Candidate Questionnaire: Tom Cooley, Unified Government Board of Commissioners

We continue looking at political candidates across Wyandotte County. Here is today's questionnaire, featuring current Unified Government Board of Commissioner Tom Cooley. 

1.    What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners?

UG Commissioner Tom Cooley

I have over 40 years of experience in public administration and local governments, including the last 13 years as the 7th District Commissioner.  In 1998, I retired after six years as the City Manager of Bonner Springs.  Prior to that, I served as the first City  Administrator for the City of Edwardsville for four years.  Over the 29 years as a public administrator, I have worked for all three cities in my district, plus the city of Lawrence and I bring a solid background in local governments, especially municipal finances budgets to the Unified Government.

2.  As a candidate, what would be your top three priorities as a commissioner in Wyandotte County?

My first priority is to work with my fellow commissioners and the new mayor to continue the positive growth we have experienced in the past decade.  With the completion of the Cerner complex just around the corner, it is important for all of us to encourage good affordable housing for the many Cerner employees that will be coming throughout the county, including Bonner Springs and Edwardsville.

My second priority is to follow the strategic plan the UG governing body spent 18 months developing.

My third priority is to develop stronger partnerships with the other government organizations in the county including the other two cities, the four school districts, the BPU, and the Community College.  All of these organizations have a vested interested in the viability of this county.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Janey Humphries, KCK Board of Education

NOTE: Today, we visit with Janey Humphries, who's running for the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education. Thank you to Janey and all the candidates who have responded so far!

What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools’ Board of Education?

I’ve been engaged with raising and educating children for more than 40 years. I have been a member of site councils and parent groups for schools, committees on the district level and many neighborhood and community groups.  I served as a Regional Vice President for the Kansas PTA. Over the years, I’ve been in every school in our district. During the last year alone, I spent more than half a day in each high school and in most of the middle schools to see for myself what students are learning and how teachers are teaching. As a part of the Community Campaign to raise money for the new South Branch Library I met with business owners and community members, assisted with grant applications, and communicated the need for a modern, accessible library. I have been a regular attendee at the School Board meetings over the past four years. 

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Richard Kaminski, KCK Board of Education

As we move on from the primary, we start looking at the general election races. Today's questionnaire is courtesy of Richard Kaminski, who's looking to make a return to the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education this spring. He served previously on the board, but lost in the previous election cycle. If you have not received a questionnaire and have not received a questionnaire or lost it, email me at nick@kansascitykansan.com!

1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools’ Board of Education?

I have the ability to lead.  I have several years experience in the government sector, including 20 years as a board of education member. I owned and operated a small business for several years, which gave me experience in human resources, budgeting and finances.  I raised four children, who attended school in the district. While doing all this, I earned an AA Degree from KCKCC and BA Degree from Wichita State. As a sergeant in the Marine Corps and a Captain on the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, I proved myself as a leader. To sum it up: I have proven that I have the leadership ability, the experience, knowledge, and a life-time resident who is committed to the community.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Daniel Serda, UG At Large 2

Publisher's Note: We continue looking at candidates across Wyandotte County. Here's Daniel Serda, who's running for the Unified Government Board of Commissioners. 

What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners?

As a KCK native, I've been an advocate for stronger neighborhoods since high school. That passion has motivated my professional career as an educator and city planner, as well as my many commitments to public service over the past decade.  My résumé speaks for itself - but my values, passion and commitment to moving the community forward are my primary credentials for this position.

Although I've never sought elected office, I've served on numerous public bodies and steering committees. My record as a Unified Government Planning Commissioner demonstrates my ability to consider all points of view, and to find common ground on frequently contentious issues. I helped the Rosedale Development Association formulate the plan that is bringing new sidewalks, bike lane and natural trails to the Southwest Boulevard corridor.

As a member of Mayor Reardon's Bi-State Innovations Team, I was an outspoken advocate for leveraging Google Fiber to bridge the digital divide and bring economic opportunity within the reach of young people throughout our community.

Throughout these experiences, I've built strong working relationships with Unified Government staff, which I expect to continue and expand as At-Large Commissioner.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Mark Holland, UG Mayor/CEO

We continue our political questionnaires with Mark Holland. Holland, who was recently endorsed by current Unified Government Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon, is currently on the UG Board of Commissioners. 

 1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve as mayor of Wyandotte County?

I am fourth generation Wyandotte County and third generation pastor in KCK. I have served the last 6 years on the UG Board of Commissioners, at-large Dist. 1.  As an at-large commissioner, I have been elected twice county-wide and I understand the big picture of looking at what is good for the entire community, not just one area.

2.    As a candidate, what would be your top three priorities as mayor if you’re elected mayor?

a.     Continue economic development that has brought 6,000 new jobs, and ensure that our citizens have training and mentorships for those jobs.

b.    Use the STAR bond payoff in 4 years to bring real property tax relief

c.    Continue to strategically invest in development throughout the city.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Jarvis Collier, UG District 5

We continue taking a look at the political candidates for Wyandotte County offices today with Rev. Jarvis Collier, who's running for the Unified Government's 5th District position against incumbent Mike Kane.

1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve as UG commissioner for Wyandotte County?


I am a native of Los Angeles, Calif. I am a graduate of the University of California, UCLA, with a BA in Political Science. Additionally, I received the MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. I have other Graduate Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have written five books being used in churches across America.


I have been a resident of KCK since 2000. I came to serve as Pastor of the 146-year-old Pleasant Green Baptist Church. Over 13 years, we have served well in the community: feeding over 2,000 individuals/families each year; establishing a Christian School; annual blood drives (American Red Cross); and,we developed Northeast Junior High School into 43 units of senior housing.

Additionally I have served as Chairman of the Board for the United Way of Wyandotte County (2007-2008). I have met with Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback regarding public education. Later, I testified before the Kansas Senate Education Committee. In consultation with US Rep. Kevin Yoder, US Senator Jerry Moran and other officials, I raised important concerns.


During the recent controversy regarding the move of the EPA to the suburbs, away from downtown KCK, I led the fight to keep that building and those employees right here. I also accompanied Mayor Reardon to a White House meeting with officials there.

Most dear to my heart, with other ministers and community leaders, I championed the need of a quality grocer in the urban core of our city.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Cordell Meeks III, Unified Government Mayor/CEO

Today's candidate questionnaire comes from Cordell Meeks, who's seeking the office of Mayor/CEO of Wyandotte County. We ran a questionnaire from Nathan Barnes earlier this week. We have commitments from two other mayor candidates, but have not heard from the fifth campaign.


1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve as mayor of Wyandotte County? 

I am running for Mayor of the city that I love. I have chosen to spend my entire life as a KCK resident. I passionately believe in the future of this city - and with your help, we will create a new generation of change and opportunity. We will create new economic development and improve our educational institutions. I believe, that with the help of business and community leaders and the input of our citizens, I can lead our community to the next level of success in economic development and education. I am a small business-owner. I work with corporate leaders across the metro and across the country. I have spent years working to improve our community, volunteering with many group, bringing people together to achieve success together. I believe all these experiences have prepared me to become CEO of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Hal Walker, UG At-Large 2

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: We continue our questionnaires with Hal Walker, who's running for the UG At Large 2 Commissioner's Seat. 

1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners?

I served as Chief Legal Counsel to the Unified Government and as City Attorney for 23 years, giving me the unique perspective of understanding the legal and operational basis of municipal government from both the county and city perspective. I also served for 23 years as Chief Counsel to the Board of Public Utilities and gained an understanding of the importance of the utility to the present and future of our community. I will have both knowledge and experience at making high-level difficult decisions and the independent resources to reach a decision without undue reliance on administration and staff.

Candidate Questionnaire: Nathan Barnes, Unified Government Mayor/CEO

Another day, another candidate questionnaire or profile. Today we have our first mayoral candidate - Nathan Barnes. Barnes has served on the Unified Government's Board of Commissioners for 18 years. He was the first person to declare his candidacy, doing so even before current UG Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon announced that he wasn't running again. 

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1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve as mayor of Wyandotte County?

My 18 years in elected office as first district city councilman and first district county commissioner. I participated in the making of all the success that we are experiencing now in Wyandotte County. I have my personal fingerprint on all of the developers’ agreements on all projects out west and throughout the county.

2. As a candidate, what would be your top three priorities as mayor if you’re elected mayor?

Lowering taxes, jobs for Wyandotte County residents, and the stabilization of our transportation system

3. A two-part question - What distinguishes you as the top candidate for this position and what differences should voters in Wyandotte County look at before making their choice?

My 18 years of experience distinguishes me as the top candidate. The voters should look for the mayor’s ability to unify the elected body. Your history of promoting togetherness or fracturing the elected body should determine your future as the mayor.

4.    In the next three to four years, millions of dollars will become available after the city finishes off paying bonds that were issued to increase the economic development in Western Wyandotte County. As the mayor, how would you encourage that money to be spent?

I would first encourage the commissioners not to spend it before they get it. I would encourage the commissioners to spend some of it on lowering taxes, strengthening the reserve fund, to fill critical vacant departmental positions and a very limited amount to balance the budget.

5.    What in your opinion are the three biggest challenges facing Wyandotte County? If you feel there are more than three to list, feel free to.

The three biggest challenges facing Wyandotte County are: high taxes, jobs for residents and the revitalization of the urban core (especially Indian Springs).

Other concerns that rate high on my list are diversified housing for the influx of newly created jobs, transportation to get to those jobs, the access to healthy foods also known as “food deserts”, reserve fund balance, and the many unfunded mandates by the EPA.

6.    Do you feel the Unified Government can do more to increase growth in areas outside of Western Wyandotte County, particularly the northeast part of Wyandotte County?

Yes. To do so requires that we make a long-term investment and commitment to the urban core and to employ a developer that specializes in urban core development. This effort could reap the same rewards as those being had in the western area of our county.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: James Connelly, UG Board of Commissioners District 1

Today, we continue looking at candidates who are running across Wyandotte County. Today's questionnaire- James Connelly, a candidate for the Unified Government Board of Commissioners District 1 position.

1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners?

First of all, I consider myself a person of service.  I have been working in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., all my adult life.  I presently serve on the Wyandotte County Human Relations Board.  I have been the Executive Director of the Turner House. I am the past president of Women In Crisis, a domestic violence organization.  I was past Chairman of a local NAACP chapter.  I have had the opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity in many of the organizations I was affiliated with. My affiliations in the aforementioned organizations gave me the experience and the opportunity to deal with policy, budgets and organizational operations.  Educationally, I have a MBA.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Douglas Lockwood, Turner Board of Education

Publisher's Note: Beginning today, we are running candidate profiles and questionnaires from the various races across Wyandotte County. Profiles will run in order of the response they come in.

Our first profile is of Douglas Lockwood, who's running for the Turner Board of Education.

1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Turner Board of Education?

I have extensive education with a BS and MBA from Central Missouri State University, a JD from UMKC Law School, and a CFP certification from the College of Financial Planning. I have also taught college credit classes at CMSU for several semesters.

I also have over 30 years working experience in information technology, human resources, financial services, consulting, and corporate management. I have held positions on boards of directors for NonProfit organizations and for the retirement plans of a $100 billion investment firm.

My education and career experience has provided me indepth knowledge of finance, law, contracts, personnel, and other issues that will very likely come before the Board of Education.

In addition, my family has lived in the Turner district for many years, and our children graduated from Turner High (as did my wife, her parents, and her grandparents). Our grandsons, for whom we are guardians, are currently attending Turner Elementary and Turner Middle School.

So, I am quite familiar with the school district.

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2.    As a candidate, what would be your top three priorities as a member of the board of education?

(1)    Maintaining a focus on the best interests of the students;

(2)    Determining the best application of limited funds to advance the quality of education within the district;  and

(3)    Promoting the district and its educational system, which I know to be able to provide a solid educational foundation for students to be successful in whatever career paths they choose.

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3.    A two-part question - What distinguishes you as the top candidate for this position and what differences should voters in Wyandotte County look at before making their choice?

(1)    My superior education and career experience which has proven my leadership and decision-making skills; and

(2)    My belief in the Turner district as a solid place to raise a family and educate our children.

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4.  Another two-part question. School finance is obviously one of the most important issues in any school district. First question – would you be willing to increase property taxes if state funding doesn’t increase? And the second question – if you wouldn’t support a mill levy increase, what would you cut in the budget to help hold the line on taxes?

(1)    There are many discussions going on about how to cover the costs of education required for our children to succeed. I do not think any solution should be summarily rejected, even though I feel that increased taxes on personal residences should be one of the last resorts.

(2)    If the Board decides that a mill levy is required, then a prioritization of all budget items needs to be performed to ensure that the items most critical to providing a quality education are covered first.

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5.  What in your opinion are the three biggest challenges facing Turner as a school district? (If you feel there are more than three to list, feel free too.)

(1)    Covering critical expenses during financially challenging times;

(2)    Providing a secure environment for our students; and

(3)    Continuing to provide successful education programs, as measured by standardized testing.