Meeting monthly, group members share current activities and follow an informal agenda to discuss issues and identify initiatives to improve our community. While not taking specific positions as a group, the Civic Roundtable facilitates action through its members’ relationships and affiliations as needed.

Armed with the belief that leadership is a CIVIC Responsibility, Civic Roundtable members feel it is important to encourage a call for City Council candidates for the April 2014 election. Utilizing the “individual characteristics” as defined by City Council’s December 2013 retreat contained in a document on the City’s website of January 17 2013, Civic Roundtable members agree with these characteristics of successful Council members and encourage potential candidates for the April 2014 election to emulate them:

1. Takes a broad view of complex issues – doesn’t seek perfection

2. Helps keep the organization focused on its mission, vision and core values

3. Emphasizes strategic planning and priority-setting as a foundation for decision-making

4. Constantly encourages Council members’ education and self-evaluation

5. Holds staff accountable

6. Holds themselves and each other accountable to the adopted governance policies and to a culture of respectful interaction from the dais and elsewhere

7. Is willing to lead despite opposition, while understanding the cost of decisions

Making the decision to run for Council isn’t one to be taken lightly, but effective leadership is crucial to the success of our community. As Roundtable members, we feel it is our responsibility to encourage those who are willing to step up and who live their lives by similar credos to those of successful candidates listed above. Besides the characteristics identified in the Council retreat, good leaders also do the following:

• Listen as well as talk

• Take responsibility and ownership for the challenges they encounter

• Both lead AND follow, and know the appropriate time for each

• Check their ego in the City Hall parking lot when they report to work

• Handle their emotions and understand the emotions of others

The boom of greenfield new development has given way to a focus on redevelopment and infill development. We are a mature city requiring mature, informed actions. Projects and issues will be more complicated, often requiring public/private partnerships for successful outcomes.

Elected officials who see the big picture and adhere to the principles above will be more effective than those who get into the weeds and forget that public positions require bold, strategic collaborations to be effective.

If you meet the traits outlined above, the Civic Roundtable encourages qualified candidates to step forward and run for City Council.

We consider such a call for action a step forward to lead our city through this complex time requiring responsible actions and critical, strategic thinking.

Linda Ahern, Owner/Publisher – Lee’s Summit Tribune

Ron Baker, CEO – Saint Luke’s East

John Beaudoin, Group Suburban Publisher – Lee’s Summit Journal

Bill Briley, Ministerial Alliance

William H. Brown, President – Spectrum Strategies

Nancy Bruns, President – Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce

Carl Chinnery, Attorney – Chinnery Evans & Nail

Brad Cox, Vice President – Langsford Development

Jackie DeSouza, CEO – Lee’s Summit Medical Center

Jim Devine, President & CEO – Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council

Trisha Drape, Executive Director – Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street

Jon Ellis, President & CEO – Paradise Park

Alan Flory, President – ReDiscover Mental Health

G. David Gale, President – Gale Communities

Gene Gamber, Gamber Senior Center

Bob Glaser, Vice President– Summit Bank of Kansas City

Dr. David McGehee, Superintendent – Lee’s Summit R-7 School District

Carolyn McKnight, Site Director – University of Central Missouri

Chip Moxley, President – Tingle Flooring

Dr. Kirk Nooks, President – Metropolitan Community College – Longview

Dan Rexroth, President & CEO – John Knox Village

Kirk Sampson, Director of Business Services – Blue Springs R-4 School District

Diane Seif, President & CEO – DVA Enterprises

Charlie Shields, Chief Operating Officer – Truman Medical Center Lakewood

Steve Tominia, Owner – Cameron’s Home Furnishings

Richard L. Viar, President & CEO – Summit Bank of Kansas City

Mark Wilkinson, CEO/Team Leader – Keller Williams