Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Leawood City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Leawood residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Background: Readers want to know something of your background. Briefly explain your education and employment history and how those experiences qualify you for this job.
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Ward 1
Sarah Meuli
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Matt Peppes
I’m a lifelong Kansan and 31-year resident of Leawood, where I grew up attending Corinth Elementary, Mission Valley, and Shawnee Mission East. Those experiences gave me a genuine appreciation for the strong neighborhoods, great schools, and community spirit that make Leawood such a special place to live.
I hold a bachelor’s degree from KU and am currently pursuing my MBA online at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business, with a concentration in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. Professionally, I’m the founder of Cuvée KC, a digital marketing agency that helps small businesses and local organizations grow through creative strategy and storytelling. Running my own business has taught me the importance of setting clear goals, managing resources wisely, and building trust through collaboration.
I’m actively involved in our community as Chair of the Leawood Economic Development Council, Vice President and Architectural Review Chair of the Leawood Homes Association, and as a member of the Leawood Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Commission, Veterans Memorial Committee, and World Cup Committee. I was also part of the inaugural class of Leadership Leawood through the Leawood Chamber of Commerce. Through these roles, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with residents, city staff, and business leaders to ensure Leawood remains a welcoming, forward-thinking, and family-friendly community. These experiences have reinforced my belief that thoughtful collaboration and open communication are essential to maintaining the high quality of life our residents value and that guiding principle will shape how I represent my neighbors at City Hall.
Ward 3
Mitch Lohr
I grew up in Leawood, attending Leawood Elementary and Middle School, and graduating from Blue Valley North. After earning my B.A. from the University of Arkansas, I completed my M.A. with Distinction from DePaul University.
I began my career in Washington, D.C., where I served as a legislative staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives. There, I gained firsthand experience making government work for people, whether it was drafting legislation, working on the federal budget, or helping constituents navigate federal agencies. I later left Capitol Hill for a non-profit, where I worked with state and local governments to preserve and protect our nation’s historic sites. When my wife and I returned to Leawood to start our family, I began my toughest job yet–being a full-time dad!
My experiences taught me how good government can make a real difference when it listens, acts responsibly, and focuses on service. As a city councilmember, I’ll bring that same commitment to ensuring Leawood’s government serves residents effectively and is a responsible steward of their resources.
Rachel Rubin
I was raised in Overland Park and graduated from Shawnee Mission South. I graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law and have been an attorney for 26-years. I began my career working at Lathrop & Gage for six years, and then founded my own law firm. I’ve been a Leawood homeowner in Waterford since 2014. For the past three years, I’ve served on Waterford’s HOA board, with two years as president. I became involved in Leawood issues five years ago around development and traffic safety. I’ve presented before Leawood’s planning commission, public works committee and city council on numerous occasions since 2021. Mayor Elkins appointed me to the Gezer Sister City Committee in 2024.
I began serving on the Board of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City in 2021, and was appointed vice chair for board leadership development in 2023. I also serve on the finance and nominating committees.
Because of my involvement with Leawood issues and procedures over the last five-years, I’m able to hit the ground running and can connect constituents to the appropriate staff at City Hall on day one.
Daniel Taylor
Did not provide the Post with a response.
