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Age
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Demographics / Personal Info )
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50 years old. |
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Family
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Demographics / Personal Info )
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Married to Janice Emerson Turner Love and together we have eight children (5 grown) and one grandson. |
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Occupation/place of employment
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Demographics / Personal Info )
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Pastor, Second Baptist Church of Olathe.
blove_one@sbcglobal.net
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Number of years you have been a resident of the city
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Demographics / Personal Info )
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28 |
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Education
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Demographics / Personal Info )
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Andersonville Theological Seminary Master of Theology) and (Doctor of Ministry)
Andersonville Baptist Seminary (Bachelor of Theology)
Emporia State University (Business Education Major)
Western Baptist Bible College (Associates of Arts in Christian Theology)
Seward County Community College (Associates of Applied Science - Mid-Management)
Olathe Chamber of Commerce Leadership Olathe graduate
City of Olathe Leadership Academy (MARC/Public Administration Department at KU)
Mid-America Regional Council Advanced Facilitation Training
Certified Stepfamily Counselor (Stepfamily Foundation of New York)
Olathe Chamber of Commerce Leadership Olathe graduate
JCCC Center for Professional Education Core Mediation Training
City of Olathe Leadership Academy (MARC/Public Administration at KU)
Certified Stepfamily Counselor (Stepfamily Foundation of New York)
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Political experience
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Demographics / Personal Info )
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Olathe Political Training Institute
Assisted with various political campaigns.
Two-term Precinct Committeeman
2006 Primary Candidate for the 49th District-Kansas House
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Civic involvement
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Demographics / Personal Info )
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Chairman Sunflower Foundation Community Advisory Committee
Olathe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2004-2006)
Mid America Nazarene University Diversity Advisory Board member
Metropolitan Human Relations Commission
Business to Government Advocacy Committee Olathe Chamber
Mid America Regional Council (City of Olathe Leadership Academy)
Co-Chair More2 (Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity)
Gamaliel African American National Leadership Team
Kansas State Globe Newspaper Editorial Board Member
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Are you in basic agreement with the direction the City is currently taking to promote expansion and growth?
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General )
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Yes –
Attracting and retaining business is JOB ONE for Olathe. In order to keep our community affordable, it is paramount that we continue to bring to Olathe companies that offer employment opportunities and high wages. Olathe has assembled an effective assortment of tools in its toolbox. When employed they can provide both sensible and attractive incentives for new and existing businesses.
Economic development is more than just words; it is the quality of life that we all enjoy. It is our excellent schools, our beautiful parks, our diverse shopping opportunities and friendly neighborhoods. Olathe is a great place to live, to learn, work and play!
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What suggestions, if any, would you have as a member of the City Council to promote collaboration between members of the Council, city staff, and the community in achieving strategic directions established for the City of Olathe?
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General )
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Communication is a key to collaborative efforts and transparency in government. Olathe is blessed to have a professional staff of individuals who are second to no one. Staff and City Council should have the best interests of all Olatheans in mind when addressing issues. The Direction Finder survey is an excellent tool for measuring and benchmarking our customers’ satisfaction and the results of the survey should continue to help staff and council determine priorities, particularly in times when every dollar is precious. |
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What do you see as the major role of the City Council?
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General )
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The role of the City Council is to set policy for the City for both today and tomorrow. |
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As a member of City Council, what would your major priorities be for the City for the next 10 to 15 years?
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General )
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Promote transparency and communication in government.
Enhance public safety
Prioritize spending
Support economic development efforts in the community leading to a better quality of life for all Olatheans.
Focus on alternative means of financing transportation projects.
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Would you support additional sources of revenues to meet high priority needs of public safety, transportation, and economic development?
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General )
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I do not support raising taxes as a first option right off the bat. However, we must understand that sometimes it may become necessary to raise taxes and as a council we must be prepared to do so when that is the last option remaining. That is why it is vital to our community that we continue to attract new business to Olathe as well as create an environment that allows our successful existing businesses to continue grow and thrive. |
What level of priority would you place on the following?
- Public safety
- Traffic and streets
- Consensus building and stability in leadership
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General )
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Each one these areas is a vital component to our continued excellent quality of life in Olathe.
Olathe has a fine reputation for being a safe community but as we grow, we need to grow our public safety departments proportionately. We may be able to afford to slide in other areas but public safety should not be one of them.
Olathe must continue to build and maintain our roads for today with a view of tomorrow in our sights.
Consensus building and stability in leadership are important to good government just as open communication with our citizens and other entities within our community. The City Council should be intentional in its commitment to build stronger relationships with our school board and county government so that we are all working together towards common goals.
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What are the three biggest challenges the City of Olathe faces and what should be done to address them?
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General )
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Supporting and enhancing our public safety departments by looking for creative ways that we can maintain the quality of service without leaving large gaps.
Creating and maintaining quality jobs.
Maintaining and planning for growth.
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Do you support current policy on economic development tax incentives? If no, please specify recommended additions or deletions to the policy.
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General )
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Most definitely.
There will always be voices that are critical of the City’s use of economic development incentives but in this fiscal environment we must make use of every tool available to bring quality businesses to Olathe. And the greatest gift we can give to those businesses, which years ago, chose to locate here and are now ready to expand, is a bit of economic encouragement and appreciation for choosing Olathe to grow their business.
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