Headlines heating up winter’s deep freeze

If some of the headlines in The Citizen the past few weeks are any indication, it looks like Platte County is fighting its way out of the post-holiday dead zone. For starters, let’s talk just a bit about our front page story last week detailing the latest efforts of the No Chapel Ridge group. This southern Platte County citizens group, which has an abundance of that which fuels any successful grassroots organization — motivation and money — has filed a lawsuit against the County protesting the Commission’s approval of the Chapel Ridge subdivision in which it calls out Commissioner Jason Brown for his controversial vote. The group has also started a signage movement around the southern part of the County calling for Brown’s ouster. Those two issues — which, in my opinion, could derail a possible Brown re-election bid — make for a compelling story and justify a top-of-the-page headline. But let’s clarify a few points previously made in this space about those allegations. The lawsuit alleges that Brown’s vote was compromised due to a perceived connection to a local bank, which made minor contributions to his campaign years ago. This is all a matter of public record and is perfectly legal — hundreds of entities and individuals have donated to Brown’s campaign committee the last decade. That does not mean they are trying to buy political favors. There is no proof Brown is trading his vote for political favors, monetary or otherwise. It’s just plain dumb and Brown has not built a successful political career by doing dumb things. Will the No Chapel Ridge group’s lawsuit produce proof to the contrary? Stay tuned. APRIL BALLOT SET The filing period for the April 8 Municipal and School Boards Election ended last week and it looks like we may have a few interesting races. Four candidates have filed for three spots on the Platte County R-3 Board of Education — incumbents Sharon Sherwood, Lenora Miles and Julie Vanover and challenger Kirby Holden. Holden has been an outspoken critic of the R-3 District — and yours truly — the past few years and he’s at it again in a letter to the editor published below. While I have not seen eye to eye with Holden on .... well, any of his allegations, I do have to give him kudos for putting his money where his mouth is. Another school board race to keep an eye on will be the West Platte’s, where seven candidates have filed for three spots. This is no surprise, considering the turmoil in the West Platte community the past year-plus surrounding embattled Superintendent Dr. Jerrod Wheeler, whom many locals want to see gone. Fuel was added to that fire when the West Platte Board of Education recently declined to extend Wheeler’s contract past the 2014-15 school year. A little more gasoline was thrown on the blaze last week when several patrons, students and staff spoke in favor of keeping Wheeler. Stay tuned for plenty of coverage on these issues. ABOUT TIME That’s what many in the legal community are saying about the appointment of Ann Hansbrough to the Sixth Circuit Court judiciary. Judge Hansbrough will be the first female appointed to the bench in Platte County history. Cool side note about Hansbrough that has absolutely nothing to do with her legal experience and expertise: she is the aunt of former North Carolina Tar Heel and current Indiana Pacers basketball player Tyler Hansbrough. REALITY CHECK There is no way I can ever, ever, ever, ever root for the Denver Broncos. Ever. That said, I think they are going to beat the Seattle Seahawks in this Sunday’s Super Bowl by a score of 27-20. Thanks for reading. Lee Stubbs is owner/publisher of The Citizen. He may be reached by e-mail at editor@plattecountycitizen.com or by calling 858-5154. Follow him on Twitter @leejstubbs.