Last month, we asked our readers to tell us what you want candidates running for local office talking about ahead of the Nov. 7 election.
We received dozens of responses, some directed at particular races and many more broadly asking questions of all or most candidates.
Two major topics emerged again and again: property taxes and housing.
You’ll see that in some form or fashion, we’ll be asking nearly all candidates — especially those running for mayor and city council — versions of questions about those two much-discussed issues.
Below are the questions we’re asking candidates running for seats on the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees.
We will publish the candidates’ responses to these questions the week of Oct. 23, just ahead of early voting, so you can make as informed a decision as possible about which candidates most represent your views and priorities.
Remember: The Post will also host a live, in-person forum featuring JCCC board candidates on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Central Resource Library in Overland Park.
That event is being co-sponsored by Johnson County Library. RSVP for that event here.
JCCC Board of Trustees questions:
- Property taxes: One of the most discussed issues among Post readers right now is property taxes. Rising property values are leading many Johnson County residents to look to local governments and taxing bodies for some relief. For JCCC, revenues are expected to go up next year even though the board agreed to cut its property tax rate slightly. More than two-thirds of the college’s annual revenues come from local property taxes. Should JCCC consider cutting its mill rate even further in the future? What is your philosophy when it comes to setting the college’s property tax rate?
- Tuition: Tuition at JCCC for Johnson County residents currently stands at $97 per credit hour. That’s a slight increase from the year before, though the college held tuition flat during much of the COVID-19 pandemic. Should the college consider raising tuition or lowering it? Why? And how would doing either of those things impact JCCC’s budget?
- Workforce development: JCCC is in the early stages of forming what it has called a regional collaboration with other local entities to offer training for future workers at Panasonic’s new electric vehicle battery plant being built in De Soto. This is maybe the most visible way in which JCCC is trying to train students for careers right out of college. How else would you like to see JCCC have a role in developing Johnson County’s future workforce?
- Enrollment: After a significant dip during the pandemic, total student enrollment at JCCC has started to bounce back in recent years but has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. What do you think needs to be done to continue growing JCCC’s enrollment and ensuring the college remains an attractive option for local post-secondary students?
- A standout program or initiative: What is the current or future project, proposal or initiative at JCCC that you are most excited about, and why do you think it’s important for JCCC’s future?
