First, we must factor in what we are required to fund. Miller: The work we do is focused on funding many of the basic government functions that affect health, safety, and quality of life here in Jackson County. The county budget should prioritize the needs of taxpayers. Past budgets have sought to enrich the friends of legislators through county contracts and other nepotism. The thousands of people I have had the opportunity to speak to … want property tax relief, reduced crime, greater access to mental health and drug recovery services, and most importantly, confidence that their county government is working for them. What government values should reflect what taxpayers value, because policymakers’ first obligation should always be to those they represent - not their own interests. Marshall: I believe the budget is reflective of what the government values. What will be the most important factors for you when making yearly budget decisions? I value setting aside partisan and personal agendas in order to get things done in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible to bring about programs providing the greatest impact. I value listening, learning and weighing all pertinent information from different perspectives before making a decision. Miller: I’ve lived and worked in several places in Jackson County. I will continue listening to the concerns of taxpayers and work diligently to deliver meaningful change. When representatives are not committed to listening to taxpayer concerns, their decisions lack proper responsiveness and instead worsen the lives of residents. When residents across our county are left in the dark, it breeds distrust. Foremost collecting taxes and ensuring a fiscally sound budget so county departments are adequately funded. Marshall: The county government is responsible for a number of important functions. What new perspectives will you bring to the legislature? The Beacon reached out to all three candidates to seek their participation in a questionnaire about what they hope to accomplish as a Jackson County legislator. Tony Miller, a former prosecutor and current legislator representing the 3rd At-Large District.Megan Marshall, a military veteran, current Lee’s Summit Board of Education member and vice president of Lee’s Summit Cares.The primary’s winner will face Republican candidate Lance Dillenschneider in the general Jackson County election.Īlthough they are elected by voters countywide, candidates must live in the 3rd At-Large District, which includes almost all neighborhoods and cities south of 78th Street, including Marlborough, Grandview, Lee’s Summit and unincorporated areas in the southern part of the county. Democrats Megan Marshall and Delmira Quarles are running to unseat Tony Miller. One of those races, for the 3rd At-Large District, features a challenge to an incumbent. While most of them will be elected in district races, three at-large legislators are elected by the entire county in the Jackson County election. Primary races for the nine seats in the Jackson County Legislature have drawn 29 candidates.
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