Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Shawnee 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 Shawnee 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
Tony Gillette (incumbent)
My wife and I chose to plant our roots in Shawnee and raise a family here nearly 30-year ago, I’m a National Accounts Manager in the Industrial Packaging industry for over 25-years, I travel all over the Midwest for business and keep a keen eye out for successful developments that Shawnee can emulate. I’ve been a Coach for GABL basketball and 3&2 baseball for my two sons teams, Served on the Lakepointe HOA, and I’m an active member at Westside Family Church. This wide level of experience has served me well with my time on the City Council, and I look forward to continuing to serve our community and Ward 1 residents.
Steele Reynolds
I grew up in Olathe and have made Shawnee my home for the past seven years. I hold a degree from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado. I currently serve as the CEO of an e-commerce business, where I’ve gained valuable experience in strategic planning and budgeting, skills that will help me guide Shawnee’s programs and resources responsibly.
Above all, I’m a father to two young children who will grow up here in Shawnee. My commitment to creating a thriving community for them, and for all Shawnee residents, drives my dedication to public service.
Ward 2
Mike Kemmling (incumbent)
I was originally elected in 2013 and served as the Council President. A graduate of UMKC, I owned and operated a dental practice in Shawnee for many years, and so know what it’s like to be a small business owner. I met my my Chris in high school, marrying in 2002. Together we have five children – one boy and four girls – and have lived in the same Shawnee house for nearly 20 years. Currently, I am the Assistant Head Football Coach at Maranatha and we are active in our church. We love our Shawnee community and want to work to preserve it.
Eric Persson
I earned dual degrees in Business and Art from Kansas State University and am a graduate of the Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership Program. Professionally, I serve as a Sales Manager in Merchant Services, where I lead a Midwest team and focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic growth. I’ve also been deeply involved in our community through the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and grassroots neighborhood engagement. These experiences—balancing leadership, fiscal responsibility, and community advocacy—have prepared me to serve Shawnee with both a business-minded approach and a people-first perspective.
Ward 3
Dave Myres
Dave Myres is a husband, father of four, Army veteran, and a committed leader in our community.
He serves on the Kansas Selective Service Board and the Johnson County Planning, Housing, and Community Development Advisory Board. He is a former commissioner on our state’s Racing and Gaming Commission and has served as a commanding officer of an Army Air Defense unit.
Since leaving the military, Dave has been a medical sales professional. He’s held a variety of leadership roles and is now in national accounts working with large hospital systems in the Midwest.
Dave and his wife, Shannon, raised their family here, with three Mill Valley graduates and one senior at Maranatha Christian Academy. At Westside Family Church, he serves as an area shepherd, deacon, and security team leader.
Morgan Rainey
I was born and raised in Shawnee, and this community has always been home. I attended Benninghoven Elementary and Shawnee Mission Northwest before earning a degree in Cellular Biology from the University of Kansas. After college, I made the intentional decision to return to Shawnee – to live, work, and give back to the city that shaped me. Today, I work for a company headquartered right here in Shawnee, continuing my commitment to supporting our local economy and investing in our community’s future.
Public service is part of my family’s legacy. My father and grandfather both served Shawnee as city prosecutor and city attorney. My grandfather, Tony Soetaert, was one of Shawnee’s longest-serving mayors and helped launch the Sister Cities Program, bringing international cultural exchange to our town. Some of my most cherished childhood memories include playing Rolle Bolle during Old Shawnee Days with visitors from the Sister Cities Program – experiences that deeply influenced my values and even became the topic of college essays that earned me scholarships.
I believe leadership starts with showing up – and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I attend city meetings, listen to residents, and stay engaged. Unlike my opponent, I’m present at townhalls and events, and I believe that consistency and commitment are essential to earning the trust of our community. I’m running because Shawnee deserves leadership that’s rooted in dedication, experience, and a deep love for this city.
Ward 4
Erin Aldridge
I hold a degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas, am a licensed Civil Engineer, and have spent the past 18 years in the construction industry. As a Senior Project Manager at JE Dunn, I lead complex projects from planning through completion, balancing budgets, schedules, and stakeholder needs. I also oversee profitability and strategy, which requires accountability and sound decision-making, skills that directly translate to serving on City Council. Beyond my professional work, I’ve held leadership roles with multiple nonprofits, including the Junior League of Kansas City, local PTA boards, and youth sports organizations. These experiences taught me how to listen, collaborate, and find solutions in service of a community. Shawnee has been my family’s home for 11 years, and with three daughters in the Shawnee Mission School District, I’m invested in shaping the future of our city responsibly. I believe my blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and community service has prepared me to represent Ward 4 thoughtfully and effectively.
Laurel Stiffler
Did not provide the Post with a response.
