Candidates gathered to hear the rules before the speaking portion of the program began at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16 at Dave and Buster's.
Mark Holland, a candidate for mayor, addressed the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast on March 16 at Dave and Buster's, The Legends Outlets. He touched on his campaign themes, including continuing economic development, making sure residents are connected to new jobs, plus continued investment and property tax relief when the STAR bonds are expected to be paid off in about four years.
Winfred Manning, a candidate for 1st District, Unified Government Commission, said at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast that he wanted to see the east side of the city get some attention. "I want to see the whole city grow," he said, adding he didn't want to leave any part of the city out.
Jarvis Collier a candidate for Unified Government Commission, 5th District, spoke at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16. He said, "It's very important that we maintain the momentum that has lifted our city over the past few years."
Incumbent 5th District Unified Government Commissioner Mike Kane discussed two grocery store projects that were assisted in the 5th District, a Price Chopper and a Walmart, and also discussed a renovated building that will serve as a community center in the Piper area. He made his remarks at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast.
Jim Walters, a candidate for Unified Government Commission, 7th District, talked about his experience in development and redevelopment on March 16 at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast. An architect who designs sports facilities, he said redevelopment can result in good jobs for Wyandotte County residents.
Jane Winkler Philbrook, a candidate for Unified Government Commission, 8th District, said taxes need to be lower, and to do that, more households are needed here and more small businesses also are needed. An optometrist, Philbrook addressed the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast on March 16.
Mary Gonzales, a candidate for Board of Public Utilities District 1, at large, is unopposed in the general election. She addressed the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16. She said, "I make honest decisions, motivated by what's best for you."
David Alvey, incumbent 2nd District at large member of the Board of Public Utilities, said his campaign theme is "making sure we take care of this important institution owned through the Unified Government by us." He said important matters, such as taking the PILOT off and replacing it with a direct revenue transfer from the BPU to the UG, need to be done with good dialogue between all those involved. He made his remarks at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
Tom Groneman, candidate for Board of Public Utilities, 2nd District, said that in the past, some BPU candidates have had hidden agendas. "I have no hidden agendas," he said. He added he wanted to make sure the BPU stays stable. Groneman, former Wyandotte County register of deeds and former director of the Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control division, addressed the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
Cathy Breidenthal, an incumbent running for re-election to the Kansas City Kansas Community College Board of Trustees, said she favored improving retention and completion rates, and at the same time making sure education is affordable and accessible to all. She made her remarks at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
Wendell Maddox, an incumbent running for re-election to the Kansas City Kansas Community College Board of Trustees, said it is important to get residents the training and skills they need to obtain higher-paying jobs. He said he has done a lot of work with Workforce Development over the past several years. He made his remarks at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
J.D. Rios, who is running for re-election to the Kansas City Kansas Community College Board of Trustees, said the college was the "crown jewel of Wyandotte County." He said the trustees were able to provide several renovated facilities for education and training for the price of what it would cost for one new building, thus saving the taxpayers money. Rios was the most dynamic speaker at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
Tyrone Garner, a candidate for the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education, said his goal in running for office was to help young people be successful. He talked about improving education in Kansas City, Kan. He made his remarks at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
Evelyn Hudson, who is running for re-election to the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education, said graduation rates have increased in the district, and there is still a need for more work on it. "We are doing great things in our district now," she said. She noted that more than $43 million was cut from the district's budget in the last three years and efforts must be made to make sure the state funds education. She made her remarks at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
Vicki Meyer, an incumbent running for re-election to the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education, said these were exciting times in the district. "Our goal is to be one of the top 10 districts in the nation. Don't laugh. We are going to be there. ... We will be one of the top 10 in the nation." Already, average district proficiency has improved from 11 percent to over 65 percent, she said, and efforts are being made to improve that figure. She made her remarks at the Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast March 16.
