Some more good news at the polls last night, as several pet-friendly candidates were voted into office last night and several others kept their current offices for another term - -and at least one notable obstacle was removed from office.
It wasn't a perfect night, of course, but a lot of good news to share.
Lee's Summit
Four years ago, Mayor Karen Messerli pushed hard for the idea of banning 'pit bulls' in the community. She ignored the unanimous recommendation by her own, appointed Public Safety Advisory Board (made up of 12 people) and still pushed for a ban in the city. Now, her 16 year reign as mayor in Lee's Summit is over. Randall Rhoads -- a very dog friendly candidate who voted against the Breed ban on several occassions and was the lone councilman to vote against the city's mandatory spay/neuter law has taken over as the new Mayor of Lee's Summit. Other pet-friendly candidates Brian Whitley and Dave Mosby were also elected into new positions -- we're excited to have them aboard also.
Independence
The mayor's race was uncontested (unfortunately) but Lucy Young was able to keep her at-large position on the city council which is a great win for animal advocates.
Greenwood
Greenwood always seems to bring a great group of candidates to the table -- and this year was no exception. Congrats to Marvin Megee, Nicholas Cover and Mark Dziedzic -- all very pet friendly -- on their elections.
Shawnee
Incumbent Michelle Distler kept her spot (which is great! -- although we did like her opponent also) and in an even bigger win, Jeff Vaught defeated Dennis Kissinger.
We had a few other pet friendly candidates that weren't able to get elected this go around -- my hope is that they will continue to be involved in politics and run during their next round of elections: Alex Fellows in Greenwood, Sage Beauchamp in Grandview, Sheila Myers in Prairie Village, and Mike Manske in Westwood.
All in all, a quality night for animals at the polls. Good luck to the new crop of city leaders.
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