#jcyd

How did you find the group?

Through my sister! When JCYD was re-formed back in January of 2017, Kaitlin received an email about their first meeting and invited me to come. I ended up going, and the rest is history! We’ve both been involved since that first meeting.

Are you on a committee in JCYD and if so, what do you do for the organization?

In addition to being secretary I also help oversee the social and recruitment committee. We plan monthly social events for the organization and phone bank members to let them know about exciting upcoming opportunities. The social and recruitment committee also helps the fundraising committee plan our large fundraising events for the year.

What else do you do to be active (either politically or through volunteer opportunities)?

Outside of Young Dems I am a precinct committeewoman for Senate 7. Senate 7 is a very active senate district and I’ve had a lot of fun getting to know other Dems in my community and working with them to get great people elected! Shout out to Helena and Brian for being fabulous Senate leaders!

What issue are you most passionate about and why?

Right now I am most passionate about economic policy reform in Kansas and Women’s issues. Regarding economic policy changes, I think Kansas needs to implement a food sales tax exemption, increase income taxes, and add more tax brackets, so the state can more equitably fund itself and be able to afford increased education and social spending (and stop borrowing money from state infrastructure and KPERS!!). I would also love to see more women elected to office and the passage of legislation strengthening equal pay requirements. In an ideal world, I would love to see a paid sick and/or family leave law being considered as well!

Tell us about yourself in two to three sentences.

I grew up in Overland Park (any other BVNW grads?), went to college at UNC (go Tarheels!), solo-backpacked across Europe for three months after graduating, then moved back to Johnson County and got a job in HR Compliance. I currently live in Mission with my adorable cat Westley (named after Westley from the Princess Bride, of course), and my favorite pastimes include: visiting new coffeeshops and breweries, seeing movies at the Tivoli, and exploring Kansas City with friends.  

What is your go-to shower song?

Love On Top by Beyoncé. And no, I cannot hit all those octave changes.

Please share your favorite cat gif:

My inspiration whenever I need to write a paper!

In an effort to connect JCYD members with one another, the Communications Committee will be sharing bios of active, passionate Young Dems! We are starting with the Executive Board-- the hardworking leaders functioning behind the scenes. If you are interested in being interviewed (or if you have a recommendation for a future subject of the spotlight!), please email [email protected].  We hope this helps you get to know your fellow progressives! Everyone deserves to have their moment in the JCYD spotlight.

Brandon Woodard is the Chair of the Johnson County Young Democrats. Woodard works with the Executive Board, the Steering Committee, and all of the individual teams focused on social functions, endorsements, communications, and fundraising. Woodard helped form JCYD when, after the 2016 election, he kept meeting young progressives who needed a place to turn their post-election energy into action. Over brunch (and a few mimosas), JCYD was formed with the hope of offering just that.

Woodard is a proud Democratic Precinct Committeeman, one of the most important roles in the Democratic Party. He is also the Acting Vice-Chair for the Johnson County Democratic Party, and the Treasurer for Kansas Young Democrats. Beyond politics, he is very involved with the University of Kansas as a proud alumnus and employee.

When asked what issue he is most passionate about, Woodard responded: “Access to affordable, quality education beyond high school […]Higher education not only gives us the skills we need to be successful in the workplace, but it teaches us to live meaningful lives, personally and professionally. I’ve been thrilled to work with the Johnson County Young Democrats to advocate for support for higher education on the local, state, and federal levels.”

Outside of the political world, Woodard loves spending time with his friends and family. He says he is “constantly curious, always wanting to try new things and explore new places. Oh, and you can usually count on me to order a red wine or Boulevard Tank 7 with dinner, and to work a Beyoncé reference into any conversation.” Clearly, the Queen B reigns.

Michael Blanchard Gardner City Council

Michael Blanchard is running for the Gardner city council At-Large position. He has lived in Gardner for over 20 years and has been getting involved with his community recently through various service organizations such as the Gardner Rotary Club. Michael started a successful company, Buzzfish Media, which provides marketing services and develops websites for businesses. Michael was inspired to run for office because he wasn’t happy with a lot of things going on in our local government and decided to get involved. He said that this is also an important opportunity to show to his kids and others that if you want to make a difference in the world, you just have to be willing to try. 

An issue that’s important to Michael is economic development. He thinks we should capitalize on some of the economic opportunities in Gardner that will allow us to provide some of the amenities we love while taking some burden off of the residents. He also thinks we should strongly invest in Gardner’s infrastructure and Parks and Recreation department. 

Michael is inspired by all the people who have worked to make Gardner such an amazing place. He believes we need leaders in our community beyond just election years who are actively working to make our community a better place for everyone. 

http://voteforblanchard.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VoteforBlanchard/

Deann Mitchell Olathe City Council At-Large

Deann Mitchell is a strong education advocate and Certified Financial Planner. She is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and prosperous community for all Olathe residents.  Her goals and priorities as a member of the Olathe City Council include supporting education in the city, ensuring the Council upholds its fiscal responsibilities, promoting public health by expanding fire and health emergency services, ensuring economic prosperity, and advocating for diversity. She has been involved in community service for years, serving as a PTO member and President at Scarborough Elementary, and leads the local non-profit Veterans Voices Writing Project.  Mitchell was previously appointed to both the Kansas Credit Union Council and State Behavioral Health Services Planning Council.

From the Platform page of Deann’s website: “Deann has lived in Olathe for 32 years, has raised her family there and has watched the city more than double in size. Olathe is no longer a sleepy bedroom community but a vibrant part of the metro region with a voice that deserves to be heard. Olathe needs leaders who will fight for quality education, improved job opportunities through solid business strategies, a strong economy, and a safe community. The heart of Olathe hasn’t changed in 32 years, but the diversity of the community has evolved.   We need a strong leader who will embrace that diversity and find ways to engage community members to support and promote our common goals.”

https://www.mitchell4olathe.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mitchell4olathe/

[email protected]

Tucker Poling Prairie Village City Council, Ward Three

Tucker Poling is running unopposed for the position of City Council Member in Prairie Village Ward Three, but that hasn’t stopped him from knocking doors for other candidates and introducing himself along the way. He has been dedicating at least five hours per week to his campaign and using his social media outlets to provide informative content to his constituents in order to help build his connection with them for the future. Poling will be filling the seat vacated by first-time Councilman Eric Mikkelson who decided not to seek a second term.

Directly from his campaign website, Poling states: “I’m a father, husband, and attorney. I’m running for Prairie Village City Council, Ward 3, because I want to help make Prairie Village a leader in government transparency, sustainable and locally focused growth, walkability/bikeability, and advocating for the return of local control”. Poling would like the Prairie Village city council to livestream all of their meetings and to make the city council agenda clear and fully accessible to the public. Additionally, Poling believes that walkability and bikeability will help promote healthier and happier Prairie Village families with a greater sense of community while also promoting the local economy.

Here are some links that demonstrate the action Poling has already taken as an engaged citizen and shed light on his future actions as Councilman:

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/community/joco-913/northeast-joco/article150756652.html

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/community/joco-913/article150110402.html

http://kcur.org/post/search-formally-new-shawnee-mission-school-superintendent#stream/0

Here’s how you can connect with Tucker Poling:

http://www.tuckerforpv.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TuckerforPV/

@TuckerPoling on Twitter

Lee Cross JCCC Board of Trustees

“Both of my parents inspired me to go to school and acquire as much education as possible... JCCC meant the world to my family.”

Up for re-election to the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees, Lee Cross cites a familial passion for education as the inspiration for his campaign. Cross’ prior experience stems from eleven years of practicing law, and from his tenure as Treasurer for the Board of Trustees. He believes Kansas community colleges should move towards a cost-free attendance model, and that increased recruitment within minority populations should be a priority. Additionally, Cross will continue to support on-campus sustainability measures, due process for teachers, and reinstating limitations on concealed-carry laws that currently allow individuals to carry concealed weapons on college campuses.

Inspired by the passion shared by Johnson County residents for self-government and local elections and having served as Treasurer of the Kansas Young Democrats, Cross is thrilled to see the excitement, interest, and hard work demonstrated by the JoCo Young Dems.

http://crossforthecollege.com/

[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/CrossForTheCollege/ Twitter: @Cross4JCCC

David Neal is running for the Merriam City Council in Ward 4. Neal has lived in Merriam for the past 13 years and has a background in engineering and construction. He is also the founder of a successful software company. Neal was inspired to run for the city council when he saw a need for someone with a background in construction and engineering to serve. Currently, none of the members of the council have those skills and experience. 

One issue that’s important to Neal is restoring the balance of the city council. Currently, Neal sees the council as leaning towards the interests of commercial real estate developers at the expense of tax paying residents. Neal is also concerned about the Irene B. French center, which was built in 1911 and was one of the first schools in the Shawnee Mission School District. There is a possibility that it will be torn down to be replaced by an outdoor amphitheater, and Neal thinks that this historic building should be preserved and repurposed. Neal also believes that some of the current municipal codes in Merriam need to be updated due to the changing needs of residents.  Neal thinks local government has the most direct impact on your daily life, and that it is essential to elect competent representatives to act in the best interest of the city’s stakeholders - all of them.  Neal has built a website with tons of information on the issues facing Merriam as well as how he plans to address them: http://www.nealformerriam.com/