Ep. 884: A few final questions for the candidates for Mayor & Council

Ten years ago, we launched this podcast in the middle of an election — we're still at it. Jason Norbury is back with us to take a last look at our candidates for mayor and city council and to break down what voters need to know before April 7. In this bonus election preview episode, Nick and Jason walk through all five contested council races and the mayor's race, covering the issues showing up across every candidate questionnaire and campaign: infrastructure, public safety contract negotiations, growth, housing, and economic development. More importantly, they dig into the questions candidates aren't always prepared to answer — and why those follow-up questions matter more than the talking points. Whether you're in District 2, 3, or 4 — or watching the mayor's race closely — this episode will help you sharpen the questions you bring to the door when a candidate knocks. All candidate Q&As are available at link2leessummit.com. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Budget Blinds sponsor read 01:34 – Jason's back + why this episode matters 02:17 – 10 years of the Lee's Summit Town Hall Podcast 02:49 – Breaking down the five council races 04:07 – Candidate Q&As at link2leessummit.com 06:50 – The issues showing up everywhere: infrastructure, police & fire, growth 14:00 – The housing debate: apartments, missing middle, and what the market is doing 22:16 – How do you actually influence development as a council member? 24:14 – Commercial development, incentive packages, and "the Trader Joe's question" 29:08 – What voters should be asking candidates at the door 30:30 – How do you feel about Lee's Summit right now? 31:26 – Half the council could turn over — what do you want it to look like? 35:49 – Show up and vote 36:43 – Royals opening day sendoff