Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for De Soto 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 De Soto residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Growth: De Soto is experiencing explosive growth due to the launch of the Panasonic EV battery plant this year, and that trend is expected to continue in coming years. If elected, what policies and priorities would you advocate for to ensure De Soto manages the new commercial activity and residents expected to come to the area while also maintaining services and infrastructure for established areas of the city?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Zack Bradley
First, I will ensure we update the city master plan to account for current and future growth. We will also need to revisit the incentives offered to ensure we target the correct areas for development and de-incentivize areas where we want to slow growth. As I stated in another question, we have much to catch up on after decades of delayed and deferred maintenance for critical infrastructure. It’s not until we get everyone in the city up to the same modern standards that we should use city funds to pay for development — let developers pay their own way through IRBs, TIFs, RHIDs, etc.
James Doscher
With the addition of Panasonic,expansion of Merck and other businesses coming into town growth is inevitable. The city council just approved the hiring of someone to concentrate on writing grants I would direct that once hired their top priority would be grants for 83rd st/Lexington Ave corridor improvements,also kill Creek road expansion between K10 and 83rd st.. As more people either move into town or just commute here for work we need to improve our main arteries into and out of town and securing grants will help accomplish this.
Mark Gulley, Jr.
De Soto is growing rapidly, and with that comes both opportunity and responsibility. The Panasonic project has put our city on the map, but we must manage this expansion carefully to protect taxpayers and our small-town identity. Growth should strengthen De Soto—not overwhelm it.
My philosophy is simple: growth must pay for itself. Developers, not residents, should bear the costs of infrastructure, roads, water, utilities, and public safety tied to their projects. I will insist that all new development agreements clearly outline who pays for what so taxpayers are never left holding the bill.
The city also needs stronger transparency and community involvement. Residents deserve to know what projects are being proposed, how they affect traffic, schools, and utilities, and what the long-term costs will be. Major decisions should not happen behind closed doors or on short notice.
I oppose the use of excessive incentives and special deals that “pick winners and losers.” Economic growth should be driven by the strength of De Soto’s workforce, location, and quality of life—not by government giveaways.
Responsible growth means planning ahead, investing wisely, and putting residents first. I’ll focus on protecting existing neighborhoods, improving infrastructure, and ensuring every project adds long-term value to our community. De Soto deserves leadership that welcomes progress but never loses sight of fiscal responsibility or the people who built this town.
Joe Sabo
First, public safety must always be our top priority as growth is inevitable. As our population and workforce expand, we’ll see increased demand for police, fire, and EMS. We need to plan ahead to maintain quick, reliable response times — and that could mean adding a third full-time sheriff’s deputy in the near future. Our first responders and residents deserve the support of the city, staffing, and resources to keep this community safe.
Second, I will always advocate for our infrastructure and utilities — roads, water, sewer, and power — can’t lag behind the expected growth. We have to invest now so that what we build is strong, reliable, and ready for the next generation.
Third, housing and community development. De Soto needs a range of housing options that are attainable for young homeowners, working families, and those looking to downsize and retire. Our small town charm can be kept intact while keeping connectivity in mind through sidewalks, trails, and public spaces.
And finally, planning, zoning, and code enforcement. As major projects arrive, it’s vital that we manage growth wisely. Strong, consistent planning helps prevent sprawl and congestion, and good code enforcement keeps our neighborhoods clean and safe.
