Wyandotte County has a big election this year.
On Nov. 4, voters will cast ballots for half of the Board of Commissioners, which effectively serves as the city council for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The other half of the board’s 10 members will be up for election in 2027.
Three out of five seats are wide open without an incumbent running for reelection. That includes District 1, District 5 and At-Large District 2, where Gayle Townsend, Mike Kane and Tom Burroughs respectively have decided not to run for reelection.
The two incumbents are Andrew Davis, defending his District 8 seat against challenger Jacob Handy, and Chuck Stites, who is running unopposed in District 7.
To prepare for this year’s Unified Government election, The Beacon reached out to all candidates in the competitive races with a three-part questionnaire. These questionnaires include biographical questions, five short-answer policy questions and five lightning-round yes-or-no questions. Some responses have been edited for length or clarity.
You can use this map to find which district you live in and who your candidates will be.
The candidates on the ballot this year are:
- In At-Large District 2, Andrew Kump and Philip Lopez
- In District 1, Jermaine Howard and Lisa Walker Yeager
- In District 5, LaVert A. Murray and Carlos Pacheco III
- In District 8, Andrew Davis and Jacob Handy
All eight candidates received the questionnaire by email in advance of the August primary. Lopez did not respond to the email or two follow-up messages.
Click on a link to jump to a question:
- Meet the candidates:
- What would you do to improve public safety?
- What kinds of developments would you prioritize in Wyandotte County?
- What parts of the budget would you be willing to trim in order to balance the budget? Are there any parts of the budget that are nonnegotiable for you?
- Do you believe the Unified Government should do more to cooperate with or resist the deportation of Wyandotte County residents?
- If elected, what issues will you make your own?
- Lightning-round questions.
Meet the candidates
Click on a candidate’s name to visit their website.
District 2 At-Large
Andrew Kump
Kump works as in-house legal counsel for Shamrock Trading Corp.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
St. John’s Dog Park. My two dogs, Bluejay and Maverick, love it there. It is one of those places in the county where people from all walks of life gather and talk to each other. It is good for the dogs, and good for us.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
Wyandotte Angels. They show up for people when it matters most, providing supplies, support and compassion across our community. Their heart and consistency make a real impact.
Philip Lopez
Lopez did not respond to the questionnaire. He currently represents District 6 on the board of commissioners and owns a tree-trimming business.
District 1
Jermaine Howard
Howard is the owner/operator at D&B Limited LLC. He has previously worked as a housing navigator, according to his LinkedIn.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
Quindaro Ruins is one of my favorite places! I didn’t know we had something like this right here in our city. It was a place where people helped others escape slavery and start a new life. That’s brave, and it makes me proud to live in Wyandotte County. When I walk through there, I feel like I’m standing in a place where real heroes lived — people who didn’t just talk about doing the right thing, they actually did it. It’s not just broken walls and rocks. It’s our history, and it’s part of what makes our city strong.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
Friends of Yates, based in Wyandotte County, is an organization worthy of admiration for
several powerful reasons. Friends of Yates operates a comprehensive domestic violence shelter and advocacy program — one of the few in the region. They provide safety, housing and legal advocacy for survivors of abuse, helping people reclaim their lives with dignity and support.
Lisa Walker Yeager
Walker Yeager is a commercial property owner and developer in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. She is also a member of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1287.
She is also running for a position on the Board of Public Utilities.
Walker Yeager was charged in October 2024, accused of aggravated battery and unlawful discharge of a weapon within city limits.
According to court documents, the altercation began as a dispute over money for construction work that a contractor had completed for Walker Yeager. The job had been contracted for $410, but Walker Yeager was unhappy with the work and offered him a check for $350. Following an altercation, court records say she shot at the contractor’s car, hitting him once in his shoulder.
Walker Yeager filed a motion for self-defense immunity, alleging that the man attacked his daughter when she asked him to take the check. Her subsequent actions, she argued, were in defense of herself and her daughter.
The court denied her motion for self-defense immunity on Oct. 10, 2025. She is scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 13, the week after the election.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
My favorite place in Wyandotte County is Parkwood Park and Pool. But it’s not just a park — it’s a historic landmark, a living legacy that our elders fought to have built during segregation. It’s the only public pool in the entire county, and it continues to serve every generation — from children cooling off in the summer, to seniors exercising for their health. It’s more than recreation — it’s a center of peace. We are still fighting to keep it open today, not just for the sake of tradition, but because it’s essential to our well-being as a community. It represents unity, resilience and the power of what we can build — and protect — together.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
I deeply admire the work of Friends of Yates. Their unwavering commitment to supporting women and children affected by domestic violence is nothing short of heroic. In the face of trauma and crisis, they provide more than just shelter — they offer safety, compassion, resources and a pathway to healing. They stand as a pillar of hope for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Their dedication reminds us that true public safety begins with protecting and uplifting those most at risk. I proudly support their mission and believe organizations like Friends of Yates deserve not only our gratitude — but our investment and partnership.
District 5
LaVert A. Murray
Murray is retired. Most recently he served as the chief economic development adviser under Mayor Tyrone Garner.
He is a certified economic development professional, municipal government finance specialist and trained public administrator. Prior to his position in the mayor’s office, he worked for decades in the United Government’s economic development department.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
Childhood memories take me back to Big Eleven Lake and the Quindaro Bluffs area, and since I designed and built the Quindaro Ruins Overlook it is hard to think of a more tranquil place, except maybe the F.L. Schlagle Library at the Wyandotte County Lake.
However, my favorite place in WyCo is the Kaw Point Park along the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, overlooking the downtown skyline. This is where Lewis and Clark started it all out for us. The area has special meaning for me as I spent considerable time there with Capt. Dick Lynn as he moored the riverboats, the Missouri River Queen and the America, there as the park was being created. Riverboat dinner excursion rides along with an amusement park brought thousands to gather there every week for a festive time. This was our community’s tourist attraction area before the advent of the Legends, Kansas Speedway and the Renaissance Festival. The site also gave viewing to the Fairfax airport before it was decommissioned to make way for the new General Motors plant. It is truly a tranquil place that lets you take in all of Kansas City.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
There are so many organizations in WyCo that do exemplary and praiseworthy work, which makes it difficult to single out one. The Friends of Yates with its battered women’s workshop is a great example of the many community partnerships that make a great community impact. However, if I am required to single out one organization it would have to be Community Housing of Wyandotte County, which builds quality housing throughout our community and finds ways to assist responsible families to make these homes affordable, which is designed to stabilize neighborhoods.
Carlos Pacheco III
Pacheco is a family medicine doctor and partner/owner at Heartland Primary Care, located in District 5.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
Wyandotte County Lake. It has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up fishing, sledding and celebrating milestones with family and friends in the park. Today, I get to share those same traditions with my wife and kids — whether it’s a weekend drive, or a visit to the F.L. Schlagle Library and nature trail, which our kids absolutely love. We’re there nearly every week. It’s my happy place.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
Wyandotte Health Foundation and KCK Police Athletic League.
District 8
Andrew Davis
Davis is a senior program manager at Community Capital Fund.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
Kaw Point Park. It’s peaceful, has a great view of the river and is filled with rich history.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
Black Mastermind Group. They are investing in the education, networks and business acumen of entrepreneurs right here in Wyandotte County.
Jacob Handy
Handy is an educator, mentor, film director and producer.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
Wyandotte County Lake. It’s peaceful, beautiful and a great place to reflect and recharge.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
KC United Youth Sports. They give kids structure, mentorship and real opportunities on and off the field.
What would you do to improve public safety?
Kump (At-Large District 2): We need to support first responders while also investing in long-term prevention. That includes improving recruitment and retention for police, fire and emergency medical services, expanding mental health crisis teams and building partnerships that reduce violence before it starts. Trust and transparency are key.
Lopez (At-Large District 2): Did not respond to the questionnaire.
Howard (District 1): Address root causes of crime. Poverty, lack of opportunity, trauma and blight all contribute to crime. I will advocate for economic development, mental health services, affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization to address these issues head on. I believe collaboration is key. I would support working with the court system, the prosecutor’s office and the attorney general’s office to ensure restitution programs are trauma-informed, transparent and truly serve victims — without unjustly punishing people who are working to reenter society.
Walker Yeager (District 1): Public safety begins with public trust. In Wyandotte County, corruption and misconduct — like the abuses tied to Roger Golubski — have broken that trust. I support an independent civilian review board, public misconduct database and reforms that prioritize transparency and accountability. We must shift from over-policing to smart, data-driven strategies that target real threats — not entire communities. I will invest in youth programs, job training, mental health services and reentry support to address the root causes of crime. Safety isn’t just about enforcement — it’s about opportunity, dignity and justice. We deserve a system that protects everyone fairly and truly keeps our neighborhoods safe.
Murray (District 5): I would promote and support a full public safety study and analysis for our entire community designed to address public safety shortcomings and inefficiencies. For example, we know that the West Patrol is not adequately staffed. These staffing patterns have been in place for years, even before the one year of revenue neutrality. While there can be some formalized attrition, there should be no cuts within the public safety arena. I am prepared to responsibly cut waste and inefficiencies in other areas so that we can devote proper resources to public safety to maintain a safe and desirable neighborhood.
Pacheco (District 5): As commissioner, I’ll expand community policing, grow youth engagement programs, and ensure our officers have the tools to build meaningful trust. I’m already doing that work — serving on the Wyandotte Health Foundation board and volunteering with the KCK Police Athletic League to strengthen bonds with our youth and reduce adverse childhood experiences. I will never waver in keeping our police department fully funded — because public safety isn’t optional.
Davis (District 8): Wyandotte County’s crime rate has steadily decreased since COVID-19, a trend we’re committed to continuing. I’d boost community engagement with law enforcement through programs like the cadet initiative, expungement fairs and Tackling Conflict Together. Crucially, we must also improve conditions so people aren’t driven to crime. This means ongoing investment in our Parks and Recreation Department, developing housing options for all income levels, and connecting residents to vital resources for financial assistance, job training and education. These efforts will undoubtedly enhance public safety and well-being across our community.
Handy (District 8): Focus on prevention — expand youth programs, mental health services and job training. Build stronger relationships between police and the communities they serve.
What kinds of developments would you prioritize in Wyandotte County?
Kump (At-Large District 2): I would prioritize developments that create good-paying jobs, support small businesses and strengthen neighborhoods. I support well-planned and regulated data centers and other future-focused industries that bring long-term investment without putting extra strain on residents. Projects that provide real value to the community and contribute to growing the tax base will earn my support.
Lopez (At-Large District 2): Did not respond to the questionnaire.
Howard (District 1): We need to significantly improve our educational internship and apprenticeship programs with training and other means of education throughout our communities. As commissioner, I would ensure every student starting as early as middle school has access to hands-on learning experiences, tied to local industries, health care trades or tech green energy. Also paid internships and job shadowing partnerships with local unions, colleges, nonprofits and businesses. A winning proposal for me is one that is built with the community in mind. If it doesn’t reflect the voices and needs of the people who actually live here, it’s not the right fit.
Walker Yeager (District 1): I support mixed-use projects that combine commercial space and truly affordable housing — housing that is actually priced for the income levels in our neighborhood. The development of the historic Quindaro Ruins should be a cornerstone of this vision. This site is not just local history — it is national history. Quindaro deserves full investment as an educational, cultural and tourism destination. At the same time, we must address the urgent issue of food insecurity. Northeast Wyandotte remains a food desert. I will prioritize development that brings grocery stores, farmers markets, urban agriculture and food cooperatives. These are not luxuries — they are necessities.
Murray (District 5): Our community needs commercial and retail developments that carry their own full tax load. In addition, our community needs quality, market-rate and upscale housing. The type of developments that appeal to me are STAR bond-financed developments that pull incentives from the state only, with NO incentives from our taxpayers. For example, data centers, if properly placed, like in areas along K-7 with no incentives would help strengthen our tax base. Developments like Buc-ee’s should be encouraged with NO tax breaks. These developments should have community support with responsible expectations so that they lessen the tax burden for our citizens.
Pacheco (District 5): As a business owner, I know firsthand that Wyandotte County can’t afford to sit still — we need growth, or we will fall behind. As commissioner, I’ll prioritize developments that expand our tax base, create good-paying jobs and bring long-term value to our community. I’m especially focused on quality housing, mixed-use projects and business investments that attract new residents and revenue. The most appealing proposals are those that are community-driven, financially sound and ready to move. I’ll bring a sense of urgency and a growth mindset to every decision.
Davis (District 8): Housing is a top priority. We need more options for all income levels, including market-rate and senior housing. I strongly support mixed-use developments that integrate housing, transportation and jobs, similar to KCATA’s Redbud project in my district. We also need to fill the gap in essential services east of 69th Street. This means attracting more grocery stores, dining options, medical offices and diverse retail, including both small and corporate businesses. I advocate for strategic development that repopulates our community and meets constituent needs, both current and future.
Handy (District 8): Projects that benefit the community — affordable housing, support for small businesses and neighborhood improvements. I value development that creates local jobs and keeps residents in place.
What parts of the budget would you be willing to trim in order to balance the budget? Are there any parts of the budget that are nonnegotiable for you?
Kump (At-Large District 2): Every budget item should be reviewed, but I will not cut essential services like emergency response, infrastructure or programs that protect vulnerable people. I would look at outside contracts, inefficient programs and duplicative spending to find responsible savings.
Lopez (At-Large District 2): Did not respond to the questionnaire.
Howard (District 1): I believe in being responsible with taxpayer dollars. I’d look at trimming areas that don’t directly benefit residents or improve quality of life. l’d consider outside contracts with little community impact. If we’re paying outside consultants without seeing clear results, it’s time to reevaluate or cut those contracts and invest in local and small businesses. Some areas of the budget are nonnegotiable for me because they directly protect people and build a stronger future. Public safety, youth education support, health and mental services. Affordable housing, unhoused services, front line workers and fair wages are all important components to the budget.
Walker Yeager (District 1): Although I am a fiscal conservative, I believe being a good steward of taxpayer dollars means spending wisely — not just cutting for the sake of cutting. Balancing the budget is not just about math — it’s about priorities. I would start by identifying areas where there is clear waste, inefficiency or duplication of services — whether that’s outdated contracts, bloated administrative costs or programs that no longer serve the public effectively. At the same time, there are core areas that are nonnegotiable for me: public safety, education, health care and essential services. Cutting these would be shortsighted and costly in the long run.
Murray (District 5): We should look at waste and inefficiencies and eliminate them. For a city and county our size, we are very top-heavy. Our salaries are high at the top level. The administrator’s office could trim highly paid high-level staff by letting the department heads do their jobs effectively. The Public Works Department should get back to street overlays and lasting infrastructure practices instead of costly cut-and-fill street repairs, which result in bumpy, nondrivable infrastructure. Environmental Services should go back to wearing generic-brand uniforms instead of Nike-branded clothing that cost the city much more. Public safety budgets should be responsibly protected.
Pacheco (District 5): As commissioner, I’ll protect what matters most: public safety and working families. I won’t support cuts to police, fire or essential services that keep our neighborhoods safe and running. But I’ll make tough, responsible choices elsewhere — eliminating bloated contracts and outdated spending that no longer serve us. Every dollar should deliver for the people. With a business owner’s mindset, I’ll prioritize efficiency, transparency and results. Because balancing the budget should never come at the expense of those who protect us or provide the vital services our community depends on.
Davis (District 8): After cutting $12 million last year, I do not believe more cuts are the answer to our budget woes this year. We must invest in our community and review all revenue options to balance the budget. One idea I have already proposed is that we file damage claims to public property to recoup revenue that should be the responsibility of insurance companies and not Wyandotte County taxpayers. We must grow our way to prosperity. We have cut enough.
Handy (District 8): I’d cut waste — unnecessary contracts, outside consultants and bloated admin costs. Core services like safety, infrastructure and family support are nonnegotiable.
Do you believe the Unified Government should do more to cooperate with or resist the deportation of Wyandotte County residents?
Kump (At-Large District 2): Our limited resources should go toward public safety, not federal immigration enforcement. People who live, work and raise families here deserve dignity. I support policies that avoid unnecessary cooperation with deportation efforts, unless there is a clear public safety issue.
Lopez (At-Large District 2): Did not respond to the questionnaire.
Howard (District 1): Wyandotte County is home to a diverse immigrant community, and I believe the Unified Government has a moral and civic responsibility to protect our residents — especially those who contribute to our schools, economy, churches and neighborhoods.
Walker Yeager (District 1): I believe that anyone living, working and contributing in Wyandotte County should be treated with dignity — and that includes those who are on the path to citizenship. When people are allowed to come out of the shadows and fully participate — whether it’s through paying taxes, accessing services or contributing to our economy — it lessens the burden on everyone else. Policies like the Safe and Welcoming City Act helped make that possible. Instead of driving people underground, we should be supporting lawful integration and pathways to citizenship that strengthen our tax base and reduce strain on services.
Murray (District 5): I am a fervent Democrat who believes in the rule of law and as such I do not see a need to do more than what ICE is already doing within the confines of the law. Of course, if the law requires our public safety officials to do something then we have no choice. However, we should not go beyond the extent of the law. Where residents are acting responsibly and not breaking the law there is no need for concentrated, aggressive actions undertaken by ICE. Our residents and citizens should understand that and ICE should understand that as well.
Pacheco (District 5): I believe we should follow the guidance of our law enforcement leaders in the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, who’ve made it clear: their job is to keep our community safe, not to act as immigration agents. They’ve said they’ll comply with what’s legally required, but they’re not in the business of targeting immigrants or aiding deportations during routine police work. I support that approach. It builds trust, keeps families safe and ensures everyone feels secure reporting crimes or seeking help. Public safety depends on community cooperation, and that starts with smart, compassionate leadership.
Davis (District 8): Our federal immigration system is broken, with a pathway to citizenship that is both lengthy and expensive. This federal issue unfortunately burdens us at the local level. However, local law enforcement lacks the resources and is overwhelmed and understaffed to handle federal immigration enforcement. Their focus should remain on core local public safety needs, not tasks best addressed by the federal government.
Handy (District 8): No. The UG should focus on protecting families and communities, not helping separate them.
If elected, what issues will you make your own?
Kump (At-Large District 2): I will focus on government accountability, transparency, smarter spending, infrastructure repair and neighborhood investment. I want to lower the burden on taxpayers while improving the quality of life for working families, and short- and long-term economic growth. I will always prioritize what helps our people and keeps Wyandotte strong.
Lopez (At-Large District 2): Did not respond to the questionnaire.
Howard (District 1): First, economic opportunity for all. Fighting for living-wage jobs, especially for youth and underserved communities, supporting union apprenticeship and job training programs and promoting small-business growth and Black/Brown entrepreneurship. Second, community safety and neighborhood investment. I’d support violence prevention and reentry programs, prioritize blight removal, affordable housing and street repair and invest in mental health and youth services to break the cycle. Finally, education and youth development. I would champion year-round youth employment, internship and mentorship programs; collaborate with schools, unions and employers to expand STEM and skilled trades pipelines; and support efforts to increase graduation rates.
Walker Yeager (District 1): If elected, I will make small-business development a cornerstone of my platform. Small businesses are the backbone of Wyandotte County’s economy — they create jobs, build wealth locally and give our neighborhoods character and pride. I will fight for microgrants, low-interest loans, technical assistance and storefront development programs, especially for historically underserved communities. I’ll prioritize minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses and ensure they have access to capital, mentorship and city contracts. A thriving small-business ecosystem means stronger families, vibrant corridors and safer communities. I’m committed to making Wyandotte a place where entrepreneurs don’t just survive — they succeed.
Murray (District 5): We have tried in the past to adopt and maintain development policies that are more friendly to our taxpayers and BPU ratepayers. If elected I would develop more mechanisms to lower the burden on taxpayers. I would seek out a better mechanism so I would have better options than revenue neutrality to provide relief to our taxpayers and I would continue to find some tax relief. I would reduce the BPU PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) and demand that the BPU provide services from its lobby again. I would strenuously advocate no salary increases for elected officials. I would push for efficiencies in government.
Pacheco (District 5): I’ll lead with a growth-first mindset — competing hard for smart development that expands our tax base and strengthens revenue across Wyandotte County. My district has benefited from strong business momentum, and now is the perfect time to give back with projects that add lasting value: vibrant parks, pools, welcoming community centers and a modern library in western Wyandotte. These are community assets that will serve families across our county. Growth creates opportunity, and I’ll make sure opportunity reaches every corner of our community. I aim to add value, reduce waste and make us even prouder to call Wyandotte County home.
Davis (District 8): My focus is on responsibly diversifying our revenue, starting with new streams to lessen reliance on property taxes. I’ll aggressively reduce Land Bank inventory, bringing in fresh revenue for our community. To support our seniors, I’ll host resource fairs, improving access to rebate programs. Continued support for animal services is also key. Learn more about my platforms and track record at andrewdavisforug.org.
Handy (District 8): Lowering property taxes, accountability for BPU, cleaning up neighborhoods and creating real economic opportunities — especially for longtime residents.
Lightning-round questions
Candidates were asked for a yes-or-no position in response to these five questions:
- Would you support using taxpayer money to pay for a stadium for the Chiefs or Royals?
- Would you support a proposal to dissolve the Unified Government, separating Kansas City, Kansas, from Wyandotte County?
- Would you support a property tax revenue freeze?
- Would you support a regional sales tax to support public transportation?
- Would you support increasing the salaries of the mayor and commissioners?
