Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Olathe 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 Olathe residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Budget: From inflation to rising health insurance costs to uncertainty around federal grants and programs, municipalities are facing a number of budgetary pressures. As you face difficult decisions about what city services to fund and how much to spend in coming years, what city services will you want to protect most? On the other hand, are there aspects of city spending you want to see trimmed?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
At-Large
Jeff Creighton
The services that we need to protect the most are those that keep Olathe citizens safe. We have excellent police and fire departments – daily they go above and beyond to protect each of us, so those departments are a priority. From my experience in insurance, I know that high quality police and fire departments help keep auto and homeowner rates lower as well.
Another priority is maintaining and improving our roadway network. Safe and efficient travel within the city is a priority to me, as well as of residents which are reflected in citizen surveys. I am hearing from citizens that quality of life is important; for example, our park and trail systems need ongoing maintenance and expansion.
As cost cutting measures, the city is already limiting hiring to the most essential services – this will need to be continued. A specific example of an area to consider trimming is the size and scale of the new animal shelter. Examples of areas to review include the city policy on such items as: a) how often vehicles are replaced, b) the mowing schedule of our parks, street right of ways, etc. and c) how often public art is updated. While all are important to quality of life, we must be open to multiple options to keep the cost of living in the city as low as possible.
Rob Olson
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Ward 4
Kevin Deneault
I want to protect public safety most of all. It makes up over 70% of Olathe’s budget and is the most valuable slice of the budget for us residents. My goal would be to increase Olathe’s tax base with commercial property taxes and increased sales tax revenue to offset rising costs. If we are forced to make cuts I would look at phasing capital improvement projects to ease added pressure on the budget.
Marge Vogt (incumbent)
As a Council Member, I have helped guide Olathe through two recessions, including the Coronavirus Recession of 2020. While these periods required significant belt-tightening, we protected the services most valued by our citizens. According to Olathe’s DirectionFinder citizen survey, residents consistently place the highest emphasis on addressing traffic congestion; maintaining city streets and sidewalks; providing strong police, fire, and emergency medical services; ensuring the city’s cleanliness and appearance; and supporting parks, recreation programs, and facilities.
Olathe faces the unique challenge of being both the fastest-growing city in Kansas and a community that is 168 years old. Our budgets must balance managing growth with maintaining aging infrastructure. The greatest challenges ahead are maintaining fiscal sustainability managing growth wisely and continuing to deliver the high-quality services our citizens expect—all while keeping Olathe an affordable and vibrant community.
We must budget with intention—reflecting community values, managing growth, and supporting economic development for long-term sustainability. Economic development is vital to our city’s future. It creates jobs, lessens the property tax burden on homeowners, strengthens infrastructure, and enhances quality of life. To remain the best place to live, work, and play, Olathe must stay flexible, embrace innovation, and welcome new ideas and technologies.
