Prairie Village residents gathered at the Meadowbrook Clubhouse on Thursday, Oct. 1, for a live mayoral forum hosted by the Johnson County Post. The event featured the two councilmembers who are vying to become the city’s next mayor: Cole Robinson and Inga Selders. Both candidates used the opportunity to present their visions for the community and answer questions from neighbors.
Candidate backgrounds
Cole Robinson has served on the Prairie Village City Council since 2022, focusing on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining the city’s high quality‑of‑life standards. Inga Selders, also a councilmember since 2022, has emphasized neighborhood development, parks improvements, and supporting local businesses.
Key issues discussed
During the forum, the candidates addressed several topics that matter to Prairie Village families and homeowners. Both Robinson and Selders expressed commitment to preserving the city’s low tax rates while ensuring essential services remain well funded. They highlighted the importance of maintaining safe streets, supporting the police department, and continuing the city’s strong emergency‑response capabilities.
Infrastructure was another focal point. Robinson advocated for a systematic approach to road resurfacing and sidewalk repairs, noting that the city’s current maintenance schedule needs acceleration to keep pace with growth. Selders echoed the need for infrastructure upgrades but placed additional emphasis on expanding park amenities and creating more family‑friendly recreational spaces.
Community engagement
The forum was open to the public, and several residents voiced concerns about traffic congestion near the Meadowbrook area and the desire for more transparent communication from city leadership. Both candidates pledged to hold regular town‑hall meetings and improve the city’s online information portals to keep citizens informed.
When asked about the upcoming budget cycle, Robinson said his priority would be to balance fiscal prudence with strategic investments in public works, while Selders highlighted the need for a modest increase in the park‑and‑recreation budget to support new programming for youth and seniors.
Looking ahead
Mayor Eric Mikkelson, who has served three terms, announced he will not seek a fourth term, opening the field for new leadership. The upcoming municipal election is scheduled for November 5, 2026. Voters will receive a sample ballot from the Johnson County Election Office next month, and both candidates have pledged to continue engaging with the community throughout the campaign.
Robinson and Selders each thanked the audience for their participation and encouraged residents to stay involved in the electoral process. The forum concluded with a reminder that early voting locations will open on Oct. 15, and that absentee ballot requests can be submitted through the county’s official website.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
