Welcome to the Second District!

The Second District which covers the upper north-central sector of Johnson County, is defined by flourishing communities and neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and a vibrant business community. The cities of Shawnee and Lake Quivira, and the northern half of Lenexa are included in the Second District, along with a small southeast portion of Bonner Springs.

 

Kansas and Johnson County’s heritage is present throughout the district – from the historic streets of Old Town Lenexa and Old Shawnee Town, to the Johnson County Museum.

 

Much of the Second District occupies the former Monticello Township, which claims an important part in the pages of the county’s history with links to James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok, “Bloody Kansas,” and William Clarke Quantrill. It also was the site of the original county seat of Johnson County when the community of Gum Springs served as the governmental capital for four years after Johnson County was created in 1855 in the Territory of Kansas. Gum Springs later was renamed Shawneetown and finally to Shawnee.

 

There are no townships now existing in the Second District. Monticello Township was disorganized by the county in 2006 since most of its land had been annexed by Lenexa and Shawnee.

 

The Second District is characterized by a variety of recreational opportunities and green space, including the Mid-America Sports Complex, the Wonderscope Children’s Museum, the multi-use 1,250-acre Shawnee Mission Park, and more than 17 miles of walking and bicycle trails at Mill Creek Streamway Park. A strong sense of community spirit and pride are evident year-round as the district hosts the famous Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, the Lenexa Spinach Festival, and the Great Grillers Blues and Barbeque Contest in Old Shawnee Town.

 

A high quality of life and 21 public schools of the Shawnee Mission and De Soto school districts has established the Second District’s reputation as a great place to raise a family, to work, and to call home.

 

As a commissioner, I know first hand about raising a family, working, and living in the Second District. My public service in local government dates back to 1983 as a member of the Shawnee City Council, later as mayor for a decade, and now your Second District County Commissioner beginning in January 2009.

 

I am proud that my trademarks throughout my time in public life have been sound fiscal management and the ability and temperament to build consensus. These are the qualities that I believe we need in order to make our county government function in a more effective and efficient manner.