Here’s what Johnson County commissioner candidates say on property taxes, services & more

Johnson County voters will have the chance to cast a ballot on Nov. 8, or earlier — in-person advanced voting starts on Oct. 22.

Below are candidates’ responses to The Star’s survey from those running for Johnson County Board of Commissioners. Half of the board is up for election this year.

And here is a link to all of the Kansas races on the ballot for voters around Kansas City, and one specifically to the state legislative races for Johnson County districts.

If you’re not sure, you can look up your voter information to see which district you live in, and where your polling site is.

How the voter guide works:

Click on the race you are curious about, and you’ll go to a page with candidates’ responses. There, you can use the jump menu to get to a specific race or district.

Any candidates that do not have answers below their names did not respond to the survey. Our team at The Star contacted campaigns multiple times via both email and phone calls over the past month.

If you are a candidate and would like to get in touch with us and submit responses still, you can email us at kcq@kcstar.com. Voters will continue using this tool all the way through election day.

A note on editing and fact-checking

Some survey responses were very lightly edited for grammar, but the substance of the responses were not edited at all and are the candidates’ own words. The Star did not fact-check all of the candidates’ responses.

If you are concerned about misinformation or would like to learn more about some of the issues referenced in candidates’ responses, we wanted to include this past story about how to spot misinformation: How to tell if a politician is lying? A scholar who studies what they say has some advice.

Chair

Mike Kelly

Should the county raise property taxes, lower them or keep them the same?

As Johnson County homeowners, my wife and I understand the concern of rising property tax bills, and I’ve worked hard to relieve this burden for residents. As mayor of Roeland Park, I cut property tax rates without cutting city services or staff. This was possible because we welcomed new businesses without the de facto use of tax incentives. With the increased tax revenue, we were able to relieve the tax burden on residents while adding career opportunities and health care options. I will work to provide tax relief by expanding our economy and being a good steward of community resources.

What changes should the county make in the services it provides?

I will work to provide quality services that enhance the lives of residents, while being a responsible steward of resources. I’ll work with commissioners and staff to find innovative ways to utilize resources and increase efficiency while delivering the services our residents expect and deserve. The county must be intentional in its service to the unincorporated areas, as they have no municipal government. As chair, I’ll focus on policies that create a vibrant economy and support our businesses and workforce. Things like early childhood education, fully-funded public schools and policies that protect everyone’s right to health care will be paramount.

What should the county prioritize when making choices about new development projects?

Johnson County is competing on an international scale for economic development opportunities. The county should prioritize economic development that will spur residual growth and broaden our tax base, thus relieving the burden on residential property owners, as well as aid the development of difficult properties. When unique opportunities arise that reflect both categories, such as the Panasonic battery facility in De Soto, we won’t hesitate to do our part as a county to seize them. As chair, I will support our nation-leading architecture, engineering and construction communities, as well as our bioscience corridor.

What is one other thing you’d like to accomplish for the county that you have not already addressed?

We’ve never seen the level of economic opportunity that is currently at our doorstep. How we navigate it will shape Johnson County for generations. We must come together to meet this moment. The people we elect and the policies they implement will shape our community’s future. We must rise above toxic, partisan rhetoric and focus on the issues that matter most to those in our community: world-class public schools, strong public safety — including Fire and EMS — and essential services to those most vulnerable. I am proud to be supported by a broad bipartisan coalition focused on good government.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Yes, the 2020 election was fairly decided, and I commend those election officials who certified the process. Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States. Those who continue to perpetuate Donald Trump’s Big Lie damage trust in all levels of government, and make it more difficult to provide the essential services that it provides — primarily that at the local government level. I strongly condemn the attack on the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, and I appreciate the service and sacrifice of the Capitol police, as well as those investigating the attack.

Campaign website: www.mikeforjoco.com

Charlotte O’Hara

Should the county raise property taxes, lower them or keep them the same?

Lower property taxes.

What changes should the county make in the services it provides?

An example is the Department of Health and Environment budget increased 41.9% since 2019, while the sheriff’s budget increased 17.5%. Why continue bloated staffing post-pandemic?

Also, sending $15 million to the Panasonic project was inexcusable since the developer already had received nearly $1 billion from the state of Kansas, an additional $202.6 million Tax Increment Finance (TIF) deal and another $200 million on the table through an Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) exempting the project from sales tax on construction materials, equipment and fixtures.

What should the county prioritize when making choices about new development projects?

Johnson County is a wonderful place to do business, the picking and choosing winners and losers through tax incentives must at least be curtailed. Currently IRBs (Industrial Revenue Bonds) and TIFs (Tax Increment Finance Districts) divert $84 million from public coffers (including public schools) to developers and increase each year.

I have asked leadership in Topeka to consider a 50% cap on all incentives with a term limited to 10 years. TIFs should have 10 years to use it or lose it, and the expansion of a district to go through the entire approval process.

What is one other thing you’d like to accomplish for the county that you have not already addressed?

Adequately funding the Sheriff’s Department and all public safety departments on an ongoing basis. Public safety is job one.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Peaceful protests are part of our nation’s strength. Any violent protests are condemned by all law-abiding citizens. Joe Biden is our president, do I support his policies which have increased inflation, the cruelest tax of all, to a 40-year high? A resounding NO!!!!!

Campaign website: Oharaforchair.com

District 1

Audra McMahon

Should the county raise property taxes, lower them or keep them the same?

Right now, the county has lowered the levy and increased the value, creating a rise for our residents that takes effort to be undone. For upcoming years, I feel the tone of the economic season, the people, and the county goals need to be taken into account, and a more prudent approach adopted. I disagree with this year’s increase and find it unnecessary.

What changes should the county make in the services it provides?

The county should adopt a provision in all contracts that allows for a dual financial responsibility for any agreement that is not met by the service provider, for reasons outside of an act of God, to have a consequence. When hiring businesses to help achieve goals, a joint effort means all parties are vested in executing for the greater good. It occurs that currently, the board is willing to give money where it has not been budgeted to offset vendor mismanagement of resources. This is simply unfair to our Johnson County tax payers.

What should the county prioritize when making choices about new development projects?

The priority of the county is to first, and most, ensure the health and safety of its residents. Then, checking in with the residents of the county to ensure our actions align with their desires is paramount when choosing for the masses. The county needs to do a better job listening to its people.

What is one other thing you’d like to accomplish for the county that you have not already addressed?

One priority I personally have for Johnson County is to create a tax abatement program for those on fixed incomes, as well as first responders and educators. This would, of course, have to be capped, have restrictions, and tenure, as well as be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. There are real people struggling, and they need help now. Creating an opportunity for our current residents to experience more freedom, that they have earned in time and/or service is a gift that would be nice for the county to give.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

I deeply feel this is an unnecessary, and an emotionally provoking question to which I have no comment. Today’s president of the United States of America is Joe Biden. It is the fact today, and I will respect our commander in chief as it stands today, and all of my days regardless of who, or what party affiliation is held by that prestigious position.

Campaign website: AudraMcMahon.com

Becky Fast

Should the county raise property taxes, lower them or keep them the same?

We are all feeling the impact of rising costs. As a homeowner myself, it is becoming more and more difficult to own and maintain a home in Johnson County. That’s why I’ve voted to relieve the burden of rising property taxes through lowering the mill levy during the past three budget cycles. The approved reduction in the 2023 budget will be the largest decrease in the county’s overall mill levy since 1999. Currently, around 15% of your property tax goes to Johnson County government. Approximately 60% of a homeowner’s property tax is under the authority of school district boards to fund public education.

What changes should the county make in the services it provides?

For almost four decades, Johnson County government has invested more than $700 million in road infrastructure with our CARS program and enhanced flood control efforts with the county’s stormwater program. These are community investments and strong win-win examples of joint funding through county and city collaboration. The need for both of these programs have outpaced the current funding sources that were established in the 1980s with the yearly population growth of 8,000 new residents. Both of the programs need to be evaluated and assessed to meet Johnson County’s growing population demands.

What should the county prioritize when making choices about new development projects?

Comprehensive planning is critical and should encourage sustainable growth by connecting directly to land use, strategic planning processes, and population growth. The county should assess each new development with measurable targets for housing, jobs, open space, and its impact on roads and public utilities. New developments should always be informed and guided by robust public input and engagement.

What is one other thing you’d like to accomplish for the county that you have not already addressed?

I currently serve as the commission’s liaison to the Johnson County Mental Health Center. I have been a strong advocate to improve access to mental health services to 24/7 access. The county had a 33% reduction in teen suicide in 2020, and it has not gone back up even after a global pandemic. I am so happy to see this progress. I will be a champion and a strong advocate to increase and expand mental health services to ensure a healthy and thriving county.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

President Biden legitimately won the presidential election and there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. I believe the Jan. 6 insurrection was a violent attempt to block the peaceful transfer of power and deny the will of the people. Last, I am proud of the work of the Johnson County election staff and volunteers. Johnson County’s residents can be proud that our county’s election are fair, accurate and secure.

Campaign website: www.beckyfast.com

District 4

Janeé Hanzlick

Should the county raise property taxes, lower them or keep them the same?

I am proud to have voted to lower the county’s mill levy for the last three years. The 2023 reduction of one full mill is the largest one-time reduction in over 20 years. I support a responsible county budget that balances reductions in the mill levy as home values rise, with the need to maintain critical county services and invest in community priorities. Johnson County residents don’t want to live in a bargain basement community. That’s why I don’t support cuts to all the things that make Johnson County great, like beautiful parks and great libraries.

What changes should the county make in the services it provides?

First, I will continue to lead Johnson County to better serve vulnerable residents, especially those with mental health and aging needs. Second, I will continue to advocate for the county’s role in economic development, especially to take advantage of the growing renewable energy industry, which creates good paying jobs. Finally, I will continue working to create more housing options, so our teachers and first responders can afford to live in the communities they serve.

What should the county prioritize when making choices about new development projects?

Johnson County government plays a key role in ensuring the economic strength of our community by providing quality services, public safety, and infrastructure that make our county attractive to businesses and workers. Expanding opportunities for renewable energy development makes good economic sense by attracting emerging industries and creating good paying jobs. New businesses, like Panasonic and solar facilities, help ease the tax burden on homeowners by expanding our commercial tax base, providing jobs and enriching the local economy.

What is one other thing you’d like to accomplish for the county that you have not already addressed?

Johnson County needs more housing for middle and lower-income residents. Currently there aren’t enough affordable options for young professionals seeking starter homes or for seniors who want to downsize but remain in their community. That’s why I initiated a housing subcommittee to explore collaborative ways to develop attainable housing. As the newly appointed Kansas Co-Chair for the Regional Housing Partnership Committee, I look forward to continuing to work within Johnson County and throughout the region to find solutions to our housing challenges.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

I can definitively and clearly answer “yes” to both questions. Unlike my opponent, I have strongly denounced the Johnson County Sheriff’s use of taxpayer money to investigate conspiracy theories of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.

Campaign website: www.janeehanzlick.com

Maria Holiday

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Maria Holiday did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.maria4joco.com

District 5

Michael L. Ashcraft

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Michael L. Ashcraft did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.joco5.com

Stephanie Suzanne Berland

Should the county raise property taxes, lower them or keep them the same?

Lower them. The current rate of county spending compared to county growth is unsustainable. Inflation drastically compounds the problem, and we have seen record inflation. It is disgraceful for the county to have received $116 million in COVID-19 relief money and still exceed the revenue neutral rate. It should be a wake-up call to every Johnson County citizen, that if county management couldn’t hold steady regarding spending during a time when they received hundreds of millions in relief, they never will, unless we vote in people willing to curb the spending spree.

What changes should the county make in the services it provides?

The county currently has over 40 departments with different services, so I am uncertain what this question is asking. One service that we need to fully support is the sheriff’s department and emergency medical services. This is job number one for the county. Regarding other services that are provided through federal grants, as federal funding expires and the service is not a core priority, that program will need to roll off our books. Overall, the county will need to prioritize the services they want to fund and then adhere to the budgeted amount allotted for that program.

What should the county prioritize when making choices about new development projects?

The county should consider the impact it will have upon the taxpayers when deciding upon development projects. Currently, there seems to be no strategy or formal protocols used to vet development projects. Some receive TIFs, while others receive no tax incentives. Some have infrastructure already built, others need help building road, sidewalks and sewer systems. New developments also need to be analyzed in regards to local fire, medical and law enforcement capabilities to determine if those areas after adequate emergency capabilities.

What is one other thing you’d like to accomplish for the county that you have not already addressed?

In my opinion, it is important that elected commissioner positions do not become careers. New ideas and different ways in solving problems is needed, so I would support term limits. The county just completed a charter commission review, and unfortunately, it was as political as everything else, so there were no recommendations for changes on the ballot. Ultimately, it would be a goal to have something in place that holds elected officials accountable and discourages more than two terms in office.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

In 2016, Hillary Clinton claimed the election was stolen and Trump colluded with Russia. That has since been proven false with the very expensive Mueller investigation. In 2020, voting laws due to the pandemic did a number on the mail-in and drop-off ballot rules. Each state went through their challenges and Biden won. I will not lie, the night of the election, I went to bed thinking Trump won. It was overnight that states flipped which is very odd. Lastly, I would have liked an investigation into why Nancy Pelosi did not bring in additional back-up and the more transparency regarding the circumstances around Ashli Babbit and why she was shot and killed.

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079713346245

This story was originally published October 20, 2022 at 7:00 AM.