Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Merriam 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 Merriam residents.

Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.

Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:

Development incentives: One of the biggest developments in the city currently is the $102 million Merriam Grand Station Marketplace project at the corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Antioch Road. Developers for that site are getting tax increment financing and a community improvement district. Do you support incentivizing this project? Under what circumstances would you support incentives for other future developments?

Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:

Ward 4

Rob Arnold

I support development incentives when they clearly benefit Merriam residents and deliver long-term value — not just short-term construction. Projects like the Merriam Grand Station Marketplace have the potential to transform underused space into something that boosts our economy, attracts visitors, and expands our tax base. But incentives should always come with accountability and measurable community return.

I believe every incentive should meet three standards: it must create local jobs, strengthen existing businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents. I would also push for transparency in how incentives are awarded and ensure that small and locally owned businesses have opportunities to participate in Merriam’s growth — not be left behind by it.

In short, I support incentives when they’re responsible, transparent, and beneficial to the people who actually live and work here.

Also I would hope the next development has parking and traffic be something that must be discussed.

Reuben Cozmyer (incumbent)

Without developer incentives, we’d still be looking at the same empty shell of a Kmart that stood vacant since 2013. With poorly implemented incentives and developers who aren’t concerned with the city, we could’ve gotten nothing for our money aside from a half-built parking garage.

Not everything needs incentives, of course. If a project will happen regardless and accomplishes the goals of the city without incentives, then that project might not need them, and I’ve voted against some incentive packages that I felt were unnecessary.

Merriam Grand Station clearly needed help, though, and the incentives were handled responsibly. The site opened up a year ahead of schedule due to city staff working with the right developer and providing the right incentives. Those incentives are bringing new residents who want to live in Merriam and places to shop and eat.

Right across the street, Merriam Grand Marketplace has clauses in the incentives package that ensure the city gets the land back from the developer if they don’t hit certain milestones. The city is able to protect itself from unreasonable schedule and budget overruns while still bringing the grocery store that we’ve been wanting for years.