Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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
John Michael Handley (incumbent)
I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas in 2017 and 2019. After graduation, I moved to Lenexa and got involved immediately: Mayor Boehm appointed me to the Lenexa Planning Commission in 2020, I served on our Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee in ‘23/’24, and I’ve represented Lenexa in county-wide programs and conferences, as well. That means that for the greater than 6 years I’ve lived in Lenexa, I’ve been serving Lenexans for over 5 of them.
I started as a water resources engineer at Black & Veatch while finishing my degree, which gave me substantial understanding and appreciation for the work that goes into building and maintaining a city’s infrastructure. In 2020, I rotated into a new role, now working as a project manager for utility-scale renewable energy and hyperscale digital infrastructure campuses–essentially large solar projects and data centers. Both have given me insight into the ways different governmental organizations interact and an even better understanding of the real estate development process: Having been on both sides of a Planning Commission hearing and City Council meeting, I bring a practical, balanced perspective on economic growth and governance to my work on the council.
Joe Shull
I have called Lenexa home for most of my life. I grew up here, went to Shawnee Mission Public Schools, and now live in Ward 1 with my wife, Stephanie, and our two energetic little boys. By trade, I am an attorney and a small business owner, co-founding a civil litigation firm. I obtained both my undergraduate degree (accounting) and my law degree from KU.
I think given that I have surrounded myself with Lenexans for my entire life, I can accurately speak to what residents actually want and need from their City Council.
Ward 2
Bill Nicks (incumbent)
Raised in Shawnee and graduated from St. Joseph High School (now Aquinas). After 3 yrs in the US Army graduated from Washburn with a BA and from KU with a Masters of Public Administration. (Thank you, GI Bill). Was Lenexa’s 1 st Parks & Recreation Director. Worked for Kansas Historical Society as a Historic Site Administrator. Currently conduct history bus tours and perform five 1 st Person Historical Re-enactments.
The Army taught me leadership and how to work with others. Lenexa Parks & Rec allowed me to look into the future while acquiring park land and trail corridors. It allowed me to work at establishing community building events such as BBQ, Spinach, Chili, Halloween Enchanted Forest etc. It allowed me to build a department of parks, trails, facilities and programs that were produced and maintained in a quality manner. Working with others, considering the future and quality maintenance of assets are extremely important factors to have, while serving on the Lenexa Governing Body.
Nicole Wasson
I was born and raised in Lenexa and received my Bachelors from the University of Kansas.
Growing up, I saw the changes to Lenexa over the years and am proud of the city and its amenities. My father and grandfather were civic minded and served their communities. After my father passing, I began with election work and then supervising judge for an election location. A sense of purpose pushed me to consider how I can give back to the community, so I have chosen to run for City council.
For 20+ years, I worked in corporate consulting for firms like Deloitte and Grant Thornton. I led large scale system implementations as well as process improvements. Helping companies priorities their competing business needs. As a leader in HR/payroll systems, I delivered year(s) long projects on time and on budget. I have been a small business owner in Lenexa for the last 4 years.
Ward 3
Avery Bell
For the past decade I have worked in the infrastructure space. Most of my professional career has been with businesses right here in Lenexa where I have: supported design and planning, led contract negotiations, and served in the field to supervise construction itself. A major charter for city council is to maintain and improve our infrastructure to ensure our city continues to thrive. I am very familiar with how to create and read architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and the respective codes and standards that help shape them. I believe these skills will help Lenexa keep our residents safe, make investments in resilient infrastructure, and drive improvements that promote sustainability. I recently left Henderson Engineers / Building Solutions right here in Ward 3 to join Siemens to be an Account Manager – handling the infrastructure needs of a key account.
I worked full time during my undergrad and graduate programs – so I know what it means to work hard and I certainly understand how to prioritize. I completed my undergrad at Michigan State University and my masters at the University of Kansas. I specialized in Finance during my masters program because the numbers always came naturally to me and I believe many problems and solutions can be determined by looking at the financials. I have been able to apply my education and experiences to help grow multi-million dollar companies – I want to use these same skills to drive Lenexa forward in a way that works for all of us.
Corey Hunt
A 23-year Navy veteran with a significant service background in Aviation & Combat Rescue Operations. For the past 15 years I have held positions enabling me to lead men and women achieving personal and professional goals while managing diminishing resources. A husband for 35 years, my wife and I raised a son in the Shawnee and De Soto school districts and reside in historic Old Town Lenexa. Fortunate to have launched into a third career in the non-profit world helping military veterans every day as the National Training Officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), head quartered here in Kansas City. A graduate from SMNW (1987), I entered the US Navy where I would make many deployments throughout the world over a 23-year career, ranging from Desert Storm to the Global War on Terror. I hold two master’s degrees, in Instructional Design & Technology and Operations Management and a bachelor’s degree in management. I was elected to serve on Lenexa City Council for Ward 3 for term 2017-2021. My entire career in the Navy and my tour on the Lenexa Council was about serving others. As a city council member, I listen closely to citizens’ concerns and work to resolve them effectively. The knowledge I gained in economic development, municipal services, and public safety gives me an edge other candidates will not have. I understand Lenexa’s history, specifically I understand Lenexan’s in Ward 3, and I understand Lenexa’s 20/40 vision for the future. I am ready on day one!
