February 17, 2024

Submitted by Cynda Rader

Since coming to Lee’s summit in 1975 I have watched this city change and grow. My three children grew up in Oak Tree Farms subdivision and attended Prairie View Elementary, which is where I started my dive into volunteering. I became very involved in PTA, starting as a room mother and working my way up the ranks to VP of membership. I am very proud of that service and the opportunity to help others. It was a rewarding experience that taught me leadership skills and allowed me to form beautiful relationships I still enjoy today.

In 1994, as a single mother, I embarked on a real estate career that is now in its 30th year. I started out with the JD Reece Company, working long hours to achieve success in real estate sales and in 2011 I opened my own brokerage, The Cynda Sells Real Estate Company. This experience has taught me resiliency, independence, how to manage finances and budget to keep my business alive, even in the worst times. It has also given me the opportunity to coach and mentor other Realtors to succeed in their businesses. I believe entrepreneurship and high achievement are a product of keen desire and hard work.

I have enjoyed sponsoring and serving on several boards and task force committees for the Lee’s Summit Chamber. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Lee’s Summit Symphony, as Planning Commissioner for the City of Lee’s Summit, on the Lee’s Summit Tax Review and Water Utilities boards and as an active member of the Downtown Main Street. I feel that my experience as members of these boards and commissions have allowed me a very good perspective of how development and finance is managed by our city officials and staff. I know there’s so much more to learn and I am prepared to take on that role as your District 3 City Councilperson.

I am running for City Council to help keep Lee’s Summit heading towards a bright future. My plan to continue the success of our city and prosper is first, to ensure smart and balanced development and growth that sustains a good mix of business and industry, thereby creating new jobs. Second, I would like to address the critical need for acquirable and attainable homes. This will include looking at zoning changes and alternative ways to build. I believe we need to keep a conservative and fiscal watch on the granting of developer incentives to ensure our tax dollars are flowing back to infrastructure and maintenance of our city and public safety.

I am always open to new ideas and conversations with anyone who has the betterment of our beautiful city at heart! I am an avid problem solver and am always accessible to people, which has been a large part of my success. I believe the continued well being of our city starts here at the grassroots level.