Update (July 24, 2025): This story has been updated to reflect additional details about Lisa Walker Yeager’s ongoing court case. The story was updated again on July 31 to add Yeager’s responses to the questionnaire, which were submitted after the other three candidates’ responses had been published.
Wyandotte County could head in a completely different direction depending on the results of this year’s elections.
Half of its Board of Commissioners is up for election this year. (That board is the Unified Government’s version of what would be a “city council” in other cities.)
Three out of five seats are wide open without an incumbent running for reelection. That includes District 1, where Gayle Townsend has decided not to run for reelection after more than a decade representing the northeastern corner of Kansas City, Kansas.
Five candidates are now on the Kansas City, Kansas, ballot to replace her.
After the Aug. 5 primary election in Kansas, the top two vote-getters will proceed to the general election ballot in November.
The results of that November election will influence the path forward for the Unified Government, which serves as the municipal government for Kansas City, Kansas, as well as the county-level government for Edwardsville, Bonner Springs and a small part of Lake Quivira.
To prepare for this year’s Unified Government election, The Beacon reached out to all candidates in the competitive primary 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.
Following the primary election, three District 1 candidates will be eliminated, and the other two will proceed to the general election on Nov. 7.
The five candidates on the Kansas City, Kansas, ballot for District 1 are Darnell Busch, Korri Hall, Victor A. Harris, Jermaine Howard and Lisa Walker Yeager.
All five candidates received the questionnaire by email. Harris did not respond.
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
Darnell Busch
Busch is an information technology manager.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
I can’t say that I have a favorite place in Wyandotte County, but I do enjoy the city parks, the local eateries and food trucks, fishing at the local lakes and picnicking at those same parks.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
All the neighborhood-based and community-run organizations.
Korri Hall
Hall is the director of Gear Up KCMO at the University of Kansas, a program that works with students at Kansas City Public Schools to help them attain a college education.
What’s your favorite place in Wyandotte County, and why?
My favorite place in Wyandotte County is the Northeast end because of all its history.
What organization in Wyandotte County is doing community work that you admire?
The Jegna Klub.
Victor A. Harris
Harris did not respond to the questionnaire.
According to his website, he’s a retired commercial truck driver who has been civically involved in several nonprofit organizations, as well as at the Unified Government.
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 did not initially respond to the questionnaire but submitted her responses on July 24. She is also running for a position on the Board of Public Utilities.
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.
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 Wyandotte County district attorney alleges that Walker Yeager never paid for that work and that she shot the man, as well as his truck.
According to a different court document, Walker Yeager denies criminal wrongdoing and said she offered the man “a sum of money that befit the job done.” She alleges he was unhappy with that payment and attacked her daughter. Her subsequent actions, the document said, were in defense of herself and her daughter.
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.
What would you do to improve public safety?
Busch: I would continue to invest in community-centered policing, pairing officers with neighborhoods they know and trust. I would also expand jobs and social services to address what I feel may be the root causes of crime, and fund youth engagement initiatives. That includes sports leagues, regular job training and mentorship programs. Upgrading street lighting, video surveillance technology and rapid intervention are also ways to improve public safety. Data-driven strategies, like mapping hot spot areas, would optimize resource allocation. These combined efforts build trust with the UG leadership and the neighborhoods, prevent crime and create safer communities.
Hall: To improve public safety in Wyandotte County, I would invest in community policing that builds trust between residents and law enforcement. I support expanding youth programs, mental health services and job opportunities to address root causes of crime. Transparency and accountability in policing are essential — body cameras, community review boards and regular public updates should be standard. I would also advocate for neighborhood revitalization and increased street lighting to create safer environments. True public safety means everyone feels secure, supported and heard, no matter what their ZIP code may be.
Howard: 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: 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.
What kinds of developments would you prioritize in Wyandotte County?
Busch: I would prioritize mixed-use, transit-oriented developments that integrate affordable housing, green spaces and local commerce. Developments reflecting local culture and providing flexible public spaces would be most appealing, ensuring lasting benefits for all residents. I’d champion redevelopments along the riverfronts to capitalize economically on the trend of riverfront living. Proposals with community-driven design, a renewable energy program and sustainability score highest for me. I believe in emphasizing job creation and walkable neighborhoods strengthens local identity. I’d favor public-private partnerships with transparent community engagement with phased implementation plans providing clear funding sources.
Hall: I would prioritize developments that create good-paying jobs, improve housing options and enhance quality of life for all residents. Projects that invest in infrastructure, health care access, education and local businesses, especially in underserved areas. Proposals that are most appealing are community-driven, financially responsible, environmentally sustainable and inclusive of minority-owned businesses. I would support developments that offer long-term benefits, foster local pride and reflect the needs and voices of Wyandotte County residents.
Howard: 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: 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.
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?
Busch: To balance the budget, I’d trim administrative overhead by consolidating redundant departments, freeze noncritical hiring, renegotiate vendor contracts and postpone low-impact capital projects. I’d cut discretionary spending on travel, printing and nonessential consulting, and review subsidies for underperforming programs. My nonnegotiables are core public safety (police, fire, EMS), and maintenance of critical infrastructure — streets, water systems and roads/bridges. Preserving these ensures community well-being and basic service delivery.
Hall: To balance the budget, I would review administrative costs, outdated contracts and underperforming programs for possible trimming. I would also ensure essential services remain intact. Efficiency and transparency would guide my every decision. Nonnegotiable areas include public safety, education and health services, especially those serving our most vulnerable residents. I believe we must invest in people first, and any cuts should be strategic, not just across the board. I’d also seek community input and explore new revenue sources before reducing services that impact quality of life.
Howard: 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: 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.
Do you believe the Unified Government should do more to cooperate with or resist the deportation of Wyandotte County residents?
Busch: The Unified Government should decline requests to act as immigration agents, preserving local law enforcement’s focus on public safety and community trust. When residents fear deportation, they are less likely to report crimes or cooperate as witnesses, which undermines everyone’s security. The UG can still comply with legitimate federal warrants but should resist routine detainer requests and avoid data-sharing that is not court-ordered. By adopting a “safe jurisdiction” approach, the government balances the rule of law with the need to protect all residents, ensuring that public safety priorities are not compromised by federal immigration agendas.
Hall: I believe the Unified Government should protect the rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of immigration status. Local resources should focus on public safety, not federal immigration enforcement. Cooperation should be limited to cases involving serious, violent crimes. We must build trust between immigrant communities and local government to ensure everyone feels safe reporting crimes, seeking help and contributing to our community. Wyandotte County thrives when all residents are respected and supported, not targeted or excluded.
Howard: 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: 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.
If elected, what issues will you make your own?
Busch: If elected, I would campaign for BeaUtification of our neighborhoods, Sustainability of commercial and residential development of our green spaces, stormwater management and roads. I would champion Community and Harmony with the UG and neighborhoods. My plan spells BUSCH, which is my last name.
Hall: If elected, I will champion equitable economic development in the Northeast end, public safety rooted in community trust and expanded access to quality housing, health care and education. I’m committed to transparency, youth empowerment and creating opportunities that uplift every neighborhood, not just a select few. I will make it my mission to ensure Wyandotte County grows fairly, listens to its people and delivers real results.
Howard: 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: 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.
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?
