ShawneeDispatch.com

The tax rate western Shawnee residents face is the most important issue in Ward III, Shawnee City Council candidate Jeff Vaught said.

That’s why the city and De Soto USD 232 working together to promote commercial development and decrease the tax burden on homeowners is another important issue. And in Ward III, the stores residents would like to see, like restaurants and a hardware store, won’t come until the daytime population is larger.

“… We will struggle until there is more daytime population to drive the retail,” said Vaught, who is a principal in a commercial and industrial real estate brokerage firm. “That means more office and office/warehouse development.”

Vaught, 43, said to increase economic development, Shawnee needs to become more competitive with development costs. He said according to a recent study, Shawnee was among the most expensive cities to develop in, and upfront development costs in the city are higher than in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kan.

In addition to economic development, Vaught said he thought a big issue for his ward was to improve communication between western Shawnee residents and city government.

“… The residents of Ward III want to know that they have a voice in the city and that that their issues and concerns will be heard,” he said.

Until economic development does increase, Vaught says the city needs to know what services taxpayers think are most important.

“The resident survey that’s been talked about is a good start,” he said. “An efficiency study has also been discussed. I’m not convinced it makes sense. While I’m certain it would reveal efficiencies and cost savings, without a commitment from the Council to act on the majority of those findings, it could end up costing us money rather than saving it.”

Vaught said it also was important to work with the city’s finance director to understand the city’s financial situation and ensure bond payments are made.

Vaught said after living in Shawnee for 17 years and becoming involved in the community, he had the knowledge and drive necessary to work to continue and improve the city’s quality of life.

“I’m not running because I have an agenda or I thought it would be a good way to get involved,” he said. “I’m running because I care, I am involved and I feel I can make a difference, a positive difference. I know the city, I know the people, and I’m part of the community.”

Comments