Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Spring Hill mayor 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 Spring Hill 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: U.S. Census data shows Spring Hill is one of the fastest growing cities in Johnson County, its population up more than 25% over the past four years. In many ways, that’s a good thing. More residents means more homeowners, a larger tax base, more economic activity. But such rapid growth can also strain the city’s current infrastructure and services. How should the city manage this growth and serve all its residents?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Rodolfo Arevalo
The city will have to create a strategic plan to guide its growth. A strategic plan would develop objectives for future growth and establish key factors that would monitor the growth direction of the city. The objectives would help the city direct its resources and focus on the greatest needs. Involvement of residents in planning process would help the residence of Spring Hill to be informed of the growth direction of the city.
Chad Young
Spring Hill’s growth is a sign that people see value in our community — strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a great quality of life. Growth can be a good thing, but it must be managed responsibly. Expanding too quickly without proper planning can put pressure on roads, utilities, emergency services, and schools.
As a member and now President of the Spring Hill City Council, I’ve focused on balancing growth with infrastructure investment. That means ensuring our road projects, wastewater capacity, and public safety resources keep pace with new development. I’ve supported long-term planning through efforts like the 199th and 223rd Street improvement projects, the SS4A safety program, and work on major corridors such as Ridgeview and 207th Street to prepare for future traffic and residential expansion.
As mayor, I’d like to focus on long-lasting road improvements like asphalt instead of chip and seal, develop a consistent curb and gutter and sidewalk repair plan, and add new sidewalks annually to improve connectivity and safety for residents. I also believe we must hold developers accountable to higher standards for roads, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and trails — ensuring new projects meet the long-term needs of the community.
We also need to attract more commercial and light industrial businesses so the tax base grows alongside the population. This helps reduce the burden on homeowners while supporting local jobs and essential services.
My goal is to ensure Spring Hill grows responsibly — with durable infrastructure, thriving businesses, and the small-town feel that makes our community unique.
