  occasion other elected members.  Usually there is a pretty good turn out and those citizens are happy with the ability to interact in an open forum without the confines of a formal council type of meeting.

The Quarterly Q&A is held at a pizza restaurant off of K7 and 55th Street.  These are held at 7PM and are designed to attract those who cannot attend a morning event and also, those on the west side of town.  Last night was, IMHO, a very disappointing situation.

Here is the breakdown:   15 total people (including the mayor)

Elected and staff:  6 - including the mayor and the Exec Director of Visit Shawnee (the old C&VB)
Members of the press:  2
Folks who usually attend the 3rd Thursdays and live on the east side:  3
City intern and her friend:  2 (lives in Lenexa and wanted to see what it was all about)
Ward 3 residents:  2

There were more people there from the east side than from the west side.  Unbelievable.  There should have been many more west siders there.  This though, is another example of the apathy shown by the west side residents, particularly in Ward 3, when it comes to local affairs.  That is, unless it directly affects them.  You can see that in the voting numbers when they vote in city elections, the worst in the city (as a percentage of registered voters). 

One of the members of the press made a suggestion that if a BNSF train had rumbled through the area with its horn blaring and a sign to come meet the mayor maybe it would have caught their attention.

When individuals have the opportunity to meet and interact with their elected representatives in an informal atmosphere they need to take advantage of that opportunity. 

BTW, I have posted numerous times in the past about the apathetic attitude of the Shawnee residents on that side of town.  It is a disgraceful situation.

New Feature on Shawnee Web Site

Recently the city has been posting "City Council Actions (date)' on the front page of the city's web site.

This is a great move, and positive with regards to transparency.  These postings, which are placed one or two days after a council meeting do NOT replace the minutes of these meetings.  By law, the minutes, which contain all info, including comments by members of the public, cannot be posted until they have been approved at a subsequent council meeting.

These "actions" give a brief synopsis of what happened and can be a quick ready reference especially for those who did not attend or listen to the streaming audio of the meeting.  Those needing to know who said what and what info was presented as back up will need to wait for the full minutes to be posted.

To see the most current item go here http://www.cityofshawnee.org/  When you get there, click on the news item about the actions.  When you get to that page you can also view previous items.

Free Residential Security Assessments - Shawnee PD

The Shawnee PD has made arrangements for residential security assessments here in Shawnee.

More detailed info can be found here:
http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/PoliceCMS.nsf/vwContent/ResidentialSecurityAssessments?OpenDocument

The individual conducting these assessments is a highly skilled, trained security specialist who is doing this on a volunteer basis for the PD.  His bio is on line and it is amazing.

I urge everybody to go to the above web site and make arrangements for this assessment.

Forrest Gump Was Right - Stupid is as Stupid Does

If you get a chance, check out these two previous posts of mine concerning auto thefts and auto burglaries:

From 11/6/15 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2015/11/stupidity-costs-all-of-us.html

From 11/19/15 http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2015/11/examples-of-stupidity.html

I have been able to obtain some additional information.

Here in Shawnee we experience between 75 and 80% for unlocked, or no sign of forced entry, victim vehicles (car burglaries and car thefts).  As important as the numbers are, there is something else that needs to be talked about too - something known as "capable guardianship".  So often people go for the complex security items and systems when simple security measures are all that are needed.  Situational awareness (paying attention) and securing our homes we can really cut into those crime stats.  To reduce the risks we face, it makes sense to start with the basics and then get more complex.

There is a criminology theory, first published in 1979, known as "routine activities theory".  In simple terms this theory states that three things must be present for a crime to occur: 1. a motivated offender 2. a target and 3. an opportunity.  Individually we have the most control over the target and opportunity.  Removing targets and opportunities are how we demonstrate capable guardianship.  The police are part of that equation but it's a partnership - individuals bear some responsibility for protecting themselves and their things from those motivated offenders, and it can be as simple as locking our car doors and keeping valuables out of sight.

Here's a Wikipedia article about it.  Note the graphic that shows the confluence of the three items mentioned above.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Routine_activity_theory

If people who have their vehicles stolen, or items stolen from their vehicles because they did not take simple precautionary methods, are IMHO, idiots.  I could go through the list of dumb things that people do but there is not enough space here.  Some of these things are leaving your car running while you just run into the convenience store for just a second, leaving your vehicle unlocked and your cell, purse or other valuables in plain sight.

Folks, use some common sense..............there are other things our PD can do to protect and serve us besides responding to crimes that could have been avoided.

Citizens Police Academy - 2016 - Sign Ups

The Shawnee PD is now taking sign ups for the 2016 Citizens Police Academy.

Full information can be found at http://gsh.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/PoliceCMS.nsf/vwContent/CitizenAcademy?OpenDocument

This is a great program, and many of the graduates go on to perform volunteer duties for the PD.  And, even if you don't want to do volunteer work this is a great opportunity to have a better understanding of how our PD functions. 

Even though the first class is in September, slots fill up fast.  The city just posted it today and already 3 of 30 slots are filled.

Pass it on to those who you think might also be interested.

Citizen's Police Academy - 2016

The most current issue of "A Few Good Words.....From Inside Shawnee" had this:

Citizen Police Academy
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a police officer?  Well, now you have your chance.  

The Shawnee Police Department will begin accepting applications on June 6 for their 2016 Citizen Police Academy. Learn about law enforcement in your community from the men and women whose job it is to keep your City safe.  This 11-week program allows citizens the opportunity to meet and interact directly with police officers. 

 

The Academy meets once a week, beginning September 8.  To be eligible to participate, you must be 18 years old, live or work in Shawnee, and have no criminal record.  Don't wait.  The Academy is limited to 26 participants and fills up fast.  

An application to apply for the Academy will be available at www.cityofshawnee.org starting on June 6 along with more information.  

 

A great program and I urge folks to apply.

If you are not already on the city's email list for notifications, you can get on it by going to http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/ESubscribe?OpenDocument

Conflict of Interest? Yes or No?

The Nieman Rd corridor project goes from 55th Street south to Shawnee Mission Parkway.

With this in mind, yours truly asked last night at the council meeting that the city attorney make a determination as to whether or not two council members who own commercial properties in the corridor had a conflict of interest.  They are Dan Pflumm (Johnson Drive and Nieman) and Jeff Vaught (5700 block of Nieman).

To his credit, Dan Pflumm indicated that he was in favor of an opinion from the city attorney.  He is to be commended for that. Vaught kept his mouth shut (strange, eh?).

My request was based on a section of Charter Ordinance 40 that makes reference to council members abstaining from actions where there is a real or perceived conflict.  Also, at the May 3, 2016 council committee meeting when the item was discussed Vaught made the following comment(as per the minutes): 

"And, you know, I’ve got a building for lease up the street. There’s a building two spaces for lease across the street from me, and there’s a few other spaces for lease up and down. I’m telling you what, guys, I don’t get the calls. I show my property and the comments I get kind of embarrassing."

It appears to me that he definitely has a stake in this project.

Anyway, in response to Mr. Pflumm's concurring in the need for a legal opinion the city attorney did indicate that as far as he could remember they would not be in violation of state statutes.  I personally feel that an off the top of the head quick response on an item of this nature is insufficient.

As a result, yours truly has requested that a written opinion be provided, since the city's charter ordinance does refer to a real or perceived conflict.

My personal opinion...............they should recuse themselves from any discussions and votes on this project.  Let's see what the city attorney comes up with.


DTJVSD

Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day

Tomorrow is the day where we can honor and show respect for those currently serving.

I remember 1968, after returning from Nam and while stationed at Ft. Hamilton, being a participant in the Armed Forces Day parade that marched down NYC's Fifth Avenue.  If I remember correctly, USMC General Leonard F Chapman Jr. (who was commandant at the time) was the reviewing officer)

If you know of someone who is currently serving, or happen to see a person in that status, say hi and thank you.

And, just in case you forgot why they serve..................................

Nieman Road Corridor Project

Is this a viable project?  Let's make it simple.  There are those who are pushing for this project as it will supposedly create better traffic flows.  Not just for vehicles, but for pedestrians and bicyclists, supposedly creating a more attractive environment to bring folks into the traditional "downtown" area of Shawnee.

That concept has merit.  Here though is my question.  What are they going to be coming to the downtown for?  The businesses located there are a jumble of architectural designs, with no symmetry.  Some of the businesses are built close to the roadway while others are set back quite a bit.  This does not make for an aesthetically pleasing downtown, regardless of what is done with the roads. trails, and sidewalks.

Besides that, now let's look at the types of businesses.  Are they unique and strong enough to bring folks into the corridor?

Would it be nice to have a strong and vibrant downtown?  You bet.  Do we have any indications or even conditional commitments from any developers about redoing the businesses, both in appearance and mix?  There has even been talk about some infill residential.  Or is this wishful thinking of "build it and they will come"?

We're talking millions of dollars here.  It would be nice to know if there will be commitments for ALL aspects of this project.

Memorial Day - 2016

In a little over two weeks our country will be celebrating Memorial Day.  Many folks will use the three day holiday to travel and visit friends and relatives, attend barbecues and a host of other events.

Unfortunately, there are some who really do not understand why we celebrate Memorial Day.  It is actually very simple.  If it wasn't for those who gave their all for our country we would not be having those barbecues, family gatherings, a day off from work or school, etc.

All I ask is that you take a few minutes to remember the meaning of this holiday.  Explain it to the young folks.  Teach them that "freedom isn't free".  When they complain that they don't have the latest and greatest cell phone, video game player, newest pair of sneakers, please explain to them what they would not have if those that have gone before them did not sacrifice for the future of this country. And teach them also, that if they should happen to see a vet or active member of our military, to just say two little words....."thank you".

Last but not least, please take the less than 8 minutes needed to view the video below from last year's Memorial Day tribute in Washington, DC.

Thank you..................

Dumb Rears its Head at Council Committee Meeting

Last night at the council committee meeting I do believe we were treated to another example of Jeff Vaught’s arrogance, and I would even go so far as to say stupidity. 

Let’s look at what the item was.  This was tabled from previous meetings and came back up last night and concerned the placement of ten electric vehicle charging stations by KCP&L on city property, including the parking lot at city hall.

Each of these charging stations will charge two vehicles, so it requires two parking spaces.  To place three at city hall would eliminate six parking spaces.  The bone thrown out by KCP&L would be that they would install them at no charge (an approximate value of $10K) and in return the city would pay for the electric services at each unit for two years.  The projected costs would be $400/year for each of the ten stations.  The stations can also be set for the users to pay, but KCP&L wants to do that after the first two years.

Anyone who has studied these things and the vehicles that use them knows that it takes a long time to charge up one of these vehicles.  Most of the council members could not see where that would be beneficial to have them  on city property since there would not be anything for people to do while the vehicles are being charged.  It is a fact that there are commercial properties that have installed them which makes sense.  First, folks can be shopping or related activities and the commercial properties could charge the costs to their advertising budgets.  Some that are doing that are Wal Mart, Hy Vee, Mill Creek Shopping Center.  Even the county owned golf course on Midland has them, but they are a self- supporting unit in that they charge greens fees and other related  fees, and folks that go there are there for quite some time.

A concept that is being used for the placement of these items is referred to as lily padding.  Well, if the Hy Vee at Pflumm  Rd and Mill Creek Shopping Center has them, the Wal Mart at SMP & Maurer and the one at Nieman and 74^th, then attempting to place them at 10 Quivira or Shawnee Village Shopping Centers makes more sense, as suggested by yours truly.  Especially with the traffic at those locations.  Much higher traffic than where city hall is located.  Most of the council agreed with yours truly about letting commercial properties take the lead on this.

Now  his royal arrogance starts in with “I just don’t get it”.  That’s his favorite phrase when somebody disagrees with him. (In this case not just me but a majority of the council) A very arrogant statement too, because it is saying that only his idea is the right one and he can’t understand why you don’t agree with him.  He feels that the city should accept the $100K worth of equipment on the chance that down the road we will have a “fleet of electric vehicles”.  Which fleet is he talking about?  He’s in a dream world.  Our police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles?  We only have about a dozen or so or maybe less, of vehicles used by codes and some other city departments and those are hand me down police vehicles

My opinion:  Not only was his arrogance at its nadir last night, but he has, at least to me, confirmed that he has to be one of the dumbest people to ever serve on the council.  In two elections he may have fooled the voters in Ward III, but in the last mayoral primary he didn’t fool the rest of the city when he didn’t even make it to the general election.

I’m really worried about this man.  Maybe he needs to see a doctor to see if he suffers  from Cra-Rec Syndrome**

**Cra-Rec Syndrome aka Cranial Rectal Inversion, when one’s cranium is tightly lodged in one’s rectal area and its functionality is reduced by spasmodic pressure, lack of sun light and toxic fumes

DTJVSD

Blast From the Past - 7/30/14

Some folks might find this interesting, for various reasons. There are two points I wish to make today, and they are related.

First, back on July 30, 2014 I posted and item "Did Vaught aMake Up Numbers?"  click here  What that post had to do with, was that at a council meeting when discussing the proposed sales tax for street improvements Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught stated that 40% of the city's sales tax revenue came from non-residents. If true that would be great. So, I sent him an email asking him to provide verification of that statement. Naturally, his royal arrogance felt he did not have to reply. So, I submitted a Kansas Open Records Request to the city for any documents that would confirm that. The city came back and said they did not have any records that could either confirm or deny that information. Interesting, eh?

Unfortunately, Vaught's statement made it to the local media and it was taken as gospel truth.

Here is part two. Knowing that the city did not have documents that would confirm or deny Vaught's statement why didn't the city manager correct Vaught at the meeting? Now, over the years I have heard her correct other council members when they made factually incorrect statements. What was different this time? Was it a purposeful omission on her part because of a desire to get the tax approved and a little truth stretching wouldn't hurt? Where did Vaught get that figure from? Was he fed it from a source that also cannot provide verification?

Just something to think about.




DTJVSD

Still Not Resolved - Filling a City Council Vacancy

At the 4/5/16 Council Committee the discussion about how to fill a council vacancy in the future was again tabled.  There is some merit to that because right now most cities need some clarification on certain items in the new state election law, by either or both, the secretary of state and/or the county election commissioner.

The current method, which many would like to see continued, is for the council to appoint an individual to fill a vacancy.  The one positive to this, is that it is "free"..  The major problem though is what can sometimes be perceived as collusion on the part of some council members as to who the appointee should be.  All that one has to do is go back a very short time ago with the appointment of Alan Willoughby (former Mayor Jeff Meyers' uncle by marriage) and review the letter of rebuke that the JoCo DA sent to the city council.  In that letter he admonished the council very strongly for what appeared to him to be a disregard of the spirit of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

Current Councilmember Stephanie Meyer, who is also the council president, has voiced concerns about this process, and was leaning towards an election process.  She has even stated that when she was appointed to fill a position that came open she had felt that there was a strong sentiment out among the public that her appointment was tainted.  And those same concerns reared their ugly head when Brandon Kenig was appointed to fill the open position that was created when Mayor Distler was elected to her current position.

Other folks, myself included, have indicated that they would prefer an election in the open ward to fill the position.  The advantage to this is that the people of the ward would have the say as to who would represent them.  The argument against this is strictly financial, as it would cost approximately $37K to run a special election.  Is that really too much to spend to maintain a truly democratic process?

Now there is a third process which staff has indicated in their presentation and which will probably be heard when the item finally gets to be aired out.  This third proposal is a hybrid, it is very simple, maintains a democratic environment, and it does not create any additional expenditures.  Under the hybrid proposal the council would appoint a person to fill the position, but only until the next regular election.  Currently a person is appointed to fill the position until the expiration of the original office holder's term.  With this hybrid the position would then be filled by election to finish the remainder of the term.  By having it placed on the ballot at a regular election the city would not incur the costs of a special election.  This would, IMHO, be a win-win situation.  I would strongly urge the citizens of Shawnee to support the hybrid plan when the item comes before the council.

Professionalism Prevents Tragedy

There was an incident on Saturday 4/16/16 which could have ended in tragedy.  There was a domestic violence situation which turned into a standoff between a suspect and the police.

Fortunately, we do not see many of these in Shawnee, as they are more common in other areas of the metro.

Fortunately, we do have a well trained police department and their response to this incident appears to have resulted in a resolution that avoided tragedy.  The suspect in custody and nobody in either the hospital or the morgue.  Good job.

For more info please go to the article at the Shawnee Dispatch

The Legal Fees are Starting

Here we go.  The legal fees for the city to defend itself in the Qrivit action are starting to come in.  this is regarding the Vantage at Shawnee project.

So, from Mar 3, 2016 to Apr 5, 2016 the legal fees are $3,316.50.  These are just to get the ball rolling in the city's defense of the lawsuit.  I'll take a guess and say that by the time it is over it will cost the city between $75,000 - $100,000.

And that does not include the time that city staff will have to spend researching and obtaining documents as the lawyers tell them what is needed.

Curious, do ya think the 22 folks that were responsible for this situation should chip in and help pay for this?  Especially the loud mouthed fool that threatened the mayor with bodily harm!!!!

Stay tuned.  We will be filing KORA requests periodically to get updates on the amount of money spent for the legal fees.

John Rubin Endorses Eric Jenkins for State Rep

Previously I posted comments by State Rep John Rubin explaining why he was not running for reelection.  Here are his comments as to why he is endorsing Eric Jenkins for the position.

******

 

And now it is my pleasure and privilege to introduce to those of you who do not know him, and to enthusiastically endorse for the 18^th District seat, Shawnee City Councilman Eric Jenkins.  I am convinced he will be a truly accomplished and worthy successor who will work hard and continue the fight for the economically and socially conservative values and principles that have informed and inspired my work in the Legislature.

Eric is a 30-year veteran of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, he is a retired Colonel, US Army Reserves with over 34 years of Active and Reserve service.

During his tenure with FEMA, Eric served in all operational programs of the Agency. He made contributions as a manager and worker in the key areas of preparedness, mitigation and response.

In mitigation, Eric managed the National Flood Insurance Program and FEMA mitigation grant programs. In addition to flood plain management, he managed FEMA Region VII’s National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and National Dam Safety Program.

In Preparedness, Eric successfully managed the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program, Hazardous Materials Program, Fire Grant Program, FEMA State grants, and training and exercise programs. Mr. Jenkins chaired the Regional Radiological Assistance Committee.

While assigned to Disaster Response & Recovery Division, Eric served in several capacities. He was Chief of Operations, responsible for the FEMA Region’s response plans, training and regional ops center. He served as Federal Coordinating Officer for two Presidential-declared disasters and served as Deputy or Operations Officer on countless others. In this capacity, Eric delivered the Individual and Public Assistance Programs, Public Affairs, Legislative Affairs, Community Relations and other disaster response activities and programs. Leadership in the Federal response required frequent and close coordination with multiple Federal and State agencies and non-governmental agencies. During his time as Operations Officer and Executive Officer of the Division, Eric chaired the Regional Interagency Steering Committee.

In addition to his Regional Office responsibilities, Eric was an adjunct faculty to the Emergency Management Institute, instructed the Agency’s Customer Service Program and sat on the National Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee in Washington, DC. 

Eric has had a very complementary military career. He has branch qualification in Infantry, Intelligence, Special Forces and Military Police and is a certified instructor. He commanded a Special Forces A-Team, a Military Police Battalion, served in a number of Intelligence, operations and training positions at all levels of staff and taught Command & General Staff College curricula. He is a graduate of the prestigious US Army War College. Colonel Jenkins’ FEMA background was extremely useful to 5th United States Army while he served as an Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer to the State of Missouri. In addition, Eric assisted in training the staff and wrote deployment exercises for 5th Army’s newly created civil-military response Task Force Warrior. After completing 30 years of service, COL Jenkins was brought back as a retiree recall for service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was assigned to Multi-National Force-Iraq Headquarters and the Joint Center for Operations Analysis (JCOA) at US Joint Forces Command. Later assigned by JCOA to the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, COL Jenkins led multiple Lessons Learned teams to various stateside locations, as well as in Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. After four additional years of active duty, Eric Jenkins again retired in November 2009 to pursue his long-held dream of establishing his own emergency management consulting business. 

Locally, Eric has served for 21 years on the Shawnee Planning Commission and in 2011, served on the Johnson County Charter Commission.  He lost a close race for Shawnee Mayor two city election cycles ago, and last year won a Ward 2 seat on the Shawnee City Council, where he has been a diligent conservative watchdog on budgetary and spending issues in particular.

In his personal life, Eric is married with five children. He has served his community of Shawnee, Kansas since 1988 with four years on the Northwest Advisory Board to the Board of Education and since 1992 on the Planning Commission. He holds a B.A. from Missouri State University and a M.A. from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

As you can see, Eric has a most impressive resume of dedicated public service over many years, and is extremely well qualified to represent the citizens of eastern Shawnee in the Kansas House of Representatives.  I have no doubt that he will continue the fight for the fiscally and socially conservative principles and values we both cherish.  I commend him to you all, and urge you to vote for him to succeed me as your 18^th District Representative in the Kansas House.