Editorial: Voters will make crucial choices in Johnson County

Races for the Johnson County Commission and Kansas House are featured on next Tuesday’s ballots in the county.

The Star’s recommendations for the commission:

Chairman: Incumbent Ed Eilert and current 1st District commissioner Ed Peterson deserve to make it to the November general election.

Both have extensive experience dealing with countywide issues. Peterson has been more aggressive talking about the need to improve county services, even if that costs more money, and in working with regional partners. Eilert has presided over a fiscally responsible commission the last four years. In a general election, Peterson and Eilert would have to be more precise about how they would deliver top-notch services to residents expecting that kind of return on their tax dollars.

1st District: Former Mission Mayor Laura McConwell and Prairie Village Mayor Ron Shaffer have the necessary backgrounds to comprehend and deal with the county’s many challenges. They include how to improve the parks and library systems. Both candidates deserve to make it to the fall election.

4th District: Overland Park City Council member Curt Skoog is the clear choice for this seat. He has been a leader for the city’s Vision Metcalf plan, which has brought more transit and development along that avenue, and in promoting regional cooperation.

In contested Kansas House primaries involving candidates from Johnson County, The Star recommends:

District 8: Republican Stacey L. Schlimmer

District 16: Republican Jameia Haines, Democrat Don McGuire

District 19: Republican Stephanie Clayton

District 21: Republican Barbara Bollier

District 30: Republican Ron Worley

District 49: Republican Scott Schwab

This story was originally published July 29, 2014 at 11:05 AM with the headline "Editorial: Voters will make crucial choices in Johnson County."