The Star recommends Mike Kelly for Johnson County Commission chair
In the Nov. 8 general election, Johnson County voters can chart a new course that is inclusive for all residents. In the nonpartisan race to decide who will be the next Johnson County Commission chair, we endorse Mike Kelly over Charlotte O’Hara to replace outgoing longtime Chairman Ed Eilert.
Kelly, mayor of Roeland Park, is a thoughtful, conscientious public servant. He strongly supports a woman’s right to choose, believes in climate change — which means he’ll be useful in helping the county prepare for coming changes — and strongly supported the steps Roeland Park officials took during the pandemic to keep residents safe.
He is a proponent of solar power in the Sunflower State.
“Solar farms are a great opportunity for land owners in Johnson County and ratepayers,” Kelly said recently. “It is the absolute industry of the future and it’s a great opportunity here in Kansas.”
Kelly has the executive experience to lead Johnson County. The county accounts for nearly 25% of the state’s population and 40% of Kansas’ economy, and that number is only going to grow, Kelly said. Under his leadership, and amid rising property values in the city, Roeland Park has cut its mill levy three times in five years for a total of 18% to expand business opportunities and fully fund and expand the city’s police force, he said.
O’Hara, a former Republican Kansas state representative and current county commissioner, is aligned with Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden, who has spent thousands of dollars in a sham investigation into unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud that has gone nowhere. That speaks to a lack of judgment, as does O’Hara’s criticism last summer of a draft diversity and inclusion statement for the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District.
Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, has repeatedly stated that the 2020 election was free of widespread fraud in Johnson County, as have local election officials. “It doesn’t take two years to certify an election,” Kelly said during an interview with The Star Editorial Board.
As county commissioner, O’Hara spoke out in opposition to a giant solar farm project in southwest Johnson County. By her own admission, she is staunchly opposed to masking and COVID-19 vaccines, and, like Sheriff Hayden, is a 2020 election conspiracy theorist. She did not accept our invite for an interview or return messages seeking comment.
In a recent debate between candidates, O’Hara gave Johnson County low marks — “a D-minus” — for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which infected nearly 170,000 Johnson Countians, county data show. To date, nearly 1,300 residents have died, according to county officials.
“We should have been focusing on the most vulnerable. We should have been focusing on those 70 and over and those with comorbidities. Closing schools, masking our children has done so much damage,” O’Hara said during a public forum hosted by The Shawnee Mission Post.
In the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended people wear masks indoors, including in schools, to slow the spread of the airborne virus.
The pandemic was extremely challenging for everyone, Kelly told us. Roeland Park was among the first Johnson County communities to approve mask mandates after the county ended its mandate last year. O’Hara, Kelly’s opponent, voted against the extension of the mask mandate and social distancing rules.
Another reason voters should reject O’Hara as chair: wasteful spending. Last spring, she sued the Blue Valley School District for not allowing her to attend a public hearing without a mask, costing taxpayers in that district money to fight the litigation. A judge dismissed the petition, which the district’s attorneys had labeled a political stunt.
Beyond her penchant for performative politics, O’Hara has not shown the willingness to engage in issues important to all Johnson County residents. Because of those distinctions, we recommend Kelly for Johnson County Commission chair.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the endorsements?
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is comprised of seasoned opinion journalists and is separate from The Star’s newsroom. The board’s members are editorial writers Toriano Porter and Mara’ Rose Williams — all veteran journalists with decades of experience. Editors Derek Donovan is also a member, and editor David Tarrant, while not a member of the board, reads and often improves each editorial we publish. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Star Editorial Board invites candidates in each race to meet with the board in an on-the-record discussion, the purpose of which is more fully understand what distinguishes one candidate from another. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates. The editorial board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous..
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We do weigh heavily their stances on issues we consider basic tests of judgment and candor, such as whether they even acknowledge climate change as real, or if they continue to deny the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. We weigh these factors against many others, and state clearly what our conclusions are. Primarily, we evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats, making recommendations about who the best-qualified candidate for each job is.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of The Star’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.