Prairie Village Citizen

  • Sticks and Stones 🤕 (Truthful Version)

    Prairie Village Citizen

    Dear readers,

    Lori Sharp published her disinformation newsletter again. As before, as Ms. Sharp is unwilling to be transparent with all of her constituents, this page is sharing it here with commentary.

    Lori’s antics have caught the eye of Taylor Allison Swift, who took time out of her busy day to also publish her newest song about Prairie Village politics.

    Sticks and Stones 🤕

    The subject line is going to feel very ironic by the time you finish reading this.

    The most recent development involves a sitting councilman (Greg Shelton—brother in law to owner of JOCO Post) who has joined forces with a former councilwoman and Leawood resident (Lauren Wolf) and a Ward 1 resident (Rae Nicholson) to launch public personal attacks and doxing on private citizens in our community who don’t share their views on current events at city hall.

    Ms. Sharp and PVU apparently are very upset by local residents being engaged and stepping up to counter their dark monied efforts. Why is she so upset?

    Readers, you should go visit ForwardPV and start to see for yourselves who PVU really is.

    It’s well known that grassroots involvement in Prairie Village has increased significantly the last few years as a broad and diverse coalition of citizens has emerged to resist dramatic zoning changes proposed for our beautiful single-family neighborhoods. And to fight for property rights that have prevailed over the test of time building our wonderful village.

    PVU and Ms. Sharp certainly want you to believe they have a grassroots movement. But all is not as it seems. I encourage readers to visit Who is PV United and find out more. You might be surprised at what you see.

    This coalition of concerned villagers has continued to grow as our City Council has taken on other unpopular and unnecessary issues such as the $50 million city hall proposal. And residents’’ right to vote on budget items they are personally paying! And, of course, we can’t forget our ever-rising property taxes …

    Those who follow what is going on in the Village know that municipal complex is neither unpopular or unnecessary.


    Sadly, rather than applaud vigorous debate and increased citizen engagement, the entrenched insiders are now lashing out with name calling and innuendo, describing those who disagree with them as “antagonists focused on sowing discord and discontent.” I guess that’s what they think of you if you oppose piling 30 years of new city debt on hardworking taxpayers!

    Ms. Sharp, and all of her PVU proxies, are hypocrites. They have engaged for years with the very behavior she describes. You can simply visit this page’s FB page for lengthy evidence showing you their long history of abusing our elected officials and city staff for doing their jobs of prudence governance.

    So be on the lookout. It’s a City Council election year, and it’s likely the insiders will only ratchet up their attacks on concerned grassroots citizens in an effort to squelch opposition and distract voters from the real issues as we get closer to November. Sad, but true. Attacking their own residents.  However, I will continue to talk about the issues.

    We can’t let the childish name calling and unseemly insinuations distract us. We’re focused on nonpartisan priorities — zoning, population density, property rights, and core quality-of-life issues such as the parks, infrastructure, and trash pickup.

    Asked and answered. PVU is not grassroots, and is the primary outlet for the behaviors they cry about.

    Giving people the right to vote on the $50 million city hall proposal is also the right thing to do.

    Ms. Sharp and PVU are blindly ignoring the guidance from the Kansas Secretary of State, who advised Johnson County that such an issue does not belong on the ballot.

    If you have questions, thoughtful City Council candidates are already out in neighborhoods talking to voters directly at their doors, answering questions and sharing ideas. I am proud of their message and professionalism as they reach out to the residents to have meaningful, truthful discussions….not bully, attack or squelch opposing points of view.

    This will continue this fall. Speak with them. Support them when your views on city issues align. This is democracy in action.

    You have an opportunity to vote for real change on the City Council.

    With our votes, we can get back to respecting the people’s voice at city hall. And elect people who will respect and listen to their constituents.

    Local politics matter and elections have consequences.

    All candidates are out canvassing neighborhoods. While rumors exist that PVU candidates are creating antagonistic and hostile scenarios while canvassing, don’t be afraid to ask them pointed questions about their lies and behaviors. Residents are already doing so, so join them.

  • Prairie Village MAGA Candidates Heroically Flee Debate, Stage Own Forum Where Mayor Cannot Hurt Them

    Prairie Village Citizen

    PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS — Declaring themselves “the bravest patriots since Lexington and Concord,” a slate of six Prairie Village City Council candidates announced Tuesday they would boycott the Johnson County Post’s candidate forum and instead host their own debate through PV United, a group many describe as “MAGA cosplay with a Nextdoor account.”

    The move, candidates said, was necessary to protect themselves from “unbiased questions, accountability, and reality in general.”

    “We will not sit through a forum where woke agendas are allowed to run wild,” thundered Edward Boersma, a candidate who recently introduced himself at a neighborhood block party by shouting “Down with composting bins!” “The current mayor wants to brainwash our children with diversity training, gender-neutral stop signs, composting mandates, and other communist plots. Composting is literally socialism in a bucket. Well not on my watch.”

    Guiding the PV United slate is Councilmember Lori Sharp, who many say orchestrates their positions like a political ventriloquist.
    “Our candidates don’t need to worry about messy things like ideas,” Sharp explained. “I hand them all pre-approved talking points in the morning, usually copied directly from Dave Tolbert and Pete Mundo monologues. It saves time, ensures ideological purity, and means no one ever slips up and says something reasonable.”

    Sharp also defended her group’s refusal to support a proposed update to the crumbling city hall.
    “Why would we waste taxpayer money on buildings when closets work just fine for city employees?” she asked while piloting her private jet. “You think the founding fathers had ergonomic chairs and HVAC systems? No—they had grit. Frankly, forcing employees to work in a damp supply closet builds character.”

    Another PVU candidate added, “The city hall falling down is actually a good thing for the climate. Every brick that drops is one less brick contributing to Prairie Village’s carbon footprint. We call that green demolition.”

    Outside City Hall, local internet trolls have cheered the splinter forum like it’s the Super Bowl of grievance. Kansas Tim, known primarily for commenting “EUNUCHS!!” on social media, applauded the move.
    “Finally, a debate where the real issues will be addressed,” Tim shouted into a microphone no one had given him. “And by real issues, I mean the fact that every current council member is a eunuch. Eunuchs! You can’t spell zoning without eunuch—well, you can, but still!”

    Not to be outdone, Jori Nelson, a neighborhood troll whose hatred for Mayor Erik Mikkelson has reached Olympic levels, also weighed in.
    “Every morning I wake up and scream his name into a mirror until the glass cracks,” Nelson confessed. “I have a dartboard with his face, three piñatas shaped like him, and a custom ringtone that just says ‘Mikkelson sucks’ on loop. This isn’t just politics—it’s destiny.”

    Organizers of the PV United forum confirmed the event will feature a format designed to “maximize outrage and minimize coherent answers.” Attendees will submit pre-approved softball questions such as “On a scale of 1 to America, how much do you love freedom?” and “Should Prairie Village be renamed Trump Village?”

    Local residents expressed mixed feelings. “It’s weird,” said longtime voter Cheryl Andrews. “These folks claim they hate the mayor, but they also can’t stop talking about him. It’s like high school crush energy, but instead of passing notes, they’re filing angry Facebook posts.”

    At press time, PV United confirmed the debate will be held in an undisclosed private home, catered exclusively with Chick-fil-A nuggets, and will end with a ceremonial burning of the city’s comprehensive plan and a destruction of a Mikkelson piñata.

  • Sharpening the Disinformation, Part 2

    Prairie Village Citizen

    Dear readers,

    Lori Sharp published her disinformation newsletter again. As before, as Ms. Sharp is unwilling to be transparent with all of her constituents, this page is sharing it here with commentary.

    If it walks like a Duck 🦆

    The email subject is notable, as in her previous newsletter Ms. Sharp incorrectly called the city government “lame ducks.” This was a subject of discussion and correction at the last council meeting by other members of council. Ms. Sharp apparently wishes to continue to stoke division and anger amongst the elected body.

     The Vote on the City Hall, Bonds, and Debt Capacity

    At last night’s City Council meeting, the rush to push the massive city hall project forward before the November election continued.

    Three votes related the project were taken:

    1. Approving the municipal complex building project

    2. Authorizing the issuance of bonds

    3. Amending Council Policy 056 – Financial Management

    Councilman Nick Reddell and I voted no on all three.

    These council members voted yes on all three:

    Cole Robinson, Dave Robinson (Cole’s dad), Ron Nelson  Tyler Agniel, Terrence Gallagher, Ian Graves, Chi Nguyen, Terry O’Toole, and Greg Shelton.

    (Councilmen Ron Nelson and Cole Robinson are up for re-election in November.)

    Councilwoman Inga Selders was absent.

    Once again, Ms. Sharp implies that the municipal complex project is being rushed. The project has been going on for 4 years, and been examined and discussed from every angle. As noted previously, Ms. Sharp has participated in over 30 council meetings since her election. The narrative about the project being rushed, and tying it to the upcoming election, is a Trump-like tactic to scare residents with a poorly constructed narrative.

    Vote #1: Municipal Complex Improvements

    The architects designing the project showed three videos of the design. The new city hall

    building concept includes offices, conference rooms, an outside patio for dining, an art gallery, large City Council chambers, etc. It will be 18,000 square feet for 22 employees.

    The project envisions the current council chambers being renovated for municipal court. There

    are only five full-time equivalent court employees with three work stations, four cubicles, and

    three offices. The court room re-imagining is quite something, particularly considering how little use it gets — once a month and mostly done via Zoom. This should be the cleanest room in town!

    It is disappointing how much emphasis and money are proposed for the unnecessary court

    renovation (could be co-located in the new City Council chamber) and how little improvement

    the police are getting. You may view the videos on the city’s website and see the lopsided

    emphasis on city hall / municipal court (83% of funding) rather than public safety.

    Again, this project has been in the works for years. PD, city staff, and council has spent years evaluating the needs of the city as a whole. Ms. Sharp is attempting to frame this discussion so that it appears PD is getting less than they need at the expense of public safety. Does her background as an occupational therapist make her more qualified than our police staff to determine what their needs are? Also, Ms. Sharp is trying to tell you that spaces of our municipal complex rarely get used. Anyone who invests their time and participates in city activities will tell you that our facilities are used extensively for multiple purposes.

    Vote #2: Bonds (30 Years of New City Debt)

    The city intends to secure $27 million in bonds (debt) for this government building project. At

    4.25% interest for 30 years, the interest payments of $23 million will drive the total project cost

    up to $50 million. That’s a lot of sales and property taxes to be collected and paid by the people

    of our little village (on top of regular city operations).

    If the residents of PV voted to approve this large expense and debt, and for this purpose, I

    would abide by their decision, but, of course, you aren’t being given that opportunity. Council

    members Agniel, Gallagher, Graves, Nelson, Nguyen, O’Toole, Cole Robinson, Dave Robinson,

    and Shelton insist on making the decision for you.

    This is the city’s single biggest expenditure, and it’s largely for 22 government employees since

    most citizens never go to city hall. Why are the people being silenced?

    Ms. Sharp wishes to use inflammatory language about the cost of the project when she says “That’s a lot of sales and property taxes…” . The city has published the numbers and noted that property tax accounts for 41% of the costs. The median household in PV will spend $47 property tax dollars a year for this project, without raising their current tax burden.

    Ms. Sharp also continues to champion the disinformation that this project is happening without the people making the decision, and that you are being silenced. Ms. Sharp does not understand how representative democracy works, and wants to make sure she confuses it for you.

    Vote #3: Debt Capacity

    By amending Council Policy 056, the council basically voted to raise the city’s debt ceiling. The

    previous policy put up guardrails to stop out-of-control spending by restricting how much we

    could borrow. This council changed that last night, quadrupling the debt limit to more than $36 million.

    I asked about future debt. In 2019, before the Public Works building was built, that City Council looked at potential upcoming funding needs. One of the items discussed back then was the need for $15 million for the pool complex and bath house. Six years later, those issues remain.  The city administrator thinks the bath house might be $10 million … so more big-ticket spending items are on the horizon.

    The city continues to operate with great financial ratings and prudence. As is the norm for conservatives who don’t work for solutions and only participate in government to tear it down, Ms. Sharp wants to use the idea of debt as a boogeyman to scare you, without any rigor applied to her opinions.

    Ms. Sharp also is throwing whatever she can at the wall as election season approaches. She may well forget that the pool and bath house work would have been part of the community center project that, ironically, she made sure the public did not get to vote on.

    Thank You

    I am heartened by residents’ interest and engagement in this important discussion about the

    high cost of city hall. You wrote hundreds of emails, a community group distributed hundreds of yard signs, and busy citizens made time to come to meetings and speak their piece. You have done everything our democracy affords. It just seems wrong to me that you haven’t also been allowed to exercise your right to go to the polls and vote on such a large project that impacts how your family’s tax dollars will be spent for decades to come.

    Thank you for all your efforts and good wishes. I will continue to prepare for every meeting and fight for your rights. We’re all still learning just how much Local Politics Matter!


    Your neighbor,

    Lori

    Hundreds of signs / emails represents a very small percentage of the residents of our 9,000 household village. And it bears repeating – all residents are allowed to have their voices heard and vote for what they want as part of the democracy we all live in.

  • Sharpening the Disinformation

    Prairie Village Citizen

    Dear readers,

    Lori Sharp once again published her disinformation newsletter to the Prairie Village minority that hangs on her every word. As Ms. Sharp is unwilling to be transparent and share her words with all of her constituents, despite their repeated requests, this page is going to share it here with some appropriate annotations.


    Was There Enough Time to Repeal Charter Ordinance 28?

    There was plenty of time to repeal or amend the charter ordinance before the November election and let the people vote on the city hall project. With nearly five months still to go, it was entirely possible to draft the language and allow for the required 60-day public comment period.  The last time the council amended the charter ordinance, it was discussed and voted on in one night.  

    By repealing the ordinance, we simply would have reverted to Kansas law, which requires cities to allow citizens to vote on bonding issues that obligate taxpayers to more debt. Besides, even “if” we couldn’t get it done by November, what’s the hurry?

    Lori Sharp was elected into office in November 2023. She was sworn in on December 4th, 2023. Since then, she has participated in over 30 council meetings. She is right on one thing – there has been plenty of time to take up Charter Ordinance 28. Why hasn’t she? While Ms. Sharp has been seen fumbling on the dais, often not paying attention or tracking what is going on during session, our city’s business can’t wait for her to show the commitment to work that her elected office requires.

    Lame Duck Council

    Of the eight council members who oppose your right to vote on city hall, four aren’t even running for re-election in November 2025. They will soon be out of office but just committed you, the taxpayer, to 30 years of debt. 

    Two other council members who oppose your right to vote on city hall, Cole Robinson and Ron Nelson, will be on the ballot in November. Should they lose their seats, half of the council will be new — yet stuck holding a bag of massive debt left by the previous lame-duck council.

    Besides not using the term lame duck correctly, Ms. Sharp and PV United should be reminded that the proposed PD and City Hall project has been in the works for years. The numbers and financing for this project are not a surprise. They are framing this discussion to make you believe this project is being rushed and pushed on residents. It is not.

    Where Does “Existing Revenue” Come From?

    There’s a video floating around talking about using existing revenue to build the new city hall, as though that somehow isn’t taxpayer money. But, in government, existing revenue always comes from your tax dollars!

    Three new taxes to pay for City Hall

    1. The city is counting on the taxes for the street light bonds that were retired. Instead of lowering taxes when the bonds were paid, the city kept taxing you and spending your money for the city hall project.
    2. And when the tax windfall comes in from Meadowbrook in 2028, the city won’t lower your taxes then either. Those dollars also are committed to a new city hall.
    3. In the November 2024 meeting, our finance director keeping the mill levy steady, but counting on property valuations rising.  So your third tax is the city collecting the monies (taxes) from the increased property valuations; instead of lowering the mill levy to revenue neutral.


    Bottom line, there are three new taxes already added or being added to pay for the new city hall.

    The city has been communicative and transparent about how this project will be funded, and is not lying to you about your tax burden. All of the factual information is available on the city website. Ms. Sharp has repeatedly spread disinformation about city business in her newsletter, and has had to issue multiple retractions when she is called out her blatant disregard for the truth.

    City Government Salaries


    There was a segment on KCMO Talk Radio this week that is well worth a listen. It’s only 10 minutes long but worth every minute of your time.

    The discussion focused on Prairie Village government salary increases and city spending in general: “The staff produce the budget, and the City Council rubber stamps it!” … “Borrow less.” … “People being taxed out of their homes.”  


    This is important information for those of us seeking to be informed voters. The November election will determine the direction of PV. Especially when it comes to taxes, debt, and quality of life, local politics matter.

    Local politics matter

    Your neighbor,

    Lori

    Ms. Sharp once again references the radio laughingstock, Pete Mundo, in her quest to tell you that our outstanding public servants do not deserve to be paid competitive salaries for their work.

    While Ms. Sharp does not participate in the workforce in any real way, and thus does not understand the value of being compensated for your work, as an elected representative she should consider that if PV wishes to continue providing first class services to its residents, it requires that we pay our employees competitively.

  • 12 Days of NIMBYMAS

    Prairie Village Citizen

    In a surprise move, PV United went amongst the people to spread good cheer. However, their song surprised everyone:

    On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    A house with no new development to see.

    On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Two parking spots and a house with no new development to see.

    On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Six neighborhood meetings, five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Seven petitions signed, six neighborhood meetings, five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Eight angry letters, seven petitions signed, six neighborhood meetings, five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Nine lawsuits filed, eight angry letters, seven petitions signed, six neighborhood meetings, five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Ten city council meetings, nine lawsuits filed, eight angry letters, seven petitions signed, six neighborhood meetings, five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Eleven news articles, ten city council meetings, nine lawsuits filed, eight angry letters, seven petitions signed, six neighborhood meetings, five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

    On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
    Twelve developers leaving, eleven news articles, ten city council meetings, nine lawsuits filed, eight angry letters, seven petitions signed, six neighborhood meetings, five NIMBY groups, four historic districts, three zoning laws, two parking spots, and a house with no new development to see.

  • Really Important Ethics Complaints

    Prairie Village Citizen

    Today our esteemed Council is going to consider ethics complaints submitted by a Very Important Person. You can find the text of the complaint below.

    PAY ATTENTION TO ME

    TO: People more relevant than me

    RE: My Very Educated Analysis of Things

    I am writing to you today to let you know I have Opinions and Values, and am upset they don’t align with your opinions and values. Your opinions and values not aligning with my Opinions and Values is in direct violation of Article 1, Section 3 of the Fragile Male Ego Code.

    Below are specific examples how other people have not been of my Opinion and Values, and as a result made them look bad:

    Erik Mikkelson

    1. Erik Mikkelson serves on the board for United Community Services of Johnson County. This organization has a vision that states:
      “UCS’ vision is that all people have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute to the health and well-being of the community.

    Clearly this is a conflict of interest, as the vision says it serves the community instead of correctly identifying it only serves Perfect Village.

    Cole Robinson

    1. Cole is serving as the Executive Director of the Johnson County Democratic Party. He also posts on Facebook opinions that do not align with my Opinions.

    This is in direct contradiction of the Very Obvious Mandate where he must only agree with My Opinions.

    Inga Selders

    1. On Inga Selders personal Facebook page, Inga identifies as:
      • a woman,
      • who has opinions,
      • and expresses them where anyone can see or hear them.

    This is wrong for Obvious Reasons.

    Ian Graves

    1. He is from Portland. I think that is in Massachusetts (I am not sure, my Garmin isn’t working properly), but regardless he is not From Here.

    Bonnie Limbird

    1. See problems with Inga.
    2. She’s also on the board of United Community Services of Johnson County.
    3. Lori told me I shouldn’t like her.

    Ron Nelson

    1. Ron Nelson engages in online behavior that is critical of My Opinion, and this feels threatening and should not be allowed to happen.

    Conclusion

    These things are Bad and do not align with My Opinions or My Values. They should not be allowed.

    Also they blocked me on Facebook and I am running short on friends to talk to.

    MIKE SULLINGER

  • Post Election Hateful Propaganda

    Prairie Village Citizen

    Welcome to the first post! Enough people were interested in seeing some content that needed more space than facebook allowed, so let’s do it here.

    Last night, PV United sent out a post election email that would have made me giggle if I wasn’t so appalled at the behavior. Below is the content of that email with some added commentary.

    Are you there, PV? It’s us, the haters.

    Congratulations to Terri O’Toole Ward 1, Lori Sharp Ward 3, Tyler Agniel Ward 4 and Nick Reddell Ward 5 for your successful campaigns! Also, a huge thank you to Ed Boersma in Ward 2. He launched an amazing write-in campaign and battled uphill for a record number of write-in votes. He will most certainly be successful when he is actually on the ballot. And to Kelly Wyer, Ward 6 who came SO close at just 33 votes shy! She ran a great campaign and next time she will push over the finish line!!

    Standard fare. Congrats on winning your election races. We lied a bunch and people fell for it.

    The culmination of a 16-month effort to unify Prairie Village residents in resistance to a highly politicized City Council has given us new hope. This is a WIN for “Community over Council” and citizens’ rights above political ideology. Our efforts must not end here.

    How exactly is the City Council politicized? Because they represent all of Prairie Village and not just your interests? “Community over Council” – PV United couldn’t be less about community (unless you fit their very specific target demographic) if they tried.

    In fact, this is only the beginning of a commitment to protect what makes Prairie Village so special. Real change occurs with long range commitment.

    I am pretty sure what makes PV special was the fact that it has had decades of good governance and serving as a starter bedroom community for people. Not becoming Mission Hills West.

    We are committed to real, honest nonpartisan dialogue, not the name calling, misinformation and division demonstrated by Council and a few of their outside followers.

    This is something that PV United has never, ever been committed to. And months and months of public behavior – online, social media, and in council chambers – proves they are the primary offenders of name calling, misinformation, and division.

    We don’t have the land, the population nor resources to do as other cities. Let’s not try. We are a 6.2 square mile city, fully built out and surrounded by other communities. Our strongest resource is our wonderful neighborhoods and sense of community. PV residents understand the need for fiscal responsibility, a transparent City Council and a measured approach to attainable housing. Your newly elected Council members will bring these ideals and more to City Hall.

    Let’s not try. This is essentially the modern conservative playbook when it comes to governance – doing nothing. We can do better.

    Four new Council members does not mean a majority, however in two years it will only take three more wins to gain a majority. This will be a long two years for these four hard-working Council people. During the past 16 months the old Council has demonstrated sheer malice and defiance for listening, negotiating or collaborating. However, these four new members will change the conversation and work to assure that going forward the Council represents the will of the Prairie Village residents. We need to be there for them!

    Hey, at least they can do math. And City Council has listened, negotiated, and collaborated with the entirety of Prairie Village to look for the best way forward for the city. The “sheer malice and defiance” is behavior exhibited by the leaders of PV United.

    We must grow our support base through added emails and expanded communication. If you have friends or neighbors that are not receiving these emails, please encourage them to join the list for regular updates. Volunteer or donate through <redacted>.

    Wishing you a safe, peaceful holiday season. As we move into the New Year, we are hoping each of you will remain engaged and get involved. PV United will continue to keep you updated.

    Sincerely,

    PV United for the Right to Vote and Stop Rezoning

    Hey look, they DO know how to write nice things!