Friday, Jan. 09, 2009

Vogt, newcomer files for Olathe council elections

Olathe’s election season kicks into gear as an incumbent files for re-election and a political newcomer enters the scene.

The Olathe News reported last week that At-large Councilman Bob Montgomery filed for re-election and will face well-known real estate agent Char MacCallum and retired police veteran Larry Parks.

While Ward 3 Councilwoman Kathleen Huttmann decided to bow out at the end of her second term, Ward 4 Councilwoman Marge Vogt also has decided to run for re-election.

Vogt is serving her fifth term on the Council.

Vogt said Olathe has “a great thing going,” but challenges remain, largely as a result of the city’s growth over the last 10 years.

“We need to focus on planning for the future that manages growth in a way that continues to improve the livability of the community, which is reflective of our citizens’ values,” Vogt said. “As a member of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, I look forward to working with fellow Olatheans to establish that plan.”

Helping lead Olathe through the current recession and improving traffic flow and safety are some of Vogt’s priorities, she said, along with public safety, parks, trails and recreational opportunities.

“I will continue to ensure that the Council fulfills the promises made to our citizens with the park sales tax,” she said. “Citizens should expect to see the designing and building of the Community Center promised in the extension of the park sales tax.”

Vogt said she would continue to make herself available to constituents to help engage them in city government.

“As you can see, the job is not done and I have more to give,” she said.

No other candidate has filed in Ward 4. The filing deadline is Jan. 27.

Resident David Lightner filed for election in Ward 3 and also faces no competition as of yet.

Lightner, 51, has lived in Olathe for three years and owns a video production company.

He acknowledges his limited community involvement but says he has a long-standing interest in politics and a “passion” for wanting to serve.

“I want to help maintain the high level of city services (and make improvements where needed),” Lightner said.

“I am a relatively new resident, but I’m noticing needed improvements in certain areas and services that could be kept up a little better. Snow removal, roads. Overall I think city improvements could be better served by someone like me who takes notice of things that need to be improved.”

As a small-business owner, Lightner said the city could focus more on small businesses to better effect the city’s growth.

“In these economic times it’s important to support small business,” he said. “It would make Olathe a better community and I think it’s something I could help promote.”

Lightner also said he is committed to not raising taxes in Olathe.

“I just want to do my best to serve the city and make things better, to maintain the quality of life we have here,” he said.

In other election news:

• Montgomery has challenged other candidates in the at-large race to hold a “green” campaign, without the use of signs - including billboards, yard signs and signs in commercial areas.

Competitors Char MacCallum and Larry Parks are considering the offer, Montgomery said, but he thinks the idea would be good for all Olathe candidates.

“The last time I ran I didn’t use any signs, I’ve never really held the opinion that signs really win elections,” he said. “That’s just my personal view.”

When the city first began conducting citizen surveys, political signs were in the top three concerns of citizens, he said.

“It always stuck in my mind as one of the things that tend to irritate citizens a lot,” Montgomery said. “The city designated a person to pick up the signs several years ago, so the city spends thousands every year to pick up signs people don’t go back to get (after elections).”

While he said he recognizes candidates without much name recognition might not agree, a green campaign would be “kind of a gift” to Olathe.

“I think it’s a benefit to everybody,” he said. “I’m just putting the challenge out there, but I’ve noticed that if one candidate does it, the other one usually will.”

Submit an ad