#joco young dems

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Endorsement: Michael Blanchard for Gardner City Council

Michael Blanchard Gardner City Council

Michael Blanchard is running for the Gardner city council At-Large position. He has lived in Gardner for over 20 years and has been getting involved with his community recently through various service organizations such as the Gardner Rotary Club. Michael started a successful company, Buzzfish Media, which provides marketing services and develops websites for businesses. Michael was inspired to run for office because he wasn’t happy with a lot of things going on in our local government and decided to get involved. He said that this is also an important opportunity to show to his kids and others that if you want to make a difference in the world, you just have to be willing to try. 

An issue that’s important to Michael is economic development. He thinks we should capitalize on some of the economic opportunities in Gardner that will allow us to provide some of the amenities we love while taking some burden off of the residents. He also thinks we should strongly invest in Gardner’s infrastructure and Parks and Recreation department. 

Michael is inspired by all the people who have worked to make Gardner such an amazing place. He believes we need leaders in our community beyond just election years who are actively working to make our community a better place for everyone. 

http://voteforblanchard.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VoteforBlanchard/

Candidate bio provided by Cole Johnson, Communications Team member

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Endorsement: Deann Mitchell for Olathe City Council

Deann Mitchell Olathe City Council At-Large

Deann Mitchell is a strong education advocate and Certified Financial Planner. She is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and prosperous community for all Olathe residents.  Her goals and priorities as a member of the Olathe City Council include supporting education in the city, ensuring the Council upholds its fiscal responsibilities, promoting public health by expanding fire and health emergency services, ensuring economic prosperity, and advocating for diversity. She has been involved in community service for years, serving as a PTO member and President at Scarborough Elementary, and leads the local non-profit Veterans Voices Writing Project.  Mitchell was previously appointed to both the Kansas Credit Union Council and State Behavioral Health Services Planning Council.

From the Platform page of Deann’s website: “Deann has lived in Olathe for 32 years, has raised her family there and has watched the city more than double in size. Olathe is no longer a sleepy bedroom community but a vibrant part of the metro region with a voice that deserves to be heard. Olathe needs leaders who will fight for quality education, improved job opportunities through solid business strategies, a strong economy, and a safe community. The heart of Olathe hasn’t changed in 32 years, but the diversity of the community has evolved.   We need a strong leader who will embrace that diversity and find ways to engage community members to support and promote our common goals.”

https://www.mitchell4olathe.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mitchell4olathe/

[email protected]

Candidate bio provided by Shawn Moore, Communications Team member

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Endorsement: Lee Cross for JCCC Board of Trustees

Lee Cross JCCC Board of Trustees

“Both of my parents inspired me to go to school and acquire as much education as possible... JCCC meant the world to my family.”

Up for re-election to the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees, Lee Cross cites a familial passion for education as the inspiration for his campaign. Cross’ prior experience stems from eleven years of practicing law, and from his tenure as Treasurer for the Board of Trustees. He believes Kansas community colleges should move towards a cost-free attendance model, and that increased recruitment within minority populations should be a priority. Additionally, Cross will continue to support on-campus sustainability measures, due process for teachers, and reinstating limitations on concealed-carry laws that currently allow individuals to carry concealed weapons on college campuses.

Inspired by the passion shared by Johnson County residents for self-government and local elections and having served as Treasurer of the Kansas Young Democrats, Cross is thrilled to see the excitement, interest, and hard work demonstrated by the JoCo Young Dems.

http://crossforthecollege.com/

[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/CrossForTheCollege/ Twitter: @Cross4JCCC

Bio provided by Angela Clem, Communications Team Co-Chair