Questionnaire responses from mayoral candidates

We will be adding to these questionnaires as we receive them.

Candidates for mayor are listed in alphabetical order.

The primary election will be Feb. 26.

Mayor candidates:

Nathan Barnes

Mark Holland

Cordell Meeks

Ann Murguia

Janice Witt

Nathan Barnes

1.    Name and office sought

    My name is Nathan Barnes and I am seeking the office of Mayor/CEO of Wyandotte County.

3.    Age

   58

4.    Occupation

   I am self-employed – a small business owner in real estate development.

5.    Education

   I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

6.    Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong

   I.B. Blackburn Masonic Lodge

   Wyandotte County Historical Board-President

   CVB Board Conventional Visitors Bureau

   Mid America Regional Council

7.    Reasons for running

  To make Wyco a better place to live and work; to diversify our tax base and the work place with more blue collar and white collar jobs for Wyandotte County residents

   To continue and extend the growth and success established in Wyandotte County’s  north into all areas of Wyandotte County

8.    What is your top campaign issue?

  My top campaign issue is taxes.

9.    There may be budget constraints facing local governments and schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?

   If there are budget constraints facing local governments and schools, one cut that could be made is farming out prisoners. Ultimately, the dollar amount of the budget constraints would determine what to cut.

10.    If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office. If you are not an incumbent, what would you change?

  I would change the budget process for Wyandotte County by having a year round process that would eliminate the July surprises.

  I would change the government’s relationship with the Board of Public Utilities by establishing an open, honest dialog on a consistent basis in order to keep all commissioners thoroughly informed.

  I would have regular meetings with neighborhood representatives, boards and all taxing entities, similar to my in district bi-monthly unity breakfast that I have sponsored for 16 years.

  I would change how the mayor’s office communicates with district commissioners. In working with all affairs involving in district issues I would invite the in district representative to be a part of the discussion. Regular meeting with all taxing entities and appointed boards.  

11.    What is the difference, on the issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?

   UG televised commissioner meetings

   BPU pilot

   I have a clear, coherent and transparent platform of what I aim to accomplish if elected. The other candidates are continuously obscure on where they stand.

12.    Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?

  Yes. I was elected to the City Council and the board of county commissioners. I have been in office since 1995.

Mark Holland

1.    Name and office sought

Mark Holland, Mayor CEO

3.    Age 43

4.    Occupation  Senior Pastor, Trinity Community Church, a United Methodist Congregation.  And, Commissioner At Large District 1, UG

5.    Education

On Facebook page, under about

6.    Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong

On Facebook page under about

7.    Reasons for running

I believe Kansas City, Kansas has come a long way since unification in 1997.  I believe we need strong leadership to carry us forward into the next chapter.  Kansas City, KS is coming of age and ready to be a full partner in the metropolitan area. 

8.    What is your top campaign issue?  

Connecting our citizens to the 6,000 new, world class jobs at GM, KU, Cerner, and the casino.

Connecting the pay off of the STAR bonds to real property tax relief

Connection our citizens to healthier neighborhoods with improved infrastructure, grocery stores, and healthy living options

Connecting Every home that wants it with Internet for access to jobs, education, and healthy living.

9.    There may be budget constraints facing local governments and schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?

        I believe there is a great deal of savings to be found by continuing to integrate functions with our sister organizations.  The unification of the county and city has led to a  much more efficient government.  Without merging, we can still work together with BPU on equipment, computer systems, call systems, etc.  These are both owned by the same citizens and we should work more closely together.

10.    If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office. If you are not an incumbent, what would you change?  

    I have helped bring 6,000 permanent, high quality new jobs to our community.

    I have helped open 4 new grocery stores.

    I have helped keep us focused on public safety and infrastructure.

11.    What is the difference, on the issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?  

I believe in collaborative team work with high ethical standards

12.    Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?  

2007  County-wide, Commissioner At Large—successful

2011 re-election--successful

Cordell Meeks

1.    My name is Cordell D. Meeks III and I am seeking the office of Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of KCK/Wyandotte County.

3.    Age 38

4.    Occupation -President/CEO Meeks Multicultural Consulting Inc.

5.    Education    B.A., Intercultural Communications, University of Kansas

6.    Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong - Chairman, Human Relations Commission, Law Enforcement Advisory Board KCK, United Way Board, Boys and Girls Club Board, El Centro

7.  Reasons for running

I am running for Mayor of the city that I love.  I have chosen to spend my entire life as a KCK resident. I passionately believe in the future of this city…. And with your help we will create a new generation of change and opportunity..… we will create new economic development and  improve our educational institutions.  I believe, that with the help of business and community leaders and the input of our citizens, I can lead our community to the next level of success in economic development and education.  I am a small business-owner. I work with corporate leaders across the metro and across the country. I have spent years working to improve our community, volunteering with many group, bringing people together to achieve success together. I believe all these experiences have prepared me to become CEO of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County.

8.  Top campaign issues?

Promote economic development that benefits all areas of Wyandotte County.  Leverage the arrival of Google and Cerner to bring in more new, high-wage jobs.

Protect county citizens by supporting police and firefighters.  Safe streets create healthier neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Prioritize education by fully supporting the school district's push for excellence.  Increase job training so more KCK residents qualify to successfully fill new jobs.

Produce balanced budgets that keep property taxes low while filling potholes and building new streets and sidewalks.

9.    There may be budget constraints facing local governments and schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?  We know that cuts in state funding are coming and we don't know exactly what that will look like yet, so it  is important that we continue to maintain balanced budgets, so that we can keep property taxes low and work to reduce them for all residents.

11.    What is the difference on issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?  I am a political outsider but a community insider so I bring new, fresh ideas on how to improve our community.  Wyandotte County is one of the most diverse counties in the area. I’ve spent more than a decade working as a corporate trainer, teaching businesses how to succeed by understanding differences and making those differences work for you, rather than against you. We can do this to improve the county and city.

12.    Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?  No

Ann Murguia

1.    Name and Office sought

Ann Murguia. Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. CEO of Wyandotte County Unified Government

3.    Age

44

4.    Occupation

Commissioner of 3rd District Unified Government

Executive director of Argentine Neighborhood Development Association (ANDA)

5.    Education

BA Ottawa University. 1993

MBA Baker University. 1997

6.    Organization, clubs, groups to which you belong

Board of Trustees at University of Missouri-Kansas City

Argentine Activities Association

Villa Argentine Neighborhood Association

Frontiers Project at KU Medical Center

Project Eagle

7.    Reasons for running

As Mayor, I want to contribute in a positive and constructive manner to our government. I believe we have developed a model in the 3rd district that can be used throughout the county that will stimulate economic development in some of our most challenging neighborhoods while continuing the growth in the western half of our county.  I will work with our neighborhood groups, labor, business and others to get things done. As Mayor, I will ensure the Unified Government provides good, open and honest government to everyone.

8.    What is your top campaign issue?

Jobs, Community and Better Government. I will create more jobs through economic development, continue to not raise property taxes, continue to respond to neighborhood concerns/issues, and continue to maintain adequate police and fire services.

9.    There may be budget constraints facing local governments and schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?

As I said before we have developed a successful model in the 3rd District that involves letting the residents determine the priorities of their community and basing budget decisions on what the community needs and wants.  

10.    If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office

In District:

Millions in curb and sidewalk improvements

Millions in housing construction

$60 million in retail development in Rosedale.  Largest urban development project in decades.

$3.2 million grocery store

Park improvements

New Rosedale CVS pharmacy

Millions in demolition of blighted buildings and houses

Crime reduction

Improved constituent services  

County Wide:

Hollywood Casino

Cerner

Sporting KC stadium

Infrastructure improvements

Park improvements

Crime reduction

Improved constituent services

11.    What is the difference on issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?

The main differences are I have never voted to raise property taxes and successfully implemented major improvements in my district and in many projects without the use of tax dollars.  I believe in lowering property taxes for everyone, more jobs and  working with local neighborhood groups/businesses,organizations and labor groups to accomplish our goals.  Efficient services from the Unified Government and quality public safety are a priority.

12.    Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?

Yes. 2007 I was elected as the 3rd District Commissioner of the Unified Government

2011, I was reelected as 3rd District Commissioner of the Unified Government

Janice Witt

1.    Name and office sought

Janice (Grant) Witt

3.    Age 45

4.    Occupation see 11

5.    Education see 11

6.    Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong

I serve my community and the people in it fully and regularly outside of politics. Last year a new organization approached me. The organization is Civitan International. We started a Charter club here Wyandotte County Civitan “Club Dotte” and we have done great things for the community, which is simply an extension of what we were already doing. In an attempt to ensure that no politics crosses into the club I resigned my presidency to run this race.

7.    Reasons for running

Because we all have a civic duty to leave this world a better place because we were here. I want no more division, in our governance. I want all of the people to have a voice, to have a seat at the table. I will always use common sense practical solutions to benefit our community and never leave any group standing on the outside of the fence looking in. The people of Wyandotte County have been ignored long enough and I am running to represent the people. We have a right to be heard, acknowledged and not lied to or manipulated. Our leadership has a responsibility to get along and not be divisive and counterproductive in our governance. This is what is happening in our city – it is well reported by the media and attending some of the meetings it is plain to see the unwillingness to work together for the greater good of the people in the community. At a recent meeting the mayor had to inform the group that he was still mayor and absolutely nothing was accomplished for the people.  We are excluded from the process and personal agendas have taken our place. Our leadership has their horns locked with each other and are so busy trying to win their personal fights that the will of the people has succumbed to self-serving, arrogance, entitlement moral and ethical improprieties, for years now we suffer from this. I filed my intention to run for mayor on May 3, 2012.

8.    What is your top campaign issue?  

As mayor, I will ensure fair treatment and good customer service as a solid foundation. We will break the chains of corruption, greed, favoritism, nepotism, entitlement and the unfair tax and BPU practices that bind this community to poverty, poor health and poor education.

The actual citizens of this county and few small businesses that remain have been ignored and lost in the catfights that our leadership has. There are personal agendas that outweigh the long-term concern for the community at large. We need a return to civility so that the voice of the people can be heard.  Our leadership has created a hostile work environment. They need to put the people first that is why they were elected. As it is, I know citizens who have tried for years just to get a return phone call. We need a return to basic customer service skills and remember to practice civility and appropriate workplace decorum. When the leadership does this with each other the atmosphere will change and the service to the citizens will also change as it is now, service just continues to tank both in the leadership and toward the average citizen simply trying to gain information from the employees at City Hall. Rudeness is unacceptable and inappropriate behavior in our leadership and especially for our leadership.

9.    There may be budget constraints facing local governments and schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?

I would first have to see the data. I do not have enough information to answer this. I can tell you I would make every effort to ensure that the cuts would not be in any area that would affect our children, our safety or our seniors.

10.    If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office. If you are not an incumbent, what would you change?   

11.    What is the difference, on the issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?  

I am an outsider. Not outside of the county, but I am outside of the political machine.  I have a master’s in human resources; hospitality and service management. I have owned and operated my own business and my husband’s business for 20+ years. I was a union member of 1290 and 663 when being a woman in that industry was quite challenging. It was a wonderful experience, it made me strong and resilient. My businesses were not union although we paid union scale according to the “right to work” in Kansas. We owned a catering business and 2 coffee shops one of which was located inside of Shawnee Mission Medical Center for several years. We were called “The Ambassadors of the hospital” by their leadership both here and in Florida. People are our passion and the most perfect treatment of people possible is our standard. I helped charter and was the president of a civic organization called The Wyandotte County "Civitan Club Dotte" (I stepped down to commit to this race) among many other services that I perform in this community.  

https://www.FreeKCK.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CivitanClubDotte or https://www.facebook.com/groups/354410067968453/

or Civitan.org.

I am a lifelong "Dotte," born and raised right here off 91st and Georgia. I still live in the farm house I was born and raised in. I went to White Church Elementary School and have many lifelong friends from there, we were the second class to attend Eisenhower Junior High School shortly after integration again, collecting some wonderful people along the way and graduated from District 500, Washington Wildcats in the 80's.

I was a candy striper/volunteer at Providence St. Margaret hospital from the age of 12 until 18. I went to Sterling College and hold an educational certificate from there. I did my student teaching at Washington, my alma mater, under Marilyn Mann. Mrs. Anna Smith, a former teacher at Eisenhower, saw me in the grocery and informed me that there was a sub-shortage and I needed to give back to the community and so I taught as a certified sub for several years in the sub pool in District 500 while running my own businesses.

My mother is Reola Grant, she was an evangelist/minister/pastor/mother in the holiness church. She started at Shiloh Baptist Church on 3rd street with the Rev. William Fisher and then moved to Calvary Baptist Church under the Rev. H.W. Bowen on 11th and Waverly, where her family was a founding family. She then went to Evangelistic Center as she felt compelled to preach, this is where I was born and am very proud to say that I was the first baby born at Evangelistic Center Church 618 Quindaro under Dad and Mom Vaughn. My mother was a great woman of God and I strive to represent her daily, she passed away in 2009, a longtime member of this community as well and I am certain she is still watching, I behave accordingly. My family has been here since the 1940's.

I attended Lenexa Christian Center where I met and have been happily married to Ron Witt, a retired chiropractor for nearly 20 years. We have no children together but have raised plenty on both sides of our fence. All of our businesses were located in Johnson County although our home has always been Wyandotte.

We are farmers here in the "Dotte," we raise chickens, goats, a horse, turkey, and a plethora of critters on the same land my mother bought here in the 40's and raised critters on, I follow in her footsteps. We give more than we make and live well below the standards of many to our pleasure.

I believe that the corruption of this county has been allowed to go on far too long and it is time to take our city back. I believe that the hands have been set in motion to shackle us and continue down the road of lies, deceit and empty promises if we do not take the reins back from the good old boys that have been allowed to give our city away and tax us for the benefit of personal gain and backdoor deals. I believe that BPU has been allowed to run roughshod over this county. We have been taken advantage of! Our leaders say “...they are gonna hold the line on taxes, during the elections...” but then they move the line. BPU taxes us and calls it a PILOT, City Hall taxes us and calls it a levy, it is still a tax and the citizens that I talk to say we have had enough. No more extending these already frightful STAR bonds to the Legends area and Walmart with a promise of multimillions sometime down the road.... We need relief now!  I am sick of the poor treatment of the citizens of KCK. If we raise our heads, codes is sure to come knocking with citations for some created offense. Well, I am not afraid to stand up and say that “...I want to live in a free KCK” and the only way that we are going to get it is to change the names of the people in office. The longer they have been there and the deeper the name goes, the worst the corruption and the deeper the pockets of corruption. We must change the names if we are sick of the same old games!

We are not afraid of taxes in the Dotte. If we were we would move. We just want them to be fair and for everyone to pay their fair share. Stop giving everything away with no obligation to better our community.

12.  Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?  

Yes, 2011, against Mark Holland.  I ran a very good race. The same reasons I ran against him as at large are the same reasons he does not need to be mayor.