ShawneeDispatch.com

October 23, 2008 Chat is closed, read transcript below.

Moderator:

Hello, and welcome to our chat with Jim Allen, former mayor of Shawnee and now candidate for the 2nd District seat on the Johnson County Board of Commissioners. Now, let's get started with some questions. I'll get the ball rolling.

Moderator:

Mr. Allen, you've been out of the political scene for four years now. What made you decide to run for the Board of County Commissioners?

Jim Allen:

In the last four years I have involved in the Shawnee Chamber, Shawnee Sisters Cities and other civic organizations. At this stage of my life, I'm ready to get back into politics.

LenexaGirl:

Please tell me what decision(s) that incumbant made that disagreed with? If the decision was related to spending or taxes please tell how you would have provided the resources to accomplish the goal?

Jim Allen:

He went to the State Legislature and asked for their support on a bill to raise the sales tax for the county. All of this money would have went to the county instead of being shared with the cities as it was in the past. The cities found out about this and blocked this bill.
I will work with the cities on all tax matters and not try to do something without their support.

new2shawnee:

What did you think of the county-wide sales tax for the jail and other safety-related items that passed in August?

Jim Allen:

I agreed with the vote of the people who passed this county-wide sales tax for jails and safety related items.

Moderator:

We have two readers that asked very similar questions, so we'll post both of them to allow Mr. Allen to answer them at the same time.

Chloe:

Jim,

I am a bit concerned regarding the stance on taxes - please help me to understand your statement that you did not raise taxes in Shawnee for the 11 years you were mayor and reconcile that with the fact that the next Council and Mayor had to raise taxes (according to something I read in the Star) by around 16 to 18 percent. My understanding is that this dramatic increase was necessary to continue basic services, not for some fancy new program?

Not that i want to pay higher taxes ----

Thanks

Chloe

mymoney:

The Shawnee council and mayor that raised taxes in 2006 claimed the previous council and you as mayor were responsible for the tax increase, do you accept responsibility or are they wrong? Did you vote on the budgets that lowered taxes as mayor?

Jim Allen:

It is true that the mill levy rate did not increase in the 11 years I was Mayor. In fact, it went down almost 17% when I was Mayor. After I left office two and 1/2 years later, the council at that time approved an increase. The current Mayor ran for office saying it was not necessary to raise taxes when I left.

Moderator:

Mr. Allen, what county government issues do you think District 2 constituents are the most concerned about?

Jim Allen:

Not raising the mill levy. Additional library for Western Shawnee/Lenexa. A new location to register your vehicle in the Shawnee/Lenexa area.

new2shawnee:

What will you do to promote the city's status in the county?

Jim Allen:

I will work with the cities of Lenexa, Shawnee and Lake Quivira in a positive manner. I will listen to their concerns and promote their interests. I already have a good working relationship with all three of these cities.

Moderator:

Alright, I think we have time for one more question. We had a question submitted via e-mail from someone who identified themselves as "shawnee volunteer": If sales tax revenues continue to go down, what is your plan to maintain county services?

Jim Allen:

The county may have to adjust their budget but the priorities should be on funding human services. In tough economic times, we need to take care of those in need.

Moderator:

Alright, we have reached our time limit. Thank you to Jim Allen for participating, and thanks to all those who submitted questions. Don't forget to get out and vote on Election Day, Nov. 4, or take advantage of the advance voting location in Shawnee on the northwest corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Quivira Road, which is open on weekdays and Saturdays.