ShawneeDispatch.com

For Jeff Tollman, economic development is one of the most important issues facing Ward III.

Tollman, a candidate for Shawnee City Council in the ward, listed economic development and promotion of small, local businesses as two of the three issues he felt were most important in western Shawnee. And to increase that development, he thinks the western portion of the city could focus on two specific business sectors.

“I would like to see the city attract top tier jobs, building on some of the industries already in place,” he said. “Western Shawnee specifically has the great opportunity of becoming known for having some of the top technology and health-care jobs in the region. Increasing jobs in high-growth sectors can only build the tax base.”

Tollman, 32, works with a financial investment firm in Kansas City, Kan. He said he thought the three most important issues in Ward III were: a focus on smart development by attracting a diverse mix of retail and professional jobs; maintaining the high quality of schools; and promoting small businesses.

He said he would like to see the creation of a small-business coalition in western Shawnee.

“There are some great entrepreneurs taking risks in my district that need the support of the community,” he said.

He also thinks the city should do more to promote itself with its top school districts, a diverse housing stock and proximity to arts and entertainment venues throughout the metro.

But until the economy improves, the city will continue to look for areas to save money, and Tollman said he thinks the city should evaluate its programs and possibly eliminate or scale back those that don’t impact the community as a whole.

“I also think that looking for ways to create efficiencies and have different departments working together can reduce costs,” he said.

Tollman is a political newcomer but feels as the father of a 3-year-old, he is an “average citizen” in the demographics of his ward and his input would be valuable to the Council.

“I understand what is important to many of the younger families that dominate Ward III,” he said.

He said he watched the city and school districts in his suburban Chicago hometown go through a similar growth pattern to Shawnee’s while winning national accolades.

“I know what makes a great community, and I see the foundation here,” he said. “With the right guidance and decision-making, Shawnee can become the crown jewel of Johnson County. This city has the ability to grow and offer more than any other in the county.”

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