On The Issues:

I believe in keeping taxes low, especially in tough economic times. Many Shawnee citizens have seen their income become stagnant but have less money to spend because of tax increases over the same time period. I would like to see the citizens of Shawnee keep more of their own money.

Another goal of mine is to make Shawnee more friendly to small businesses by reducing excessive regulation. If Shawnee won’t be friendly to small businesses, then other cities will.

I believe in the people, which translates to a smaller role for government. I believe that money is best spent in the hands of those who earn it, which is done through keeping taxes low, and eliminating excessive regulations. Business should be treated as friends, but not at an additional burden to taxpayers.

I want to make sure the people of Ward 2 are being represented. When the city added the franchise tax to your utility bills, increased your property tax, increased the sales tax on the Ten Quivira Plaza shopping center, discussed going with a single trash hauler, and then chose to do away with detailed minutes so we could hold them accountable, I felt as though the city was overspending and over regulating.

My Core Beliefs:

Representing the Residents of Ward 2
Transparency and Openness in Government
Constitutional Rights and Freedom
Eliminate Excessive Regulations
Low Taxes

 

I, Mike Kemmling, ask your support to serve YOU on the Shawnee City Council. In addition to your vote, I ask for your help in the following manner:

• May I put a sign in your yard in the month of March?
• Would you consider hosting a meet the candidate in Shawnee?
• As you know, a successful campaign cost money, and I would be deeply appreciative of any contribution that you could make.

I hope I can count on your support, and I would be grateful for any assistance you could provide.

Letter: Mayor slapped democracy in face
Reader asks, "Where has democracy gone in this city?"
Ward 2 councilman appointed after contentious meeting
Alan Willoughby was appointed to the Shawnee City Council on Monday, though most of the attention during a 90-minute selection meeting was focused on one of the other four applicants for the job.
Open government has become contentious city issue
Some Shawnee residents, including at least one member of the City Council, say the municipal government has transparency issues.
DA’s office investigating alleged open meetings violation
The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office is investigating allegations that Shawnee Mayor Jeff Meyers and members of the City Council discussed city business in violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.
District attorney: Shawnee officials violated spirit of open meetings act
The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office ruled Wednesday that the spirit of the Kansas Open Meetings Act was violated by Mayor Jeff Meyers and most members of the Shawnee City Council last July and that the resulting appointment of Alan Willoughby to a vacant Ward 2 council seat was the result of “backroom deals.”
Open meetings decision sparks criticism of district attorney
Some say Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe went too far in announcing Mayor Jeff Meyers and members of the Shawnee City Council violated the spirit of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Others said Howe’s long-awaited decision didn’t go nearly far enough.
Four vie for Ward 2 City Council seat
Ward 2 City Council member Alan Willoughby is attempting to retain his seat in a four-way race to be decided by primary voters on Feb. 26.
Kemmling, Willoughby advance in Ward 2 primary
Shawnee dentist Mike Kemmling emerged as the early leader in the four-way Ward 2 City Council primary race after advance ballots and mail ballots were tallied shortly after the 7 p.m. closing of the polls today.
All Shawnee mayoral, council incumbents keep seats — barely
Ward II race decided by less than 1 percent. Shawnee Mayor Jeff Meyers will see a third term in the office after defeating challenger Eric Jenkins in Tuesday's election. Incumbents also won all four of Shawnee's City Council races, though one eked by with a margin of less than 1 percent.
Ward II: Ward II challenger seeks to lower taxes, cut spending
Taxes in the city of Shawnee are becoming too cost-prohibitive for residents and businesses, says Mike Kemmling, and he wants to do something about it.
Candidate questionnaire: Mike Kemmling, Ward II
Kemmling challenges incumbent, Neal Sawyer, in the April 3 general election. The Dispatch sent written questionnaires to each of the two candidates in the Ward II City Council race and is publishing their answers, unedited, online. Mike Kemmling's responses are below.