Welcome to the Sixth District!

The Sixth District includes the bulk of Johnson County’s unincorporated areas that stretch to the southern and western county lines. It is an area marked by the traditions and hallmarks of original small towns. Approximately 42 percent of the county’s 477 square miles remains unincorporated, even though Johnson County’s population has passed the half-million mark! In addition to the rural area, the Sixth District includes the communities of Gardner, De Soto, and Edgerton, along with the western portions of the city of Olathe. The district also includes the townships of Gardner, Lexington, McCamish, and Olathe.

For many citizens, like me, who call the Sixth District their home, the “small-town atmosphere” is not only one of the district’s distinctive qualities, it’s considered to be one of its best assets! Even though the area has seen significant growth and development in the past few years, the overall quality of life enjoyed by residents has not diminished. Friendliness, community spirit, and just plain simple fun are key ingredients for maintaining small-town celebrations, and the Sixth District is home to many fine celebrations. From Old Settlers Days in Olathe, the Johnson County Fair in Gardner, to De Soto Days and Edgerton Frontier Days, the Sixth District’s hometown parades and festivals bring people together to commemorate our heritage and to call attention to our community’s identity and individuality.

In addition to the top-quality neighborhoods and nationally recognized public school districts, the Sixth District includes the New Century AirCenter in Gardner, the Johnson County Administration Building and Courthouse, the Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center, and the Mahaffie Farmstead and Stagecoach Stop, Kill Creek Park, and TimberRidge Adventure Center, all in Olathe. Other points of interests within the Sixth District include: Kill Creek Lake; Gardner Lake; Mildale Farm; Kansas School for the Deaf; Lanesfield School Museum; and the Gardner, Edgerton and De Soto libraries. In addition, the district encompasses 49 public schools from three separate school districts, including the Olathe School District, De Soto School District, and the Gardner-Edgerton School District.

As a commissioner, my first responsibility is to serve the citizens of the Sixth District as their elected representative on the Johnson County Board of Commissioners. In fulfilling that goal, I intend to earn the respect of my constituents by working hard and by attending all the council meetings and advisory board meetings I can to gather information on the issues which need to be handled at the county government level.

I believe that good working relationships and trust are earned through hard work and an understanding that we are ALL working for the common good of the Johnson County community as a whole.  It has been my experience that strong teams are formed by people all pulling in the same direction for the common good, and not by playing odd-man out.  In achieving that goal, I will display the leadership needed to ensure that the Board of County Commissioners, as a whole, works together as a team and yet maintains and meets the needs of other commissioner districts.

As Sixth District residents, we enjoy a true sense of community that ranges from rural open spaces to urban neighborhoods. If we are to maintain the character of our communities of choice, we must have a commissioner who is committed to knowing the residents, hearing their voices and concerns on issues, and having the courage to represent the citizens of western Johnson County as a member of the Board of County Commissioners.  
That’s my job and I welcome the opportunity to do so.