Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Westwood 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 Westwood 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:
At-Large
Stephanie Becker
I earned my master’s degree in accounting and spent nearly ten years with a major public accounting firm, where I learned how to manage budgets, analyze details, and solve complex problems. Those experiences taught me how to make careful, informed decisions and to always keep the big picture in mind. I believe that kind of balanced approach is essential when it comes to serving a community.
My husband and I have called Westwood home for 18 years. It’s where we bought our first house, are raising our two boys, and recently rebuilt our home on the same lot because this city truly feels like family. Over the years, I’ve been actively involved in our schools and community organizations, serving as treasurer for both the PTA and the Educational Enhancement Fund. Those roles showed me how much can be accomplished when people work together, communicate openly, and listen to different perspectives.
With that mix of professional experience and community involvement, I hope to bring a thoughtful, down-to-earth perspective to the council and help Westwood continue to be the connected, welcoming, and well-run city we all love.
Spencer Day
I have a background in Construction, Property Management, Residential Development, and Investment. I also spent 7 years in Operations Management with a Fortune 500 Company. Several years ago I started a niche property maintenance and management business. My background has given me the ability to understand many of the technical, logistical and financial issues that come with any development proposals the city council might face. I tend to think through ’the next 10-20 steps’ rather than just what’s right in front of me. I have experience solving problems with creative solutions with a strict eye on the bottom line.
Jeff Harris (incumbent)
I graduated with a BA from the University of Kansas, majoring in English Literature and History, and later completed an MBA from the University of Missouri Kansas City, with an emphasis on International Management.
I worked for Kansas City based DST Systems for over 20 years in various technology, relationship, and leadership roles. I developed broad business skills, including client relationship management, contracts and budgeting, organizational definition and development, and performance management. My last role was Director of Business Planning, leading strategic planning between the enterprise information technology group and the business divisions. I now work as a Managing Director at Spotlight, an analyst relations and influence firm committed to helping technology and services companies create productive relationships with influential and knowledgeable industry analysts.
I formerly served as President of the Board of Directors of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce and volunteer at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
I’ve also given my time to the City of Westwood for over ten years. I started on the committee that developed our Comprehensive Land Use Plan (still an important document as we think about land use), spent a year on the Planning Commission and am now in my second term on City Council.
My education, decades of professional and organizational experience, and decade being involved in Westwood have helped me learn how to build good working relationships, provided me with a well rounded set of skills that add value to organizations, and refined my ability to think critically about complex questions.
Greg Hirleman
I have an accounting degree and am a CPA.
I practiced public accounting for 3 years. Afterwards, I worked in a construction company, 2 different real estate development companies and then as CFO of a multi unit, multi concept upscale casual dining company all over 30 years. Over the next 20 years, I invested in 4 diverse businesses, two of which are still operating, another one winding down and having sold the other to the partners. My experience in organizations is wide and deep.
James Spies
My name is James Spies, and I’m proud to call Westwood home. I’ve lived here for nine years, having moved from Prairie Village, and I quickly came to value everything that makes Westwood special: its peaceful streets, its green spaces, and its tight-knit, family-friendly community. Professionally, I’m an attorney with a practice based in Overland Park. I’ve spent my career standing up for people, navigating complex challenges, and making sure every voice is heard. Now, I’m stepping forward to do the same for my neighbors. I’m running for City Council because I believe Westwood deserves thoughtful leadership. We need leaders who listen, who value transparency, and who are committed to preserving what makes our city unique. I want to protect our parks, support strong and community-focused law enforcement, and ensure our streets are safe and well-maintained. Outside of work, you’ll find me cycling, practicing yoga, working out, reading, cooking, or tending to my yard. I’m also the proud father of two grown daughters who live in other cities but still love returning home to see Dad. This is more than a campaign. It is a commitment to keeping Westwood livable, walkable, and neighborly. I would be honored to earn your vote.
Jennifer Westlake
Hello, neighbors!
I have called Westwood home since 2013. I love our city’s charm, character, and welcoming spirit and I am committed to preserving what makes Westwood a special place to live. I attended Blue Valley High School and Southern Methodist University in Dallas where I was a member and president of Delta Gamma and worked for The Daily Campus, the university’s newspaper.
I received my Master’s from UMKC in 2017 and a Specialist in Reading from Arkansas State University in 2021. In my career, I have taught kindergarten, served on Building Leadership Teams, and mentored new educators through the Kansas City Teachers Residency program. I currently work for the Shawnee Mission School District as a Parent Educator and also tutor reading.
In addition, I own a small event planning business managing both private and non-profit clients. I am an active member and volunteer at Church of the Resurrection, a member of the Delta Gamma alumnae group, recently joined the Westwood Women’s group and serve with the Salvation Army and the American Heart Association. Previously, I have developed community connections, sat on boards, and co-chaired fundraising efforts with New Horizon Ranch, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Charlie’s House, and the American Royal.
All of these experiences have taught me to listen intentionally, collaborate effectively, and balance multiple priorities while staying focused on service. I will bring these skills, along with patience, professionalism, and a commitment to using data and resident input to inform decisions and to continue helping Westwood thrive.
