Six Degrees of Activism's Voter Guide

Farassati has a tendency toward disruptive and divisive leadership. His refusal to participate in well respected candidate forums when his list of demands were not met, is consistent with his confrontational style and raises concerns that he will not be responsive to constituents who don’t align with his views.

There is a concern that this candidate's policy decisions will be driven more by ideology than what is best for the Overland Park community. Marsden also seems to not fully understand the role of a city council member.

Carignan is a decent candidate who we have supported in the past, but we believe his opponent brings more to the table and will bring a needed perspective to the council.

Mosher’s responses in candidate forums at times reflected unclear or inconsistent views on issues such as city budgeting and taxation. His focus on specific constituencies and priorities suggests a narrower approach to city governance.

Washington is a decent candidate who seems to care deeply about Overland Park. We simply believe her opponent is the better choice.

Roberts' tenure on the State Board of Education and his varied (often confusing and contradictory) education beliefs demonstrate that he is not a good fit for a school board position. His time in office at the State Board of Education was fraught with controversy and unconventional behavior, such as using the N-word during a board meeting and derailing a meeting during the pandemic by reading from his lengthy list of education beliefs for seven minutes. No public education advocacy group has endorsed his candidacy.

McMullen was removed from his position as board VP after some discriminatory tweets that disparaged LBGTQ+ youth. He voted numerous times against needed student mental-health supports, needed technology, and safety equipment for athletes. He is connected with Moms for Liberty and was endorsed by the 1776 PAC during his first campaign, which suggests he is aligned with efforts that could undermine inclusive, fact-based public education. No public education advocacy group has endorsed his candidacy.

Charlton seemed not as prepared or knowledgeable about JCCC as other candidates during the Johnson County Post forum, specifically about public safety and state funding. Only endorsement found was from Kansans for Life. Charlton also ran an unsuccessful bid for the state legislature in 2024 alongside incumbents running for reelection who consistently vote against public education. He also has the support of Moms for Liberty, whose agenda has often conflicted with inclusive public education, and has strong ties to other JCCC candidates who we have listed as "Strong No."

There is concern that this candidate’s ideology may influence their approach to the trustee role, which is traditionally focused on local priorities such as student success, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining accessible, high-quality education. He seems more concerned about indoctrination at the college and keeping a focus on the basics of reading, writing, and math versus a more modern approach to college education that fosters critical thinking and diverse opinions. Additionally, he is supported by Moms for Liberty endorsed by multiple state legislators who have consistently voted against public education.

There is concern that this candidate’s ideology may influence their approach to the trustee role. Hamill was captured on video saying he would like JCCC to stand for Johnson County Christian College, suggesting he doesn't believe in the separation of church and state. Other comments in a local paper make it clear he doesn't understand the concept of equity; believes it involves taking from one person to give to another. The only endorsements found were Kansans for Life, Moms for Liberty (whose agenda has often conflicted with inclusive public education), and state legislators who have consistently voted against public education.

In many respects, Abner appears to be a decent candidate for this position. Unfortunately, an endorsement from a state legislator who consistently votes against public education and his close ties to candidates we've rated as "Strong No" created enough concern that it was difficult to provide an endorsement one way or another.

Although his name will still be on the ballot, Scott Enge has withdrawn from the race.

Coleman-Marconett's forum/questionnaire responses suggest she is a strong public education supporter who trusts/values teachers and will champion an inclusive environment in Spring Hill schools. She is endorsed by Game On for Kansas Schools.

There is concern that this candidate’s ideology could impact policy decisions. Melius's campaign Facebook page states she has concerns with "critical race theory" (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which could distract from the real work of supporting students and teachers and lead to policies that limit robust classroom discussion. She also stated that all health choices, including vaccines, should be a personal choice determined by each family. This could lead to policies that lower vaccine rates in Spring Hill schools, increasing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases. Melius’s support from Moms for Liberty, whose agenda has often conflicted with inclusive public education.

Olsen’s support for school choice (i.e., vouchers) is disqualifying for a school board member. It is clear that Olsen does not understand the detrimental impacts of voucher-like programs on public education. He seems to only think of it as competition and believes competition is a good thing. He does not recognize that our public schools that must accept and educate all students (regardless of cost and circumstances) are not on a level playing field with private schools who can pick and choose their students. With leadership in Topeka continually pushing to expand vouchers in Kansas, we need school board members who understand their impact on our public schools.

Ewing is the incumbent, yet we found his answers in questionnaires/forums were often lacking in substance. His support for school choice (i.e., vouchers) while not understanding how that undermines public school funding, is disqualifying for a school board member.

Reese has been on the Water One Board for 30+ years. We found no campaign website, social media, or candidate questionnaire. We believe a more responsive board member with a fresh perspective is needed.