February 15, 2020

Kathy Campbell recently announced her candidacy for the 2020 LSR7 Board of Education race. Living in Lee’s Summit for over 20 years, Kathy raised both of her sons in the LSR7 district and has volunteered in many different capacities through the district, always with the goal of what best serves our LSR7 kids and their education.

Professionally, Kathy works in Information Technology Program Management, implementing large scale technology programs and projects. Planning strategically with the organization’s Executive teams for technologies that support their initiatives, Kathy also knows how to roll up her sleeves to get into the details with teams to resolve barriers and get things moving to success. Further, she manages large program budgets and vendor relationships. “I think what really sets me apart in my role is the focus I put on the changes’ projects bring to people and how to help everyone impacted move through the changes necessary for success”, Kathy stated.

A lifelong learner, Kathy has a BBA with an emphasis on Computer Based Information Systems and an MBA both from UMKC. She continues to challenge herself every day with learning new tools and concepts to lead teams and effect change.

Kathy’s priorities and reasons for running for the Board are simple: • Ensure we do what we promise – direction, oversight and tracking accountability on execution regarding commitments for CFMP Phase II, Equity and Portrait of a Graduate

• Plan for the future – Lead, engage and listen to build and adopt a Strategic Plan for the district that includes strategic alignment with the City of Lee’s Summit and Community Partners

• Transparency – Creation of comprehensive and actionable communication strategies and Community engagement at all levels

• Partner through Change – partner and lead Students, Parents, Teachers, Staff, Administrators and the Community through the changes needed for our district for sustained growth – fulfilling the commitments on improving student experience and overall student achievement

“I am passionate about educational opportunities for all of our LSR7 kids! I’m ready to work hard and do my homework – listening, learning – asking the tough questions to make sure our strategic direction and decisions as a Board are seen in the success of every one of our LSR7 students.” To learn more about Kathy Campbell, visit her website at https://www.kathy4lsr7kids.com/.

Investment manager and lifelong Kansas City native Ryan Derks has announced his candidacy to challenge and replace long-time incumbent Emanuel Cleaver to represent Missouri’s 5th Congressional District, comprised of the communities of Kansas City, Independence, Raytown, Lees Summit, and Blue Springs, as well as Jackson, Lafayette, Saleen, and Ray Counties.

“I am running because I believe in our constitutional rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For 15 years, career-politicians like Emanuel Cleaver have been contributing to the swamp that is Washington and skyrocketing the debt crisis while stripping Missourians of their rights. Politicians like Congressman Cleaver advocate for socialism while failing to address the issues affecting our communities. I am heading to Washington to fight for our freedoms, to restore power to the people, and to drain the Washington Swamp to restore some commonsense to the office.”

Ryan is a born and raised Missourian, growing up in Lee’s Summit to parents who were born and raised in Independence. He graduated from Mizzou in 2010 with a degree in finance. For the past 10 years, Ryan has served as an investment manager with Ravenna Capital. In his role, he helps clients build wealth by strategically buying ownership in public companies, helping people across the state and country to secure their futures.

“When I look around at my community, my home, I see both challenges and opportunities,” said Ryan. “The people here are courageous, productive, and determined. But what I see are the challenges growing while the opportunities are wasted, as Congressman Cleaver takes the support of constituents for granted and refuses to take the steps necessary to help the folks back home. I am running to change that.”

Ryan has been active in Missouri politics throughout his life, advocating for liberty and supporting candidates that pledge to defend American freedom. “While I volunteered and campaigned for candidates, I thought I could help move our country forward; I never before thought about running,” said Ryan. “But seeing the need for quality representation in my community, I decided now is the time to push back against Washington and take a stand for the people.” Ryan is using his accumulated skills and experiences to begin a grassroots pushback against an establishment politician.

“I am greatly concerned about the size and scope of government,” said Ryan. “Congress has continued to delegate their authority to unelected, and often unvetted, bureaucrats. I am sick of this administrative state stepping on our state and local sovereignty. I want to fight for policies that protect our cherished freedoms. As Representative for the people, I will champion all of our rights.”

Ryan further elaborated on his philosophy on freedom, “I will pursue concrete, practical ways to return liberty back to the individual and sovereignty back to the states. I will push for responsible fiscal policies. We need to reign in out-of-control spending and endless debt. At the same time, we need to advocate for a responsible, balanced budget so that we can stop borrowing against our future and return more Americans’ taxpayer dollars back to them. A safe, well-educated, and prosperous Kansas City is possible through commitment to individual liberty, economic freedom, and personal responsibility.”

For more information about Ryan and his campaign, ryanderks.com.

Tim Shrout has announced his candidacy for Lee’s Summit City Council District 2.

Tim was born and raised in Grandview, just on the other side of Longview Lake. He moved to Lee’s Summit in 1994. He is married to Teresa and between them they have 9 children. Brandon (23), Tessa (22), Andrew (21), Tyler (20), Caylin (20), Tia (17), Carson (16), Savanna (14), and Kaden (11). Tim has worked in Insurance and Investments his entire career and is currently the Associate Director of Sales and Marketing at Allied National, a third-party administrator. Tim serves as a Lee’s Summit TIF Commissioner, Lee’s Summit Ignite Committee member, and as a Board Member for local business, Developing Potential. In years past, Tim has been active in the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce and he is a graduate of Leadership Lee’s Summit. He also served as a facilitator for the Chamber and its leadership program.

Public safety, economic development, civility in public discourse, and service are all things that are very close to Tim’s heart. He has a desire to help strengthen Lee’s Summit by creating opportunities for all of its citizens and encouraging diversity in every area of the community. As a previous member of the Lee’s Summit Arts Council and a performer with several Summit Theatre Group productions, Tim believes deeply in the value of the Arts as a key element in developing a thriving community.

Some of Tim’s goals are encouraging the development of diverse and affordable housing options, while maintaining the high-quality standards our citizens have come to expect; promoting kind and civil discourse; and advocating for a community that is culturally diverse, fair-minded, and rich with opportunities for our ever-growing population. The foundation of Tim’s campaign is service, diversity, and a voice for all.