Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in federal, state and local races address leading up to the Nov. 3 election.

Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.

Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question.

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

For much of the past five years, Prairie Village politics have been consumed by intense fights over housing, zoning and a new city hall. With a new city hall now under construction and the state setting new housing rules, many residents say they’re ready to move on. Looking 10 years ahead, what does a thriving Prairie Village look like to you, and what would you do as mayor to get there?

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

Cole Robinson

The next Mayor of Prairie Village must be someone the city can unify around, because it is almost certain that the next four years, in our community and our nation, will be more challenging than the last four. We will need a Mayor who is a good communicator and has strong relationships with fellow councilors, staff, and other leaders across the region. I am the only candidate in this race who can make that claim.

A successful four years (or ten) will involve much more of what I have already been doing as the representative for Ward One. Primarily, it will come down to communication and collaboration.

I have hosted more ward meetings than any other councilor. I have also written dozens of newsletters, available at www.coleforpv.com, explaining the perspective and intentions of myself and my colleagues over the past few years. My hope is that even when we disagree, you will at least know why I hold the positions I do, and maintain your trust in your local government. I will keep writing these newsletters and hosting town halls for our community whether or not I am elected Mayor.

I believe these efforts helped defeat a dangerous attempt to abandon the Prairie Village government last November and elect six candidates who supported moving forward with our municipal campus project.

The next Mayor also needs the trust of his or her peers. For years, I have worked closely and collaboratively with my fellow councilors. Notably, nine of the remaining ten city councilors have endorsed my campaign, and I am honored to have their support.

Inga Selders

Looking ahead ten years, a thriving Prairie Village builds upon everything that makes our hometown extraordinary: our safe, tree-lined streets, excellent parks, and unmatched spirit of community. I see a warm, unified city where we have moved beyond political division. To keep our community strong, we must ensure property taxes remain low enough so our seniors can securely age in place in the homes they love, and young families can still afford to move here and put down roots.

Keeping Prairie Village affordable requires careful stewardship of our shared resources. I will make it my mission to work hand-in-hand with city staff and the council to find real savings. Together, we will conduct thorough budget reviews, eliminate waste, and fight to ease the property tax burden so neighbors are not priced out. Responsible leadership means investing directly in the essentials: our public safety officers, street repairs, sidewalk safety, and stormwater solutions.

Progress should always feel like a collaboration with neighbors, not a top-down directive. By actively protecting more of our existing affordable homes, preserving our classic neighborhood charm, and sticking to quality basic services, we can grow thoughtfully without losing our identity. At the end of the day, potholes aren’t political, and local government is at its best when it puts neighbors first. I’d be honored to work alongside you to keep Prairie Village affordable, safe, and deeply welcoming.

Coming up:

Tomorrow, we will publish the candidates’ responses to the following question:

A few years after Prairie Village’s bitter fight over housing and zoning, the Legislature has largely taken the decision out of the city’s hands. SB 418, which took effect July 1, counts duplexes and townhomes as single-family housing, allows accessory dwellings without special permits and ends neighbors’ protest petitions, among other provisions. Prairie Village joined nearby cities in opposing the law. As mayor, how do you think the city should comply with this law? Do you agree with the city’s formal stance against the law? Why or why not?