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:
Housing: Many factors driving Johnson County’s tight and expensive housing market are out of local cities’ control, yet there are some things cities can do to try to address this issue, from incentivizing affordable housing developments to tweaking zoning codes that allow for more diverse types of housing. What policies would you like your city to pursue to make housing in your city potentially more affordable? Is this a priority for you?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Ward 1
Tony Gillette (incumbent)
My priority is to be sure that we engage with local residents to ensure we grow development that maintains the fit-and-feel of our current neighborhoods. While also working to properly fund our curbs, gutters, and sidewalks in older sections of Shawnee that will make these neighborhoods attractive to new first time home buyers and keep Shawnee strong and growing.
Steele Reynolds
Housing affordability is one of my top priorities. Whether it’s young people hoping to put down roots, families looking for room to grow, or retirees on fixed incomes seeking to downsize, Shawnee must offer a range of housing options that make people feel welcome and support a vibrant local economy. At the same time, new development must be approached thoughtfully, with respect for the character and needs of our established neighborhoods.
Ward 2
Mike Kemmling (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Eric Persson
This is a top priority for residents in my ward, as reflected in the survey I conducted with voters earlier this year. Housing affordability is one of Shawnee’s most pressing challenges. While many factors are regional, the city can take meaningful steps. I support modernizing zoning codes to allow for more diverse housing types—such as townhomes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units—while still respecting neighborhood character. I also believe in incentivizing mixed-income developments and working with developers to ensure new projects include attainable options for seniors, young families, and first-time buyers. Expanding housing choices is a priority for me because it strengthens our community, keeps Shawnee welcoming, and ensures that residents at every stage of life can find a home here.
Ward 3
Dave Myres
As you accurately point out, there is little a city can do on this issue. Especially when you factor in Shawnee is a mature city with very little land remaining for development. The bulk of this land is west of I-435. The best tax revenue generator for the city is middle class homes with middle class families with disposable income. Just look at how much excess tax revenue we bring in each year. Middle class single family home construction is done without giving tax incentives to wealthy developers. One thing is for sure, high density multi-story apartments with tax incentives do very little to generate tax revenues or solve the “housing crisis”, all they do is make wealthy developers wealthier.
Morgan Rainey
Everyone should be able to call Shawnee home – whether you’re just starting out, raising a family, or hoping to stay here as you grow older. Right now, many people are finding that difficult. My own family has lived here for generations, and they want to stay,but if they need to downsize, the options are limited and often priced out of reach.
We need more housing options that reflect real life. That means a modest home for a grandparent who wants to stay close to grandkids but doesn’t want to maintain that $450k house. A newly single parent trying to stay near their children and co-parent with stability. A young couple just starting out who wants to build a life here. If we don’t create space for all of these situations, we risk losing the people who make Shawnee strong—our longtime residents, our young families, and everyone in between.
I support exploring thoughtful zoning updates that allow for more diverse types of housing—like smaller homes, duplexes, or townhomes – placed in the right areas. This is about choice and flexibility, not massive changes. It’s about helping people stay in Shawnee through all stages of life.
This is absolutely a priority for me. A city that doesn’t make room for both its roots and its future will struggle to grow. I believe Shawnee can,and should, be a place where people can build a life, no matter what chapter they’re in.
Ward 4
Erin Aldridge
Attainable housing is one of my top priorities. Shawnee needs housing options that fit a variety of life stages and income levels, young professionals, families, and seniors alike. I support policies that encourage a mix of housing types, from townhomes and small-scale multifamily to single-family neighborhoods. This may include revisiting zoning codes to allow more flexibility and working with developers who are committed to smart, quality design. At the same time, Shawnee must preserve the character of its neighborhoods by ensuring new developments fit within their context. I also believe in partnering with regional efforts that address housing affordability beyond city limits, since this is a countywide challenge. Expanding attainable housing will strengthen Shawnee’s fiscal diversity, attract employers, and keep our city welcoming for the next generation.
Laurel Stiffler
Did not provide the Post with a response.
