Who’s running for BPU, UG commission & other Wyandotte County races in Nov. 7 election?
Early voting — also called in-person advance voting — began Saturday for Wyandotte County’s municipal and school board elections on Nov. 7. That means any registered voter can cast a ballot before Election Day at an advance voting location.
There are five advance voting locations in Wyandotte County. They are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30 through Friday, Nov. 3.
This voter guide covers races for the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Board of Directors, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Board of Commissioners (UG commission) and other municipal races within the county.
Find our voter guide to school board elections here.
Find our guide to early voting here.
How the voter guide works
Click on your district to view candidates’ responses to three survey questions. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on your ballot.
The Star contacted each candidate multiple times over the past several weeks using contact information provided by the county election office, each respective school board and any contact information we could find on our own that was not otherwise available. We asked that candidates keep their responses to 150 words or fewer.
Those without responses listed under their names did not respond by the deadline.
If you are a candidate and would like to get in touch with us and submit responses still, you can email Allison Dikanovic at adikanovic@kcstar.com. Voters will continue using this tool all the way through Election Day.
A note on editing and fact-checking
Survey responses are the candidates’ own words exactly. The Star did not fact-check or edit responses and did not make any stylistic changes to correct grammar, spelling, punctuation or capitalization errors.
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.
BPU Board of Directors
You can vote for one candidate per district.
AT-LARGE POSITION 3
Rose Mulvany Henry
Incumbent? Yes
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
I am a utility attorney by day, in the communications industry. I believe my education and experience allow me to find the right mix of policies that will promote a sustainable hometown utility. As a result, I am uniquely qualified to sit on the BPU Board. I have lived in Wyandotte County almost my entire life and am proud to call it home. I care a great deal about my community and our BPU customers.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
1. Make BPU Easier to Do Business With. BPU Customer Service Policies, that impact every customer that does business with the utility, need to be completely transformed so they do not negatively affect our most vulnerable customers in a disproportionate manner. The current Board began that work on 10/18/23, with the goal is to continue working sessions until that is accomplished.
2. Separate UG and BPU Charges. The BPU/UG officials must continue to hold regular public meetings until we succeed in separating the UG and BPU charges into separate bills. BPU customers should not live in fear of having their utilities disconnected for failure to pay charges unrelated to those utilities.
3. Pursue State & Federal Funding. BPU needs to apply for as much state and federal funding available for which it qualifies. This funding will hopefully reduce our operating costs and migrate toward even more green energy that could, in turn, lower rates. As a Board member, I will require monthly updates on the utility’s efforts to apply for such funds.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
AFL-CIO Tri-County Labor Council; International Association of Firefighters Local 64; Laborers Union Local 1290; and, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 53.
CeCe Harlin
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
My ability to read and understand! The Current board has 2 Attorneys, Data Analyst, a businessman, a ex Register of Deeds and Mary Gonzales and they can’t seem to get it right! Let’s try the Qualified and not the Over Qualified, because they are failing us as a community!
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
The General Manager and top management needs to be Replaced with people willing to work with the board, junk fees and UG taxes on our bill!
Who has endorsed your campaign?
The People
DISTRICT 1
Stevie A. Wakes, Sr.
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
I have been a community servant for over 35 years working and serving the citizens of Wyandotte County, leading and collaborating with leaders and the electorate to improve the quality of life for all. Since moving to Kansas City, I have married and raised a family who are all now leading in their own ways. I have obtained another Bachelor of Arts and two Masters degrees while working and serving in Wyandotte County. I also served as a Community Liaison for the Unified Government, working with northeast area residents, neighborhood associations and community leaders, as well as Unified Government staff to help with the development of a northeast area master plan.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
(1) I plan to push for stronger communication between the BPU, Unified Government Commission, and BPU customers.
(2) I plan to push for imporoved efficiencies to reduce customer costs.
(3) I plan to push for the elimination of the PILOT and other unrelated fees from our utility bills.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Tri-County Labor Council, United Auto Workers Local 31
Alex Sanchez
Incumbent? No
Alex Sanchez did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
DISTRICT 3
Jeffrey A. Bryant
Incumbent? Yes
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
I am a cost analyst for a large manufacturer in KCK. My background helps me determine the most cost effective solutions to our utility needs in KCK.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
I have helped guide $75 million in capital improvements in the 3rd District, since being elected. Continuing to beef up reliability is my number 1 priority, but it must be done in a cost-effective manner. I have also pushed hard to increase our portfolio of renewable energy sources. Since being elected, these have grown to nearly 50% of our total energy sources.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
I have not sought out any endorsements, as I prefer to seek the input from my constituents.
Campaign website: http://www.bryantbpu.poliengine.com
Brett Parker
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
I have fought for cost of living issues as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. I serve on the board of a large local nonprofit.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
My top priorities are keeping costs down for residents, providing excellent constituent service, and moving toward more affordable and sustainable energy sources for the long term. We can begin addressing the first and third priorities by aggressively pursuing state and federal grants. We can also stop charging the highest rates to the lowest users.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
IBEW Local 53, Tri-County Labor
Campaign website: https://www.parker4bpu.com/
UG Board of Commissioners
You can vote for one candidate per district.
AT-LARGE DISTRICT 1
Melissa Brune Bynum
Incumbent? Yes
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
As a lifelong Wyandotte County resident, I am passionate about continuously working to improve our community. I enjoy serving the people of Wyandotte County and I am dedicated to make Wyandotte County better for everyone that lives and works here. My loyalties are with our residents and each of the entities that also work toward improvement – the many neighborhood groups, non-profit organizations, churches and businesses that call Wyandotte County home. I am present, prepared and responsive to taxpayers. I thoroughly prepare for meetings and research issues, as we seek solutions to challenges together.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
Lowering of the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) – current and ongoing; PILOT relief for older adults and disabled was adopted 10.12.23 from a task force I led. Now I want to work on lowering the PILOT for all and separating needed Unified Government user fees away from the utility bill.
Continued efforts to lower the mill levy rates (including working with other local taxing entities such as the community college and school districts) and work with state leadership to balance property valuation methods.
Continued support for strengthening animal services – including hiring needed staff and seeking ways to expand shelter space.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Tri County Labor Council
IBEW Local 124
Intl Assoc. of Firefighters Local 64
FOP Lodge 4
Greater KC Building Trades Council
Laborers Local 1290
Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors
Homebuilders Association of Greater Kansas City
Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Ricky Smith
Incumbent? No
Ricky Smith did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
DISTRICT 2
Bill Burns
Incumbent? No
Bill Burns did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
Anna Cole
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
Transparency & proactive vision. Though I am a long time KCK resident and neighborhood advocate - I am not burdened by the expectations of favoritism, elitism and specialness that come along with being born into a 100 year old political dynasty. While I have enjoyed success as a small business owner - I also know all too well how it feels to be in constant survival mode. I am of the people - not the machine.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
Infrastructure - due to 40+ years of neglect by our long ago leadership, our Bridges are failing - nearly all of them. By hiring proven grant writers / lobbyists to win Federal and State funds, we will accelerate the process. Sky High Taxes/Budget - there is a tremendous amount of redundancy in our government. Simply put, cut the blatant fat, and employ creative enticements to bring balanced density to our East WaterWay Communities - instead of giving away our tax dollars to one off, failed developments. We know our worth and we’re ready to take a chance on change.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Privately, the amount of personal endorsement from many folks within the UG and private industry that Ive received is truly humbling. I stand in absolute solidarity with our unions, I know those folks aren’t simple “worker bees” with a hive mind. I intentionally did not seek any traditional endorsement as I feel it can muddy the waters a bit. I seek the People’s Endorsement.
Campaign website: http://www.cole4wyco.com
DISTRICT 3
Tina M Medina
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
I am a community leader, grant writer, author, and small business owner who has lived in the area all of my life. My business experience at Wise Writers and Speakers is very solid. I have served as the Executive Director of Arrmourdale Renewal Association and learned a great deal. My professional background and project management experience are vast and I care about the residents. It is my goal to use my education and professional experience to serve as a listening and active leader who responds in a two to three-day period.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
Better Communication, Customer Service to Residents, and Push to Balance the Budget I am a natural communicator and desire to actively communicate with the residents who reach out to me, but I also will be reaching out to them as well. To date, I have spoken and reached out to about 3000 residents. I listen to them and try my best to help them.Customer Service - I desire to help serve them and be their voice and sincere advocate.Push to stop the UG from borrowing 16 to 18 million dollars a year - it is like living on credit cards and expecting someone else to pay your basic bills. This has to stop because we will never get out of debt if we continue to borrow for basic capital costs.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
The UAW Local 31 and local residents in Argentine and Rosedale.
Campaign website: http://votetinamedina.com
Christian A Ramirez
Incumbent? Yes
Christian A Ramirez did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
DISTRICT 4
Evelyn Hill
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
Years of experience of working through tough decisions about budgets, negotiations with union, new construction, and student academic success while being a part of the Board of Educatuon.
1) Advocated for Safe and Welcoming initiatives for all residents.
2) Advocated for families with BPU concerning their high bills, the pilot tax and high deposit rates
3) Collaborated with Campaign Zero and the KCK POLICE department to change policies on de-escalation.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
Work with community to find solutions for the unhoused neighbors in our district.
Work with stakeholders in our community to improve economic development.
Work with the KCK POLICE and citizens to make sure our residents have a safe place to live, work and play. (Public Safety)
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Tri-County Labor Council
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and joiners of America
Campaign website: www drhill4kck.com
Tarence Maddox
Incumbent? No
Tarence Maddox did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
DISTRICT 6
Steve Neal
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
Over 20 years community experience
Have served on multiple boards and neighborhood groups
Served 2 years on UG Board of Zoning and City Planning Commission
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
1. Safer Neighborhoods and Stronger Communities through partnering with Neighborhood Groups, Community Policing, and Public and private entities.
2. To be active, accessible, and accountable in representing all of District Six, which is West Argentine, Morris, Muncie, and Turner.
3. Work to cut wasteful spending, increase revenue and repair the faulty property appraisal process through careful, thoughtful research, collaboration with other Commissioners and Mayor, while identifying state and federal funding available and working with state representatives and senators concerning the state regulated appraisal process.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Many District Six residents and several unions, including IBEW 53 and 124, Roofers Local 20, Local Independent Association of Firefighters, Carpenters, and Pipefitters Local 533.
Philip Lopez
Incumbent? No
Philip Lopez did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
Bonner Springs Mayor
You can vote for one candidate.
Tom Stephens
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
16 years on the City Council with the last 10 years as the President
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
1) Continue with strong economic development.
2) Ensure the government represents all citizens.
3) Work at improving housing options for the residents.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Former Mayor Clausie Smith, current Mayor Jeff Harrington, current Councilmembers Dani Gurley, Rodger Shannon, Bob Reeves, Chris Woods, Cassandra Long, former Councilmember Joe Peterson, former Councilmember and current Kansas House Rep. Mike Thompson.
J. Michael Tiner‐Mackey
Incumbent? No
J. Michael Tiner-Mackey did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
Bonner Springs City Council
You can vote for up to two candidates per district.
WARD 2
Emily Blanks
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
Contracted as the Executive Director of the Bonner-Edwardsville Chamber, Board of Directors for Vaughn-Trent Community Services, Bonner Springs Tourism and Downtown Business Forward.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
Highlighting our 10 parks with free community events then having more sidewalks to connect to these parks. Continue encouraging and bridging connections with the police department and the community. Focus on healthy and diverse economic development that will be positive for our residents while keeping the future in mind.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Several downtown businesses
Campaign website: http://www.emilyforcouncil.org
Dani Gurley
Incumbent? Yes
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
For 8 years I have proudly helped the City with major capital projects (i.e., City Hall, Police Dept, Water Treatment Plant), +$1mil/yr in street improvements, and increasing employee salaries while also helping to lower the mill levy. We have considered multiple commercial proposals – some I supported, some I did not for various reasons. We have worked to remove blighted buildings within the City. And we continue to welcome new businesses and residents to our town. Bonner has been my home for 30 years and it is as important to me as to every resident.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
I want to continue our path of fiscal responsibility. We have made major investments in infrastructure and capital projects and there are more to come. We must take on these projects but also work to not create more pain points for the residents.Bonner is at 98% residential occupancy. I hope to encourage more housing opportunities, especially maintenance provided homes, 55+ communities, and senior living options so we can continue to be a multi-generational City. How to make that happen is the real question as there is limited buildable property for sale; it may require tax incentives and those must be carefully considered.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
I am fortunate to have the endorsement of Mayor Jeff Harrington, Council President Tom Stephens, Councilmember Rodger Shannon, Commissioner Chuck Stites. I’ve neither sought nor accepted endorsements from special interest groups. I serve all residents and businesses of Bonner Springs without bias.
Campaign website: http://facebook.com/daniforcouncil
Milton Watters
Incumbent? No
Milton Watters did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
Edwardsville City Council
Camila Adcox
Incumbent? Yes
Camila Adcox did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
Michael Moulin
Incumbent? No
Michael Moulin did not complete The Star’s candidate survey.
Greg L. Scott
Incumbent? Yes
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
My wife and I have lived in Edwardsville for 23 years and raised our girls here. They both went to Edwardsville Elementary and then on to Bonner Springs high school. My wife recently retired from Bank Midwest in Edwardsville after working their over 15 years. We are vested and care deeply about the community we live in. I was on the planning and zoning board for 5 years before being appointed to City Council which will be 2 years this December.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
Reduce the tax burden to our citizens when it makes sense to do so!
Our City council has voted collectively to lower the mill levy the last 8 years. Just recently I made the motion to reduce the mill levy by 3/4 of a mill and it passed 5-0. I will continue to look at new growth opportunities within our City as well as ask staff to continue efforts in obtaining grant funding.Roadway repairs as well as ditches and culverts as necessary!Increasing our road repair budgets as well as to continuing our efforts with grant funds.
Build a new City Hall with adjacent Fire Department & Police Department as well as a new location for Public Works!
This has been needed for over 10 years now. Our City Hall is outdated, has mold issues, has roof issues and has limitations on future needs. These projects were slated to be built years ago which is why our entire Police Department and Fire Chief are in portable office trailers. We have already been approved financially for all of these projects.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Many of our past and current Edwardsville staff and elected officials. I have spoken with many of our residents as well that like my input at council meetings and that my votes are not based on pressure from political parties or friendships on the city council like some of the others are. I’m respectful with my comments and base my votes according to our residents comments, my professional experiences and the information that is in front of me.
Mike Wheeler
Incumbent? No
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
I am a 30-year resident. I have worked extensively over the years with the city to help build our community and make it better for families.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
Explore leaving the UG. Expand residential roads and sidewalks. limit industrial expansion. I will commit to extensive research and discussion to explore how each of these might better our community.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Chuck Adams
Garrett Mellott
Incumbent? Yes
What specific experiences make you the most qualified candidate to serve in this position?
I am 4th generation resident of Edwardsville and lifelong resident. With historical knowledge of Edwardsville, plus serving as President of the 1990’s planning commission during the industrial growth spurt as well as over 24 years as member of the City Council some as (President of Council) I have vast history and experience of what I feel most residents expect of me in this capacity.
What are your top 1-3 priorities you hope to accomplish while in office, and what steps do you plan to take to make them happen?
In no particular order, at this time I want to focus on the success and growth of the Public Works department, update equipment, plan street rating system and make necessary repairs, upgrades or rebuilds.
New Public Works facilities are in the plan if the funding and property can become available.
The City is need of new facilities for the better of our citizens and Public Safety personnel. At this time our Police Department is housed in a mobile unit that was given to the City around 10 years ago by Prairie village. The Fire Department Officers are also housed in a mobile unit that is inadequate for the successful operation of duties. These needs are being addressed at this time, but consensus of council is an ongoing issue.
Who has endorsed your campaign?
Several businesses in Edwardsville as well as multiple citizens. I have been approached by unions (I am a retired member of AFT) but have not followed up on them.
