ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER
DISTRICT 1
Dallas Register
Address: Harrisonville
Age: 76
Current Occupation: Retired facilities engineer
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
The county has some significant challenges, including pressure for economic development with an inadequate infrastructure and workforce to support it plus a reputation for having a difficult work environment for construction contractors; significant under-reported debt in the form of a road maintenance backlog from decades of cosmetic maintenance practices; a lack of skills to define, design or manage a construction project which as resulted in higher bids from potential contractors and
service providers; too much money is spent based on “no brainer” justifications with no tracking to verify the veracity of the decisions; the courthouse is a fire trap, placing public safety and records at risk with no simple solution; the county has become too dependent on grant money and MARC; a failure to learn from past missteps; a lack of adequate problem-solving training; a lack of complete transparency and candor; a revolving door at the justice center seems to be eroding public security and affecting
morale within the sheriff’s office.
What are your qualifications?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and a varied background in interstate highway design; aircraft acoustics; labor and material cost estimating and standards; annual operating budget preparation; maintenance department supervision; equipment installation design and oversight, product quality control supervision, cost savings and avoidance identification, justification and reporting; multi-million dollar capital replacement and expansion program oversight; and multi-million dollar capital and construction projects, including design and execution oversight and management using state-of-the-art project management methods; and problem-solving training.
If elected, what are your priorities?
Improve road quality, reduce flooding, control spending, reduce debt, improve physical security and safety, increase transparency and resident inclusion in the government decision process. Focus on the core functions of county government and institute zero-based budgeting to maintain that focus. Anything other than the core functions invites theft by the government.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
A Bachelor’s Degree in engineering does not make me any more intelligent than anyone else. But engineering combined with 70 plus years of life’s experiences, gives me a different, and possibly, a larger toolbox to draw upon. I am unconventional, candid without being abusive and consider myself to be creative, not afraid to take calculated risks and I have been trained in problem solving; telling the difference between a problem and a reoccurring symptom. Sometimes common sense is not enough.
Miscellaneous information you may want to submit including information about your family?
My father was killed in World War II when I was eight months old, I was married at 19 and it took me nine years to work my way through college with a family. I know how
difficult it is to struggle and to do without. I know the benefit of having a loving God and a good woman in my life. I also know the challenges involved in the loss of that good woman and the residual and enduring strength from that same loving God.
Monty Kisner
Address: Harrisonville
Age: 62
Current Occupation: District 1
Commissioner
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
Seeking re-election so that I can continue to serve the people of Cass County.
What are your qualifications?
Four years experience using my common-sense approach to county politics. Seventeen
years experience with the road and bridge department.
If elected, what are your priorities?
Continue to build a comprehensive road maintenance program without increasing the county’s debt.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
I am not a career politician. I’m a common man with integrity and Christian values.
Janet Burlingame
Address: Harrisonville
Age: 58
Political Party: Democrat
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for office because I feel Cass County faces many challenges with regard to roads and bridges, infrastructure, health and the safety. I will look at resources available to address these issues and work closely with other County Elected Officials to make sure tax dollars are spent wisely.
What are your qualifications?
My qualifications include: 38 years of experience working with State, County and local government; along with a working knowledge of the various functions of Cass County and its policies; experience in managing balanced budgets and grant monies; and years of proven integrity and honest leadership.
If elected, what are your priorities?
My priorities consist of: working together with all Commissioners to prioritize funding for road and bridge improvements and other needed county services; adopting a comprehensive balanced budget. I would support ethics reform and campaign contribution limits for Cass County government officials. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic there have been many challenges to all of us. I have the ability and experience to work together with the other Commissioners and Elected Officials to address those challenges that our County will face.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
I believe citizens deserve to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent. As your Commissioner I will ensure to maintain the highest level of transparency to make sure citizen’s interest are prioritized. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve the working families of Cass County.
Miscellaneous information you may want to submit including information about your family?
I’m married to Chad Burlingame, a mother of 4 and 45 year resident of Cass County. I am a member of the Garden City United Methodist Church. I am a Board Member of the Cass Regional Hospital Foundation Board. I have served with the Missouri County Clerk & Election Authority’s Association, Legislative & Resolution Committee, Missouri City Clerks & Finances Officers Association, Cass County Coalition of Chambers, Harrisonville Lions Club and Garden City Lions Club.
ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER
DISTRICT 2
Jimmy Odom
Address: Belton
Age: 65
Current Occupation: Associate County Commissioner for the North District
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
I have served two terms (almost) and I have additional priorities to address in a third term. Some of the major milestones I have accomplished during my two terms are: Completed phases I, II and III of School Road construction; saved $100,000 per year on the Coroner’s office contract; saved $118,000 this year on liability insurance; eliminated impact fees in order to entice new businesses to locate in Cass County; served on the I-49 board as vice president which brought significant business growth; represented Cass County on the national stage through the National Association of
Counties and at the state level through the Missouri Association of Counties; and
represented Cass County at the regional level by serving on the Mid America Regional Council to ensure that our county receives a fair share of federal and state resources
dedicated to the region. People don’t realize that MARC works with counties and cities to decide where state road improvement and state public safety dollars go. I am the first vice chair on the MARC Board of Directors and work to be a voice that will bring attention and dollars to our infrastructure needs.
One of my biggest wins was the final approval of improvements to School Road between Raymore and Peculiar. The road has been a source of controversy for years and is highly traveled by students at Ray-Pec. The county voted to partner with the city of Peculiar and the Ray-Pec School District to move improvements forward. All three phases were completed during my current term.
I also championed transparency in county government. I am proud that the County Commission united with other county elected officials to reconstruct the county website and improve transparency and access to our county offices. I servemthe people and I want them to have full access to their government.
What are your qualifications?
I started a small business in Cass County 35 years ago and built it from the ground up. I passed the business on to my son after running it for 20 years and stepped into the office of mayor for the largest city in Cass County, Belton, for the next seven years. During my terms as mayor, economic development exploded and Belton transitioned into a charter city. I was then elected as a county commissioner in 2012 and have been
serving for the last two terms as Associate Commissioner for the North District. My community and volunteer service includes the following: Belton Regional Medical Center, chairman, board of trustees; National Association of Counties Board of Directors; Community Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee vice chair; membership committee chair; Mid-America Regional Council, executive board, first vice chair; I-49 International Coalition, board of directors, vice president; Raymore Chamber of Commerce, president, board of directors; Calvary Bible College, business men’s advisory council, capital campaign steering committee; Cass County
Corporation Economic Development, vice chair, board of directors; Belton Chamber of Commerce, board of directors member, Earl V. Hougland Memorial Award recipient, 2011.
If elected, what are your priorities?
Cass County is in the top 10 fastest growing counties in the state of Missouri. My priorities include growing our county through economic development opportunities, leveraging the I-49 Corridor Coalition to draw in corporations that will provide jobs for our citizens and addressing infrastructure needs such as the 700 miles of gravel roads in our county.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
Because I have also served as mayor of Belton, I bring experienced leadership in the areas of economic development and fiscal management. I’m pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and a NRA member, conservative Republican and have received endorsement from the mayors of all three cities in the North District, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar. I have demonstrated that I know how to cut wasteful spending and stay within a budget. In times of crisis, experienced leadership matters to the hard-working
people of Cass County.
Miscellaneous information you may want to submit including information about your family?
One of the things that I’m most proud of is starting a small business and passing it on to my son, who continues to operate the business in Cass County and has expanded it into new business lines. My wife, Mary, also owns and operates a small business in Cass County that serves non-profit organizations across the state of Missouri. Together we have five children and six grandchildren and will celebrate our 20th anniversary this coming January. We both have a heart to serve people in our community and are grateful for the opportunity to live and work in the great county of Cass.
SHERIFF
Jeff Weber
Address: Harrisonville
Age: 54
Current Occupation: Sheriff of Cass County
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
I was born in this county and have lived here for my entire life. The last 29 years, I have worked for the citizens at the sheriff’s office. I have dedicated my life to protecting this county and the people that live here. As sheriff for the last four years, I want to continue the good work we have been doing.
What are your qualifications?
I began my career with the sheriff’s office in 1991, serving my entire career at this office. I started as an entry level deputy and during my career I have been promoted to every rank and worked at every job description within the office. No other person has the experience, institutional knowledge or tenure that I have.
If elected, what are your priorities?
It is imperative that we fix our broken criminal justice system in this state. I have testified at our state Capitol on this issue and worked with our state Sheriffs Association to bring needed changes that make our community saver and hold
criminals accountable. And while we will continue to fight the criminal element at
home every day, it is my priority to keep fighting at the Capitol to bring much needed changes to this broken system.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
The office of sheriff is not a department of county government, it is the independent office through which the sheriff exercises the powers of the public trust. No individual or small group hires or fires the sheriff, or has the authority to interfere with the operations of the office. Sheriffs are accountable directly to the constitution of their state, the United States Constitution, statutes and the citizens of their county. It is not an entry level position and requires leadership, executive experience and a knowledge
base that can only be gained by years of experience. These are the traits that I possess, the traits that the citizens recognized when they elected me sheriff and the traits that make me the only qualified candidate for the job. In my first term I have increased the number of deputies, the number of criminals arrested and decreased the crime rate in Cass County.
Miscellaneous information you may want to submit including information about your family?
I live in rural Cass County with my wife of 25 years, Jauna, a career educator with the Harrisonville School District and our two sons. I am an avid outdoorsman and enjoy time hunting and fishing with my sons.
Terry Dotson
Address: Belton
Age: 60
Current Occupation: Police Officer
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
I have a passion for and have made a lifelong commitment to serving the greater community as a law enforcement officer. I was raised in Cass County. I want to give back to the community that has done so much for me. As a child Sheriff Gough (sheriff 1969 to 1984) spoke to me, put his hand on my shoulder and told me one day I would be sheriff, I have never forgotten his words.
What are your qualifications?
I believe leadership starts with character and integrity. In my 38 years as a law
enforcement officer I have an unblemished history. I also pride myself on being an active listener. Anyone that has met me or knows me understands my sincere interest in others. I believe in being transparent and most importantly I am selfless. It is time for a selfless leader that puts his people and community first.
If elected, what are your priorities?
My highest priority is training, transparency and manpower. Training is virtually non-existent at this time. Training on non-lethal use of force and de-escalation techniques will be a priority. Transparency regarding the budget and results of the department’s
work will be another priority. Currently the office has eight administrators on duty at the same time while deputies on patrol are short handed. I will reduce the number of desk jobs and prioritize patrol.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
I am committed to being the most accessible sheriff ever to have the honor of serving the county. My father of blessed memory was a preacher. He taught me to put the community first. It will be in his honor that I will serve the county with dignity and integrity.
Miscellaneous information you may want to submit including information about your family?
I am blessed to have a wonderful family. My six children are my pride and joy. My wife, Darlene, is a wonderful mother and ironically also serves as a law enforcement professional. I enjoy working with my hands fixing equipment and working on my land.
ASSESSOR
Roger Raffety
Address: Drexel
Age: 62
Current Occupation: Cass County Assessor
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
With deep roots in the community, Roger has spent much of his life working tireless to help others. A lifelong resident of Cass County, Roger and his wife of 33 years, Gerrilyn, raised their three children while also operating successful businesses at the same time.
In addition to having been a Scoutmaster and volunteer coach in youth sports, Roger has also served as the president of the Drexel Missouri’s Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of Public Water Supply District No. 12.
Roger began his tenure with Cass County government in 2005 when he became an appraiser with the real estate division of the assessor’s office. Eventually, he rose to the rank of chief appraiser, a position he was holding when current Missouri Governor Mike Parsons appointed him Cass County Assessor in January.
What are your qualifications?
Roger’s notable professional qualifications include specialized coursework through the
Missouri State Assessors Association, the International Association of Assessing Officers and numerous real estate appraiser schools, such as Lowman & Co., National and Bobbitt and Co.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
As your assessor, it is my job to assess the value of all real and tangible personal property in Cass County, fairly and in accordance with the laws of the state of Missouri. My staff and I are committed to treating all taxpayers with respect and to providing the highest level of service.
TREASURER
Steve Cheslik
Address: Harrisonville
Age: 56
Current Occupation: Cass County Treasurer
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
I enjoy the responsibilities and details of helping manage the county’s finances.
What are your qualifications?
I have been blessed to serve as Cass County Treasurer for 19 1/2 years. Before that I taught math at Ray-Pec for 12 1/2 years.
If elected, what are your priorities?
The taxpayers deserve effective and efficient government. It is always my goal to run the treasurer’s office as efficiently as possible and to influence other county officials to do the same.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
I am a firm believer that government should be limited, that government is not the answer to most problems that people have and that the free market and charity is.
Miscellaneous information you may want to submit including information about your family?
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Mary, for 30 years and the Lord has blessed us with six awesome children.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR
Randy Jones
Address: Garden City
Age: 54
Current Occupation: City Clerk
Political Party: Republican
Why are you running for this office?
To make a positive impact on the lives of those in my care.
What are your qualifications?
Seventeen years of governmental experience, 17 years of banking and 22 years in the financial profession.
If elected, what are your priorities?
To continue to care for and support clients and operate the office of administrator efficiently.
What is the most important information voters need to know to vote for you?
That I am a lifelong county resident and care very much for the people who live here.
Miscellaneous information you may want to submit including information about your family?
Active member of Heart of Life Church, I enjoy singing and spending time with family and friends and am an avid local history buff.
