​     Voters in Jackson County have expanded options to cast a ballot in the August primary election and November general election.
     Voters may head to the polls to vote in-person, request an absentee ballot, or request a mail-in ballot. The mail-in ballot was added due to COVID-19 concerns, enabling all registered voters the option to vote by mail.
     Absentee voters must meet one of seven reasons to vote absentee. Those who have contracted or in an at-risk category for contracting or transmitting coronavirus are now included in the list of reasons to vote absentee. Absentee voters claiming this exemption do not need to have their ballot notarized.
     Every registered voter is eligible to vote by mail-in ballot. An application is available on the Jackson County Election Board’s website, www.jcebmo.org, and may be mailed or dropped off to the Election Board offices at 215 N. Liberty, Independence.
     Once mail-in ballots are received and completed, they must be notarized.
     Requests to vote absentee or via mail-in ballot for the August 4, 2020 primary election must be received on or before Wednesday, July 22, 2020. To vote absentee or via mail-in ballot for the November general election, applications must be received on or before October 21st.
     Voters in the August 4th primary election will cast votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, 6th District U.S. Representative and State Representative District 32.
     Jeff Coleman, Republican Incumbent for MO District 32, will run unopposed, as no candidate has filed for the Democratic, Libertarian, Green, or Constitution parties.
     Voters will also decide on Constitutional Amendment No. 2, which would adopt Medicaid expansion for persons 19 to 64 years of age with an income level at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.
     Polls will be open from 6:00am—7:00pm on election day.
 

     With just 23% of City of Grain Valley voters showing up at the polls, Chuck Johnston was elected Mayor, beating incumbent Michael Todd 48% to 39%. A third candidate, Jeff Craney, received  12% of the vote.
     Reached for comment following his win, Johnston struck a more conciliatory tone than communications made via social media throughout the campaign.
     “I would like to thank everyone that put their faith in me to serve as your Mayor. I will do my best to live up to your expectations,” Johnston said.
     “I don't take this job lightly. I know I have to develop a working relationship with the Board of Aldermen and City staff to achieve the goals I have set. I would also like to congratulate all the others that won their campaign. I look forward to working with all of you. I want to thank those that ran and didn't win for offering their services to the City by running for office. We need those that are willing to work for the betterment of the City, if this City is going to grow and prosper.”
     Voters soundly defeated Questions 1 and 2, which requested more than $38 million in bonds to develop a community campus on the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. In Ward 1, incumbent Alderman Jayci Stratton ran unopposed and received 97.39% of the vote; Bob Headley also ran unopposed in Ward 3, winning 97.78% of the vote. Rick Knox was elected as Alderman in Ward 2, receiving 69.81% of the vote.
     Grain Valley Schools received strong support for its bond issue to add additional fine arts space at the high school. The question passed with 66.71% of the vote.
     In a statement, Dr. Marc Snow, Superintendent of Grain Valley Schools, thanked voters for their support and outlined construction projects to begin immediately.
     “Construction at the high school will begin within the next two weeks. There will be interruptions to the drive off Eagles Parkway this summer as crews relocate the main north/south drive towards the back of the school to make room for the addition. Also this summer, new parking will be added to the east side of the school to replace a staff parking area where the addition will be. Walls for the new instructional spaces should start to go in by September. Students will be walking the hallways of phase 5 in August 2021,” Snow said.
     Three incumbent school board members retained their seats. Jeff Coleman, Tisha Homfeld, and Jan Reding were each reelected, with first time candidate Jeff Wolff as a close contender.
     Voters next head to the polls on August 4th for a primary election. The deadline to register for the August election is July 8th.
 

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     With just 23% of City of Grain Valley voters showing up at the polls, Chuck Johnston was elected Mayor, beating incumbent Michael Todd 48% to 39%. Voters soundly defeated Questions 1 and 2, requesting more than $38 million in bonds to develop a community campus on the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. In Ward 1, incumbent Alderman Jayci Stratton ran unopposed and received 97.39% of the vote; Bob Headley also ran unopposed in Ward 3, winning 97.78% of the vote. Rick Knox was elected as Alderman in Ward 2, receiving 69.81% of the vote.
     Grain Valley Schools received strong support for its bond issue to add additional fine arts space at the high school. The question passed with 66.71% of the vote. Incumbent school board members Jeff Coleman, Tisha Homfeld, and Jan Reding were each reelected, with first time candidate Jeff Wolff as a close contender.
See Thursday’s edition of Grain Valley News for the full story.

​     The municipal election originally scheduled for April 7th will take place Tuesday, June 2nd and Grain Valley voters will have a full slate of issues to decide on. Three candidates vie for Mayor, and aldermen seats are open in each of the City’s three districts.
     Jeff Craney, Chuck Johnston, and Michael Todd are running for Grain Valley Mayor. District 1 Alderman Jayci Stratton is running unopposed, as is District 3 Alderman Bob Headley. In District 2, Joey Burgett and Rick Knox are running for one open seat.
     Grain Valley Schools has placed a $14.5 million no tax increase bond issue on the ballot to fund the addition of instructional spaces primarily dedicated to performing arts, including the addition of a band room, percussion room, instrument storage, practice rooms, black box theater, storage and stagecraft area, and a new choir room.
     Voters will also select three school board members from a slate of five candidates. Candidates for school board include incumbents Jeff Coleman, Tisha Holmfeld, and Janis (Jan) Reding, and candidates Jeff Wolff and Justin Wulff.
     Residents will also decide on a proposed community campus project to be funded through a no tax increase general obligation bond. The last time voters were asked by the City to issue bonds was April 2011.
     Plans for the site include a new civic facility which will house the City Hall, police department, and municipal court. The facility will also include common space and community meeting spaces. The approximate square footage of the civic offices is 31,000 square feet. The size of the current City Hall, Police Department, and Municipal Court is a combined 16,000 square feet.
     Additionally, the proposed campus includes a new community center to include an indoor pool. The proposed center will be approximately 45,000 square feet.
     Plans also outline areas for a play structure, splash pad, and some degree of trail completion at the site. 
     Two separate questions on the ballot addressing the proposed campus will require  super majority approval. Question One calls for a $23.5 million bond, and Question Two calls for a bond in the amount of $15,350,000. Cities may only issue general obligation bonds after obtaining approval of four-sevenths (57.!%) of the qualified voters of the municipality voting on a  question.
     The Jackson County Election Board is asking voters to check their polling location before heading to the polls on June 2nd. Registered voters in eastern Jackson County should have received a letter from the Jackson County Election Board which replaced the traditional “poll notification card” postcard. The letter includes the voter’s polling place information, address, directions, and other information about the upcoming election. The Board sent more detailed information as many polling locations changed for this election. 
     Voters who will be unable to get to their poll on Election Day may vote absentee at the Jackson County Election Board office at 215 N. Liberty, Independence from 8:30am until 5:00pm Monday – Friday.  The office will also be open on Saturday, May 30 from 8:30am until 12:30pm for absentee voting.
      The Jackson County Election Board has taken measures to protect both the voters and poll workers on Election Day. Poll workers will wear masks and gloves. Poll workers and voters will have easy access to hand sanitizer, surfaces will be disinfected regularly, distancing will be enforced, and voters will be given a pen/stylus to use and keep instead of an “I VOTED” sticker. In addition, voters may choose to vote “curbside” instead of coming inside to vote.  Polls will be open 6:00am – 7:00pm.
 

Jeff Craney, candidate for Mayor, did not respond to the questionnaire sent to candidates.
 

I have been married to Diana since 1981. We have two sons, 8 grandchildren, and 1 one great granddaughter. I served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971.We built a home in Grain Valley in 2001 and have lived here ever since. I have worked at OOIDA since 1988; the first 25 years as manager of the insurance claims department. I retired in 2014, and within 7 months found out retirement wasn't something I was good at or really wanted to do. I went back to work at OOIDA in 2015 and still work there.
 
Background:
2006 Grain Valley Citizen of the Year
2008 Pillar of the Community, Grain Valley
24 Years operated the GV Santa Bus (My favorite activity)
10 years Alderman Ward II Grain Valley
1-year Mayor Pro Tem Grain Valley
6 Years Board of Directors State Bank of Missouri
15 Years Grain Valley Economic Development Council
10 years volunteered as cook for Night Out Against Crime Grain Valley
10 Years Board of Directors Grain Valley Assistance Council
7 Years Treasurer of Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce
10 Years held every officer position in the Grain Valley Lions Club
5 Years Board of Directors Grain Valley & Oak Grove Police Dept. Victims’ Rights Committee  
 
     I have taken an active role, as my history shows, in this city since I started working in Grain Valley. I care deeply about his community and want to see it prosper. I feel the city needs to take a different path on its past spending practices. We need to do more to repair streets, curbs and infrastructure that have been overlooked too long. We need to stop investing tax dollars in properties that don't directly benefit the city.
     I have a well-rounded background that I feel makes me the best candidate available to guide this city in those endeavors as your next Mayor. I'm asking for your support, the voters of Grain Valley, to help me get this city back on the right path. 
 
What do you believe is the role of Alderman/Mayor (as applicable for the position for which you are running) and why do you wish to serve your constituents in that role?
First and foremost, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen (BoA) are stewards of the City's funds. The Mayor must be willing and able to take on the responsibility of overseeing that those funds are put to the best interests of the city. This is done by reviewing all the specific needs of the city. Prioritizing those needs, with consideration of all the input one can get from the BoA, city staff, the public, outside sources retained by the city, or any other sources available to reach those decisions. The Mayor and BoA are also responsible for reviewing, revising and establishing the ordinances and resolutions that govern the city. The Mayor and Aldermen have very different roles. The Alderman set policy and directs the implementation with ordinances. The Mayor’s role is administrative. The Mayor must take the role as a leader of the BoA and City staff providing his input, when necessary, into all issues that come before the BoA and/or the City. Once decisions have been determined, the Mayor's obligation is to see they are carried out. The Mayor should develop and maintain relationships with outside sources such as the regional Mayors Conference, the Missouri Municipal League, and other organizations available designed to provide information and assistance to cities. I have always had a strong feeling that service to our community is needed, which I feel I have much to offer.
 
What is your personal vision for the community of Grain Valley in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Where do you see Grain Valley growing in the future?
While I believe we have to plan for the future, we have to be realistic in our planning. The City of Grain Valley has been one of the fastest growing cities in the state over the last 20 to 25 years. I do think we will continue to grow and we need to guide that growth. I don't believe we will maintain the pace of growth we have seen in the past. We currently have a fantastic school system and that will always be a draw to both residential and commercial development. I would like to see more service and retail businesses brought into the city. Those would provide both more amenities to the citizens and help reduce the tax burden. We have to keep in mind businesses choose us we don't choose them. We can only make it more attractive for them to locate in Grain Valley. However, we are starting to run into boundary restrictions that either can't be changed or will require annexation.
 
What are your top 3 priorities in the next two years if you are elected/re-elected?
First, is what the residents keep stating in every survey that has been taken, which is concern about our crumbling roads. We need to put more focus on maintaining our roads and finding solutions. It is definitely our biggest problem and needs to be addressed now. Second, we need to find ways to reduce our tax levy. Our taxes are the biggest deterrent we have to keeping existing or attracting new businesses. It is just as much a deterrent to residents staying in Grain Valley. We need to allocate our current resources to where we get the most return from our investments. Third, we need to open up the lines of communication between the City and the residents. The City currently excels in getting out information on the Fair Days, Trail for Treats, and the Christmas Tree Lighting. Other areas of information sharing could be improved. While these events bring a sense of community, the cost to the City must be monitored closely. Through better communication citizens could be made aware of issues and all sides of the issues, the City is addressing that actually affects their lives. Equal efforts should be made to make it easier for citizens to see what is on the BoA Agenda/ Meetings, to inform and encourage their participation.
 
Do you support the proposed Community Campus project? If so, why? If not, why not, and what do you see as a viable alternative?
For a number of reasons, I do not support this issue! I think this entire project is overpriced, unnecessary, and beyond our current means. As promoted, this project goes without answers to questions critical to taking on the largest most expensive project in this City's history. This project has changed so much from what was originally presented to the citizens last November, it is hardly recognizable and those changes have gone with little explanation to the citizens. It was originally stated as preserving the history of the location. That has all been removed with the exception of a replica of a private water tower at the original location, The existing house will be torn down. One feature most seemed to want was a swimming pool that could be use by the high school swim team. That has been removed from the Phase I of the project. One of the problems the new recreation center was supposed to address was overcrowding at the current pool. With this project, we will be getting a similar size indoor pool and no outdoor pool. Financially, even though this $38.5M bond is promoted as a no new tax, yet it will extend our current debt load out another 20 years. This will greatly reduce our ability to lower taxes. That is just for Phase I. This Bond will max out our current debt level allowed by state statutes. Should there be a major emergency we won't have anything to fall back on, other than tax increases. It is projected to cost in excess of $20M to complete the additional phases with no idea of when or where that money will come from. Another issue, the cost the new Recreation Center is projected to be between $950,000 and $1,500,000 a year. To cover that cost it is projected the center will need 1,600 memberships ranging in price between $588 and $949 a year. There are currently 185 members paying a high of $390 a year. We would need roughly 1 out of every 3 families in Grain Valley to join at the projected fee to cover operational costs. If we don't reach that 1,600 the operating costs will have to be paid out of other City Revenue. That money comes from either reduced services or tax increases? This is already being done with the current smaller community center. Funds from the health and welfare tax and general revenue are funneled over to cover shortages in operational cost(s). With the new facility at four times the size, one would conclude considerably more would be needed to keep the doors open. There are problems with space at the current location that do need to be addressed. However, those can be resolved at the existing location at far more reasonable costs.
 
In the current social media climate, it is easy to detect the things that divide us as a community. What, in your opinion, are the things that unite the citizens and leaders of Grain Valley? Among the things that divide the community, how can you as a leader address these divisions?
I believe what brings us together as a community is everyone's willingness to help others, everyone giving to others in times of need, pride in our city, pride in our schools and school system, the dedication and devotion of our city workers and our Police Department, and everyone's overall love for the City. As far as the things that divide us, there are as many of those as there are different personalities within the city. An open, honest and complete sharing of information would go a long way. You can only look at those differences and decide which can be addressed. In a perfect world they all could be resolved. But we don't live in a perfect world. Every situation needs to be addressed on its own merit and with its own answers. I believe strongly communication is the key. Very few things resolve by themselves. Faced head-on and discussed with everyone’s opinion being heard completely before a making a decision.
 

I'm a lifelong resident of Grain Valley. I grew up here, went to school K-12 here, and now am raising my family here. My wife Tosha and I have three kids. My two step-sons Noah and Jonah graduated from Grain Valley High School. My daughter Harper just finished 4th grade at Stony Point Elementary. For the last 20 years I have been a special education teacher and am currently a teacher in Blue Springs. I have served as Mayor for the last 10 years and was an Alderman for 6 years before that for Ward 2.
 
What do you believe is the role of Alderman/Mayor (as applicable for the position for which you are running) and why do you wish to serve your constituents in that role?
The Mayor is a non voting member of the Board of Aldermen unless there is a tie, which has occurred less than a handful of times the last 10 years. I see the role of Mayor as the point person for the Board. It's my job to relay information to the Board and to the citizens. This has been extremely important during the COIVD 19 pandemic as we have been releasing weekly videos and making sure everyone is up to date on everything going on especially with the rapid changes. The Mayor works closely with City staff to make sure the wishes and direction of the Board of Aldermen are carried out. It's also important for the Mayor to be accessible to the citizens to answer questions and to help with concerns they may have from a code issue to an issue that might need Police attention.
 
What is your personal vision for the community of Grain Valley in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Where do you see Grain Valley growing in the future?
Ultimately I see Grain Valley being a community around the size of 25,000 people. That may be 15 years from now, 20 years from now, or further out. It's hard to say. I want the residents of Grain Valley to not have to venture to other cities to get the things they need. I think we have come a long way in this area, but can go a lot further also. Along with that I want us to stay one of the Safest Cities inf Missouri by investing in our Police Department. I also know with all of the growth it is hard to keep that "Small Town Feel", but we can do that by continuing to grow and improve upon on Community Events like Trail or Treat, Holiday Festival, Night Out Against Crime, Community Development Event, and the Grain Valley Fair. Myself, elected officials, and City staff love to interact with our citizens at these events and its things like these that will continue to make Grain Valley the special and great place it is.
 
What are your top 3 priorities in the next two years if you are elected/re-elected?
1.) We need to add more police officers to the streets. Right now, for example, if there is a disturbance call, depending on the severity it could tie up most if not all of our officers. We need to make sure we have ample officers on the streets to handle the calls, plus still be able to have them on patrol. We were recently recognized as the 3rd safest city in Missouri based on FBI Crime Data and I want to make sure we stay that way. 2.) The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that everyone could be better prepared for emergencies. For that reason, I want to put together an advisory board of citizens and business owners so we can be better prepared for emergencies like this. We have a lot of knowledge in this community and we need to use it. It is important that we are able to keep everyone safe, but at the same time also make sure that we are limiting the impact on small businesses. 3.) I want to work in partnership with local businesses and citizens to turn the remainder of the Nichols Building into a Senior/Youth Center. I want to be able to offer lunches to seniors a couple days a week along with activities they can participate in. Then in the evenings after school I want to transition it to a youth center with activities for our youth. I also envision us having tutoring there for kids as well along with some mentor ships for kids we identify as possibly being At-Risk.
 
Do you support the proposed Community Campus project? If so, why? If not, why not, and what do you see as a viable alternative?
I do support the Community Campus. I realize that in today's climate of COVID-19 that it might not be for everyone and really its not a great time for it to be on the ballot. The truth is we have to do something to ease overcrowding we have at City Hall and the Police Station. We also have safety precautions we need to take to make the Police Station a better working environment for our officers. I personally don't believe the current Community Center meets the needs of most of our citizens as well. We are a growing community and with that comes the need for more recreation opportunities. I realize that not everyone would use a new Community Center and that they might not use it now, but our current facility is undersized, does not have adequate work out space, cannot offer child care during fitness classes, and has a pool that is only open fourth of the year. Ultimately it is up for the the citizens to decide and if they choose to not support this plan, that is totally fine. No matter what happens though we will have to do something in the near future.
 
In the current social media climate, it is easy to detect the things that divide us as a community. What, in your opinion, are the things that unite the citizens and leaders of Grain Valley? Among the things that divide the community, how can you as a leader address these divisions?
For me I think we have taken steps to try and lessen those things that divide us. You will notice that elected officials and City staff don't respond to things on non city social media pages. The reason for that is not to ignore citizens or to try and not be transparent. The purpose is to avoid the long back and forth conversations that divide us. I try to keep citizens up to date by posts on my page and we try to do the same on the City pages as well. We will respond to questions when asked with truthful answers. I think my record demonstrates that I do my best to avoid the conflicts and try to be as positive as I can at all times. As for the things that unite us, I think they are everywhere and just get overlooked. Our school district is great and I think 99.9% would agree. When we have a City event I see smiles everywhere and no one complaining. That is why it’s these types of things we have to make sure we continue to grow and add onto because those are what keep our "Small Town Feel" and keep us the great community we are.
 

Born in Los Angeles. Raised near Columbus, Ohio. Moved here to Missouri to 2003 for work. I finished my Master's degree in Computer Science in 2011. My job requires me to solve problems. In the programming realm, we have to approach solving those problems objectively. While I have no official education in politics, I feel my education and experience allows me to provide a unique, yet fresh, perspective in help guiding our city towards continued growth.
 
What do you believe is the role of Alderman/Mayor (as applicable for the position for which you are running) and why do you wish to serve your constituents in that role?
To represent the best interests of our city. As I type this, there's also the responsibility to try and guide the current Mayor to meet those objectives. I've owned property here for over a decade; I'm tired of being complacent in how our city is being managed.
 
What is your personal vision for the community of Grain Valley in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Where do you see Grain Valley growing in the future?
I find this an interesting question. Asking this of any incumbent or candidate, none of us are prophets. No one can predict the future. All we can do is take current matters at hand and try some forward thinking with the future in mind.
 
What are your top 3 priorities in the next two years if you are elected/re-elected?
#1 Education #2 Commerce #3 Community
 
Do you support the proposed Community Campus project? If so, why? If not, why not, and what do you see as a viable alternative?
I don't believe we are there yet. The current population doesn't merit this large an investment. We would be using all our bonds on this one item. What happens when we have a legit issue. How would we cover this if our bonds are spent.
 
In the current social media climate, it is easy to detect the things that divide us as a community. What, in your opinion, are the things that unite the citizens and leaders of Grain Valley? Among the things that divide the community, how can you as a leader address these divisions?
Social media allows everyone an opportunity to speak their minds, anonymously. While sad that people need to hide their perceptions on how our city is run, it does provide them a medium to express themselves. I can't write them off.
 

I have lived in Grain Valley since July 1980. I retired May 1st after 49 years with Central Jackson County Fire. 35 years of my career were as an Assistant Chief. I'm widowed from my wife of 44 years and now share my life with Tank, my English Mastiff, and Pugs, my Persian cat.
 
What do you believe is the role of Alderman/Mayor (as applicable for the position for which you are running) and why do you wish to serve your constituents in that role?
I believe first and foremost, the job of any elected official is to be good stewards of the tax payers money. This is done by working with the other council members to layout a plan and give guidance to the City Manager. It is the role of the City Council to give guidance as to the path they wish it to take the City. It's then the City Managers job to take the city there, not, the other way around.
 
What is your personal vision for the community of Grain Valley in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Where do you see Grain Valley growing in the future?
First, I would like to see a controlled growth. One that brings in a tax base as well as housing. We as a City must grow our commercial base to survive. This is needed so as not to place the burden solely, or mainly on the property owners. But, we need the correct growth at the correct time.
 
What are your top 3 priorities in the next two years if you are elected/re-elected?
First, making sure our Police department has the staffing and proper equipment to allow our Officers to preform their jobs at the highest standards. This would include, but not be limited to a new police station, or remodeling one of the current buildings now owned by the city. Second, getting the City out of the real estate buying business. This will allow the City reserves to remain in a higher state for unexpected expenditures. It would also stop taking real estate off the tax rolls. Third, bring the City streets up to standards.
 
Do you support the proposed Community Campus project? If so, why? If not, why not, and what do you see as a viable alternative?
No, I do not. First, there is no such thing as a no tax increase bond. While you may not see your taxes rise on the yearly statement, is does in fact increase the tax one pays by lengthening out the payments. So more taxes are paid. Even before the pandemic, I stated I was against it. I do not believe that the City should max out it's bonding capacity. Now in these uncertain times, I believe it would be a big mistake. I believe the City should have a list of needed items, and a list of wanted items to spend tax monies on. There is a large difference. I also feel, if, the YMCA wishes to come to our city, that they, the YMCA buy the property, build and run the pool and leave the City and it's tax payers out of it. While I believe the city needs either a new Police station, or a City hall. I do not believe that both are needed at this time. I feel we should look at building one, and remodeling the current City Hall/Police station for use as the other. It's also my feeling we have plenty of room at the current location to build. The City also has the building on Gregg, that with little work, could be utilized for the codes department or water department, lessening the overcrowding that is currently being felt at City Hall.
 
In the current social media climate, it is easy to detect the things that divide us as a community. What, in your opinion, are the things that unite the citizens and leaders of Grain Valley? Among the things that divide the community, how can you as a leader address these divisions?
I believe that social media is a good tool to understand the climate of the City. I feel that the one major divide between the City and its taxpayers is spending. It's my belief that City officials must be upfront and open. Full transparency. I also believe that City officials need to listen to what the tax paper is saying. I would work at opening the lines of communications between City officials and the taxpayers.