A typically non-political election has taken on a new tone during the COVID-19 pandemic, with three candidates listed on the April 6 ballot for the Platte County Health Department board of trustees.
Though three candidates appear on the ballot Tuesday, only two are eligible for the position – David Park and Dr. Jeffrey Kingsley. Doug Jones failed to file a personal financial statement prior to deadline.
Park has become active in Platte County politics since his retirement from the City of Kansas City and has made two runs for public office – challenging both the presiding and second district commissioner seats. He’s been a vocal critic of some of the Platte County Commission’s actions in recent years, including its handling of the COVID pandemic.
Kingsley was appointed to the board by the Platte County Commission in January, following the resignation of trustee Dr. Teresa Hills. According to a press release issued by the commission after the appointment was approved, Kingsley’s medical expertise is in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases. He currently serves as a pediatric/neonatal hospitalist and his research includes HIV treatment. His work has been published in many scientific and medical journals, including articles on HIV treatment as well as immunization recommendations. He is board certified in pediatrics.
Commissioners noted Kingsley is the only physician on the board. Board president Dr. Kent Jackson is a well known veterinarian, treasurer Kathy Wright is a registered nurse, while secretary Cathy Hill and member Paula Willmarth have extensive experience in healthcare administration, public health and social services.
Park was director of a large department for the City of Kansas City and helped to deliver public services in a non-partisan manner, he said.
Commissioners have come under fire for the delay in providing funding through the federal CARES Act to the health department, and have been critical of the health department’s orders to attempt mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Platte County Health Department operates independently from county government and is funded through its own dedicated property tax and user fees.
R-3 BOND PROJECTS
The Platte County R-3 School District is asking voter approval for a ‘no-tax-increase’ bond issuance to begin work on several large scale projects — which would eventually pave the way for construction of a second district high school.
Projects promised in the $73 million bond issuance are:
New Middle School — Located in the southern attendance area near Highway 152 and Platte Purchase on 80 acres of donated land, the proposed new middle school will have capacity for 500-600 students and the potential for future expansion on the site.
First Phase of Platte County High School Rebuild — In support of PCHS’s master plan, the first phase of this rebuild includes 26 classrooms and learning labs; a new main gymnasium complex, cafeteria commons; a new baseball field; and improved parking and traffic patterns.
Improvements to Barry School and Pathfinder Elementary — With the new middle school serving the southern attendance area, Barry School and Pathfinder Elementary would be converted and renovated to support PreK-5th grade.
District-wide Upgrades — District-wide improvements will be prioritized in each school facility with emphasis on safety and security improvements as well as technology upgrades.
The bond will need a super majority of more than 57 percent to pass.
The district’s current debt service levy is $1.1383 per $100 of assessed valuation and will remain unchanged if voters approve the bonds. According to the resolution calling for the vote the bonds will be retired after 20 years.
Critics of the plan have organized, calling for the district to reconsider its plans and consider construction of a more centalized campus to unite the southern and northern areas of the district.