Many of our readers are originally from Stephanie’s “Sharp Record” newsletter list, which is geographically centered on Kansas and the KC Metro area. Being actively involved in state and local politics gives a person a unique perspective on the candidates and races - a perspective which could be helpful to voters strapped for time (and lack of interest) to know the ins and outs of these elections. For most elections, Stephanie shares a “Sharp Sheet” of races and candidates, as well as resources for voting, candidate research, etc. This is the latest version:
👻👻Voting isn't scary (when you have the Sharp Sheet)! You can vote anytime between now & Tuesday at 7pm. The phone lines are open for questions:) 🎃
Pro-Tip: As soon as you vote, MOST campaigns remove you from their advertising lists. Smart campaigns don't want to spend money on people who've already voted. Practice democracy AND clean out your mailbox. TWO THINGS AT ONCE! :)
🧙If a race or candidate is not mentioned here, it means I don't know them well enough to endorse. Full disclosure, current users of any of my products/services include an asterisk*.
🍬🍭Resources: Don't just take my word for it - here are some quick & easy resources to do your own research. Note - It says a lot about candidates which do not answer questions for their community or participate in forums. If they aren't showing up now, guess what happens once they're elected... #justsayin
--Community Surveys & Forums:
https://votejoco.com/candidates/
https://shawneemissionpost.com/2023/10/27/johnson-county-candidates-responses-216710/
--Early voting locations: https://www.jocoelection.org/voting-election-info/advance-voting
--View your sample ballot & Election Day polling place: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView
Lake Quivira City Council: Chip Zimmer
(In addition to Chip's filing, there are 3 write-in candidates for the 3 open council seats and at least 1 write-in candidate for the soon-to-be-vacated Mayor position, none of which I know well enough.)
Lenexa Mayor: Joe Karlin*
Ward 3: Dan Roh*
Olathe Mayor: LeEtta Felter*
Overland Park Ward 2: Jameia Haines*
Overland Park Ward 3: Tom Carignan*
Overland Park Ward 5: Inas Younis*
Overland Park Ward 6: Christopher Newlin
Shawnee Mayor: Mickey Sandifer
SMSD Board: David Westbrook*, Jessica Hembree, SMSD Board of Education
BVSD Board: The A+ Team for Blue Valley Schools, which includes Jodie Dietz, Jan Kessinger*, Patrick Hurley, Clay Norkey
DeSoto Schools: Anh-Nguyet Nguyen
Gardner/Edgerton Schools: Aleksandra Nokes
JCCC Trustees: Cindy Green*
WaterOne Board: Jerry Cook*
Thanks, Dale! Sometimes a bit too candid, but rather air on the side of transparency :-)
The Sharp Sheet is the person to go to when you want straight and honest information about those running for office state, City, local and federal. I know there is information out there but finding a source can be difficult. Thank you