As Election Day approaches on Nov. 4, Johnson County voters will have the chance to hear directly from local candidates at a series of public forums hosted by the Johnson County Post. Several forums will take place at Johnson County Library branches, continuing a partnership that promotes civic engagement.
Over 12 evenings in September and October, candidates for mayor, city council, school board and the Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Board of Trustees will answer questions submitted by residents. These events give voters a direct look at where candidates stand on local issues.
The partnership began when the Post sought to reserve Library meeting rooms but did not qualify under Library policy. To make the events possible, staff proposed co-sponsorship, allowing the Library to host the forums while advancing its mission to connect patrons with civic resources.
Moderated by Post Editor Kyle Palmer, the forums are free and open to the public. Events hosted at Library branches include:
- Sept. 11 – Shawnee City Council, Monticello Library
- Sept. 17 – JCCC Board of Trustees, Central Resource Library
- Sept. 23 – Merriam Mayor & City Council and Mission City Council, Merriam Plaza Library
- Sept. 25 – Leawood City Council & Blue Valley School Board, Leawood Pioneer Library
- Sept. 30 – Prairie Village City Council, Corinth Library
- Oct. 2 – Overland Park Mayor & City Council, Central Resource Library
- Oct. 8 – Lenexa City Council, Lenexa City Center Library
“Part of the reason I love that we partner with the Post is their commitment to centering the community in the questions asked and expanding access to information for voters — values the Library also shares,” said Ashley Fick, Library program coordinator.
Past forums have drawn strong feedback. “I’ve repeatedly heard that patrons appreciate the Library offering the space for these forums, which help them feel more informed and give them the opportunity to get to know the candidates,” Fick added.
The Library’s role is to provide access, equity and civic learning — not to endorse any candidate or issue. Learn about our other offerings and events at jocolibrary.org/community-matters.
