Melissa Cheatham

We endorse Cheatham, 41, who has proven an effective council member during her first term. Of particular note: She was one of the primary backers of Overland Park’s property tax rebate plan, which offers givebacks of up to 75% to low-income homeowners who meet eligibility requirements. The rebate, she said in her survey response, “targeted relief for those who need it most, while sustaining the services residents count on.” That’s what you want in a council member.

“Bold leaders like Melissa are at the forefront of the fight for our rights and freedoms at a time when they have never faced greater threats,” said Amanda Litman, Co-Founder and President of Run for Something. “Run for Something is proud to endorse Melissa Cheatham as part of our latest class of young leaders working to secure lasting change in their communities.”

I tell everyone that Cheatham is the ideal elected official, and I hope that she runs for an office that will be on my ballot. She has top-notch constituent outreach, with posts on social media about upcoming votes on Council, regular newsletter updates, and quarterly coffee meetings. As I said, I am not in her district, but I do Follow her on social media because she does such a good job of keeping people informed about what's happening in Overland Park. At the Johnson County Post forum, she described herself as having curiosity and tenacity, and I think that's a great description AND what makes her such an excellent public servant. Cheatham is also a Gun Sense Candidate, meaning she has pledged to govern with gun violence prevention in mind.