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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Prairie Village Citizen 