Prairie Village Ward 4 City Council candidates: A vision for our city

Today, the candidates for the Ward 4 seat on the Prairie Village City Council answer our final question:

5.) What’s your overall vision for the city? What’s one new initiative you would propose if elected?

Tim Pickell:

Our City remains one of the “jewels” of Kansas cities — an amazing place to live and to raise a family. While I am sad that Mission Valley Middle School was unexpectedly sold, our remaining schools are outstanding, and continue to draw folks to our area, as does our beautiful parks and pool complex; our wonderful shopping centers; our strong police and fire departments which protect us; our many houses of worship that sustain us; and our overall friendly citizens. We are truly a community to enjoy. When my father, a career Army officer, retired from active duty in 1962, he chose this area to live in, believing then — as my wife and I do now — that this area is a treasure. We’ve  been blessed, as has our family, by this City and all it offers. My hope is that I can serve on the Council, with the simple goal of working to maintain, and even improve Prairie Village. One initiative I would propose is the year-round use of our pool complex — without any added cost to the City.

Dale Beckerman (incumbent):

First, I thank the Post for undertaking this project. Unfortunately, in her responses one opponent has misrepresented much about my record and positions.

My vision is that Prairie Village continue to be a livable residential community which provides services and amenities that are attractive to all demographics. City government’s role is limited but vital. It can set the table by providing a framework while remaining fiscally responsible. Unlike some, I feel the City must take the initiative to find ways to provide those services and amenities: public safety, parks and streets, recreation and viable commercial infrastructure.

We have significant initiatives under way. We have the plans and financing for extensive street and sidewalk repair this year. When other cities could not borrow, sound financial practices permitted us to take advantage of low interest rates and construction costs, saving residents many thousands of dollars over the years to come.

The CIDS will bring major changes to Prairie Village and Corinth. They will directly enhance the attractiveness and value of the City for years to come. We hope they will attract retail businesses like the art galleries one opponent has located outside Prairie Village.

I am proud of my role in promoting and being part of the team that negotiated the CIDs. The final contract will provide residents significant long-term benefits.

I would like to see the City explore how it can improve its communications with residents about activities that may affect their interests. The City’s website has a wealth of information, but it still seems much is missed.

It has been a privilege to represent the residents of Ward 4 the last four years, and I would appreciate the support of each reader in my bid for re-election. I am always glad to talk to residents by email (dbeckerman@pvkansas.com) or at 341-0520.

Brooke Morehead:

My vision for Prairie Village is to be a city of distinction. As a JC Nichols planned community, it is our responsibility and our legacy to plan and budget in a manner worthy of our heritage and of those who call it home.
 
I genuinely appreciate Mr. Beckerman’s volunteer service to Prairie Village. However. given his record of taxing, spending, and promising to continue to do the same, I respectfully believe it is time for a change. 
 
My new idea is an old one, tried and true. Let’s budget responsibly and live within our means.  We owe this to our neighbors and future Prairie Village residents.
 
If you share my vision and concern for Prairie Village, please visit www.brookeforpv.com and ask for a yard sign. Please vote for me in the primary election on February 28.