Leawood adjusts election dates

Elections in Leawood are changing, but not without some frustration.

The Kansas Legislature passed a law earlier this year requiring city elections to be held in November of odd years, with officials taking office the following January. Leawood has historically held elections in April of even years.

Leawood City Council went to work Monday adjusting the city’s codes to match the new state law.

Councilwoman Debra Filla questioned whether the city had any choice in making the changes.

“I would say the strong advice we are getting from people is that our April elections are now null and void,” City Administrator Scott Lambers said.

Faced with holding April 2016 elections or postponing until November 2017, council voted to delay elections until 2017 at Lambers’ suggestion.

The adjustment means that council members whose terms were expiring in April 2016 will now see their terms expire in January 2018. Those whose terms were expiring in April 2018 will now serve until January 2020.

Seven resolutions were voted upon to adjust city codes.

Councilman Andrew Osman voted against the first resolution, citing a desire to express his objection.

“Representatives in the state legislature did not listen to the cities,” Osman said.

Filla voted no on the second resolution, noting she wanted to stand with Osman.

“I would like for each roll call (vote) to reiterate the protest,” Filla said.

The remaining five resolutions received a 7-0 vote of approval.

This story was originally published October 6, 2015 at 9:53 AM with the headline "Leawood adjusts election dates."