Platte County is growing quickly. How 4 candidates would lead it in next chapter
Four candidates are vying for a chance to become the next presiding commissioner of fast-growing Platte County.
Two Republicans, a Democrat and an independent candidate are running to fill the top seat on the Platte County Commission, which is currently held by Scott Fricker, who withdrew from the race a month after filing for reelection this spring.
The primary election will take place on Aug. 4. Polling sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Only one Democrat and one Republican in each race will advance to the general election on Nov. 3. Independent candidates will be included on the November ballot only.
Voters can find more information about how to vote and see what else will be on their ballots by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
Gena Ross
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: ross4plattecounty.com
Gena Ross, a Republican, currently serves as the director of student support for the Kansas City Kansas Community College. Before taking on this role in 2023, she served as an associate professor of business and as the constituent services representative for the office of former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat. She has previously run for several offices, including U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and Platte County School Board, according to her campaign website.
On her website, Ross said she was running for presiding commissioner to “support effective county administration, contribute to responsible oversight and help maintain transparent and organized county operations.”
If elected, Ross plans to prioritize infrastructure investments, public safety services and fiscal responsibility. She also hopes to focus on “preserving our quality of life” by planning for growth in a way that “protects the character” of Platte County.
Jason Maki
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: maki4platte.com
Jason Maki, a Republican, is most notably known for his yearslong legal battle with the city of Parkville over alleged violations of Missouri’s Sunshine Law — a fight that ultimately awarded him with a $195,000 settlement.
Maki, who has lived in Platte County for around nine years with his family, owns Relevate One, a local technology business, with his wife. Through this work, he has helped donate technological services to the community. Maki also serves as a youth football coach with both the YMCA and the Catholic Youth Organization in his spare time.
If elected as the presiding commissioner, Maki said he would prioritize funding public infrastructure and safety, fighting against tax increases, focusing on “honest” growth and promoting transparency and accountability in government, according to his campaign website.
Mary McKenna
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: electmarymckenna.com
Mary McKenna, a Democrat, has called Platte County home for more than 40 years. She’s spent her career in the communications industry, where she said she has learned the skills necessary to connect with people and constituents, according to her campaign website.
If elected, Mckenna said she would focus on enhancing transparency and accountability, looking past partisan politics, maintaining infrastructure and supporting law enforcement agencies. She also plans to focus on embracing Platte County’s recent growth while working to “preserve and enhance one of the most cherished regions in the Show-Me State.”
Dale Brouk
Incumbent? No
Campaign website: daleforplatte.com
Dale Brouk originally launched his campaign for presiding commissioner on the Republican ticket, but became an independent candidate after withdrawing from the election in May due to confusion regarding personal financial disclosure statement filing.
At the time, Brouk, along with six other candidates, incorrectly filed these forms — a mistake prompted by incorrect instructions on a county-issued slip of paper — and were nearly disqualified. Brouk is working to collect enough signatures by the end of July to join the November ballot as an independent. He will not have to take part in the primary election in August.
Brouk, a resident of Platte County since 2003, is a longtime accountant and real estate broker. Both of his daughters are graduates of the Park Hill School District and live in the area.
As presiding commissioner, Brouk said he would prioritize a fully-funded law enforcement budget, economic development and investments in roads, according to his campaign website. He also supports Second Amendment rights, a closed border and is anti-abortion.
