February 22, 2020
Last month, Andrew Felker announced he is running for the Lee’s Summit City Council District 2 open seat that was previously held by Craig Faith.
Felker, a family man and attorney for Chinnery Evans and Nail, P.C., is involved in multiple service and business organizations in Lee’s Summit.
“My family and I didn’t know how good we had it when we moved to Lee’s Summit,” said Felker. “This is a great community, built on years of devoted service given by so many citizens and community leaders. I want to maintain that tradition and keep Lee’s Summit on a path of responsible growth as we face the opportunities of the future.”
Felker grew up in Sikeston, Missouri. One of seven children, he graduated valedictorian and went on to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he achieved his undergraduate and law degrees. He and his wife Sarah moved their family to Lee’s Summit in 2011, where they now raise their five children: Audrey, Lauren, Ruby, Rachel and Corin. Professionally, Felker helps individuals and business owners with their estate planning, business maters and real estate needs. When he is not at work, coaching his children’s sports teams, or watching dance and play practices, he is involved in numerous organizations. Andrew has volunteered and served on the respective boards for Pro Deo Youth Center, Lee’s Summit CARES, the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, and Lee’s Summit Medical Center.
“I’m mindful of the significant opportunities in front of Lee’s Summit,” he said. “We’re experiencing a resurgence of development and redevelopment initiatives throughout the city, including Property Reserve’s intent to develop its 4,000 acres and the city’s work on its own master plan for that acreage and other prospective developments.”
Felker adds that he is committed to seeing the projects through with a balanced and responsible approach, ensuring that future developments include a broad commercial base and account for necessary public safety personnel, facilities, and equipment.
“Constant attention must be given to maintaining and improving our commitment to public safety and the infrastructure residents rely on,” Felker said. “No one wants to live in a growing city if we don’t feel safe or basic infrastructure needs aren’t met.”
He specifically referenced needed attention to alleviating personnel stresses on both the firefighter and police dispatch centers and making sure resources allocated to public safety grow in conjunction with the needs of an expanding Lee’ Summit.
In addition to public safety, Felker believes Lee’s Summit should champion itself as a growing destination to start a business or make a career. Workforce development is a pillar of his campaign.
“Future growth should incorporate high quality jobs, and Lee’s Summit should be a magnet for a high quality workforce and for the entrepreneurs willing to take bold steps,” he said.
Felker finished by stating he understands there are many reasons people love to call Lee’s Summit home. He noted the city’s nationally-recognized parks and recreation system, an award-winning downtown, top tier schools, a growing arts community and a volunteer network that gives residents a chance to serve.
“Sarah and I love the quality of life we have in Lee’s Summit,” Felker said. “The community has been so good to our family. We should keep working toward a downtown performance space, expand our farmers’ markets, collaborate with our public and private schools and community service organizations so we can continue to live, work and raise our families in Lee’s Summit.”
