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As we continue our coverage of issues on the April ballot, we invited Board of Aldermen candidates to submit answers to a short questionnaire to help voters get to know them better. All answers are printed as submitted without editing.  Brian Bray, Aldermen Ward III Please tell us about yourself (work background, volunteer service, elected positions held, etc.) I’ve been a resident of Grain Valley since 2006 and have proudly served as Alderman for Ward III since April 2023. Prior to my election, I spent several years on the Grain Valley Park Board, where I contributed to long-term planning and the stewardship of our city’s parklands. My professional background is in Information Technology — I currently work at Mastercard as a Principal Solution Architect, designing and managing complex software and network systems. With over 30 years in the IT field, I bring a strategic, problem-solving mindset to both my professional role and my work on the Board of Aldermen. I have raised three sons here. Two have graduated from Grain Valley High School and are pursuing careers in National Defense and the Electrical Trade. My youngest is currently a student at GVHS and is active in the JROTC program. We are deeply rooted in this community, and I consider it a privilege to serve my neighbors. Tell us why you would like to serve another term on the board. Grain Valley is growing, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. I’m seeking a second term to continue advocating for smart, balanced development that respects the character of our community while preparing us for the future. Over my last term, I’ve worked to be transparent, and support initiatives that keep our neighborhoods safe and connected. I am a firm believer in representing the needs of my constituents over my own and strive to stay connected with the community via social media and other channels. There’s still work to be done, and I want to continue being a voice for residents who care about thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and the overall well-being of our city. I believe in open dialogue, practical solutions, and steady leadership — and I’m committed to helping Grain Valley thrive. What do you believe are the three most important issues the City should be focused on in the next five years and how would you support these efforts? 1. Managed Growth and Infrastructure As Grain Valley continues to grow, we must ensure our infrastructure keeps pace. That includes roads, utilities, public safety services, and amenities like parks. I support planning that aligns development with long-term sustainability — working closely with staff, developers, and residents to make sure we grow the right way. 2. Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability Residents deserve confidence in how their tax dollars are being used. I’ve actively challenged the county’s handling of property tax assessments and will continue advocating for oversight, transparency, and strong financial stewardship at the city level. I’ll support budgeting practices that prioritize core services and long-term investments over short-term gains. 3. Community Safety and Quality of Life Whether it’s investing in law enforcement, my push to expanding anti-bullying initiatives to protect our children, or supporting recreational opportunities for families, I believe local government plays a key role in enhancing quality of life. I’ll continue to promote partnerships between the city, schools, and civic groups to foster a safe, engaged, and welcoming environment for all residents.  Lisa Limberg, Alderman Candidate Ward II 1) Please tell us about yourself (work background, volunteer service, elected positions held, etc.) * I have lived in Grain Valley for over 38 years and have a deep connection with the community. As a mother of two Grain Valley graduates and a grandmother to four grandchildren and two bonus grandchildren, I am passionate about contributing to the town’s growth. I currently serve on the Grain Valley Park Board and previously dedicated 20 years as a Board Member for the Grain Valley Assistance Council. With 25 years of experience working in the Grain Valley School District and my current role with the Board of Directors for Kansas City Public Schools, I bring a deep understanding of educational systems and governance. Throughout my career, I have attended over 650 board meetings, served as Board Secretary, and provided administrative support to six Superintendents. These experiences have provided me with invaluable insights into effective leadership, strategic decision-making, and fostering strong community engagement. Tell us why you would like to serve on the Board of Aldermen. I am passionate about being a voice for our senior citizens, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive. Our seniors have contributed so much to our community, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are heard and valued. I am also in support of expanding our community facilities: Advocate for the construction of a new, larger community center to provide a hub for community activities and events. Promoting Smart Growth: Implement smart growth strategies that encourage sustainable development, protect open spaces, and enhance the quality of life. I believe that by working together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I am committed to being a proactive and responsive leader who listens to your concerns and takes action to make our community a better place for all. What do you believe are the three most important issues the City should be focused on in the next five years and how would you support these efforts? Community Development and Infrastructure 1. Expanding Community Facilities: Grain Valley's population has tripled in the past 25 years, creating a need for larger and more modern community facilities.
 Jim Myers, Alderman Candidate Ward I Please tell us about yourself (work background, volunteer service, elected positions held, etc.). I have worked in Grain Valley for 16 years and have lived here for the past 10 years. I am a career educator currently serving as the Principal at Grain Valley South Middle School. Before that, I was a middle school teacher in the Liberty Public School District. Altogether, I have dedicated 32 years to education. Additionally, I served in the Army National Guard for nine years. This is my first time seeking public office. Tell us why you would like to serve on the Board of Aldermen. Serving on the Board of Aldermen would allow me to continue giving back to the community beyond my career as an educator. For years, I have followed the issues impacting our city, and I believe now is the right time to become more actively involved in shaping decisions that affect Grain Valley’s future. What do you believe are the three most important issues the City should be focused on in the next five years, and how would you support these efforts? First, we need to make Grain Valley an attractive place for people of all ages to call home. Our proximity to Kansas City is a tremendous asset, and we should continue leveraging that to grow our community.Second, we must focus on attracting more retail businesses to Grain Valley. I believe we are approaching a pivotal moment where this growth will accelerate, and I want to help guide that process. Finally, Grain Valley is still primarily a bedroom community. It’s essential to bring in employers who can offer high-paying jobs to our residents, reducing the need to commute elsewhere for work and enhancing our local economy.  Comments are closed.
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