Overland Park mayor candidates differ on use of party labels in contest that’s been historically nonpartisan

Former business executive Mike Czinege, left, says "it's nothing short of deception" to not be open about his Republican Party affiliation. He's drawn criticism from some residents for putting a GOP elephant on his campaign signs. Czinege's opponent, long-time City Councilmember Curt Skoog, recently change his own party membership to Independent and says using party labels could introduce an element of national divisiveness in local issues. Photo credit Leah Wankum.

County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara was buoyant when she took the stage at an August anti-vaccination rally.

Still glowing from her own 2020 election, the first-term office holder was newly encouraged by Mike Czinege’s win in the four-way primary for Overland Park mayor.