The County Commission Chairman office was created by the voters through their approval of the home rule charter  in 2000.  Yet many of us have little notion of the role or powers of the position.

In 2006 the Kansas City Star reported that only 8% of  Johnson Countians could identify the Chairman of the County Commission. 

Despite what some believe, the County Commission Chairman is not the all powerful executive or elected leader of Johnson County.  The chairman is not the mayor of all Johnson County.  The 20 cities of Johnson County are for the most part autonomous from the county; however, the cities and county do cooperate in a number of areas.  Local government cooperation and coordination are necessary for the prosperity of our community.

The Chairman of the Johnson County Commission is the only member of the seven member Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) elected countywide, there are also six district commissioners.  The chairman presides over meetings of the BOCC and signs resolutions, agreements and contracts as authorized by the BOCC.  The chairman is also the public figure representing the county.  Being elected countywide and speaking for the county the chairman has the potential to greatly influence the policy agenda for the county.

The Sherriff and District Attorney are the only other countywide elected positions, but they are true executive positions with proscribed law enforcement and legal duties and responsibilities.

Generally, the BOCC is responsible for setting policy objectives and goals for county government, compliance with state laws setting forth its powers and responsibilities and management of the unincorporated territory within the county.  The BOCC is also responsible for approving an annual budget of Johnson County government which supports its responsibilities and policy objectives.  The BOCC appoints the members of the governing boards overseeing the agencies of Johnson County government that carry out specific responsibilities. More information about the BOCC can be found at http://bocc.jocogov.org/duties/duties.htm.

To be successful in helping lead the Johnson County Community the Chairman must have earned the respect of city and other leaders by the consistency of their trustworthiness and their humility.  Therefore, it is imperative for the Chairman to carry out their duties in a transparent and forthright manner.  As Chairman, I will act with humility and demonstrate the consistency and trustworthiness as exemplified in my 11-years of City Council and County Commission public service.  My consistency and trustworthiness enabled me to obtain approval of the agreement initiating consideration of our transportation priorities (TCC) by all 20 City Councils and County Commission.

The Chairman is charged with leading the Commission in developing its long-range plans and policies and establishing annual priorities.  As chairman, I will focus on highlighting the responsibility of leading the commission on the development of long-range plans and annual priorities to establish consistency within commission action. 

A professional County Manager serves as the chief administrator of county government and oversees the day to day operation of the county in accord with state law and the policies of the BOCC.  The County Manager also works cooperatively with the Executive Directors of the county agencies. The County Manager serves at the pleasure of the BOCC.