We Have Issues Independence
By We Have Issues
We Have Issues IndependenceMay 12, 2024
An Update from Councilperson Heather Wiley
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan are joined by 3rd District Councilperson Heather Wiley who shares her experience since joining the Council in April.
Meet Zach Walker
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan visit with Independence City Manager Zach Walker to talk about his background and some of the goals he is working towards with the city.
Don't Yell Fire in a Crowded Podcast Studio
Independence City Manager Zach Walker is back and talking about the fire department and the selection process for a new fire chief.
Funding Police and Being Able to Compete
Independence City Manager Zach Walker joins Laurie Dean and Dan to discuss challenges with funding police salaries to compete with recent changes with the salary schedule for Kansas City police officers.
M&Ms, Fruit Loops and the GO Bond
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean are joined by City Manager Zach Walker. Their discussion looks at the GO bond and several of the facility items which are being included in the proposal.
Meet 3rd District Councilwoman Heather Wiley
In this week's episode, Laurie Dean and Dan are joined by Heather Wiley who was recently elected to the City Council to serve the 3rd district.
Podcast Potluck #8
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan are joined again by Independence City Manager Zach Walker. The potluck of topics include special use permits, the ARCH program, and Charter updates that will be on the ballot in August.
The GO Bond - Historical Sites
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean are joined by City Manager Zach Walker to discuss the general obligation bond proposal and specifically the use of a portion of those funds to preserve the city's historical sites.
Honoring IPD
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean are joined by Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman and Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad as they discuss the loss of Officer Cody Allen, the Honor Flag, and the support the men and women of the IPD get from the community as they protect Independence.
Looking Back at 100 Episodes
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean are joined by past podcast guests as they look back at 100 episodes of the We Have Issues Independence podcast. They share their favorite moments and their plans for the future of the podcast. This episode has the added bonus that it includes video of the recording session.
Getting Fiscally Fit
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan are joined by Independence City Manager Zach Walker who talks in detail about Get Fit Independence and the financial implications of the general obligation bond that is being discussed.
Elections, Election, Elections
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan talk about upcoming issues on the April 2nd ballot including the Independence School Board race, 3/8th cent Jackson County sales tax, as well as City Council races.
Choose Wisely
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean talk about Dan's decision process when looking at issues in front of the Council.
Service Not Stardom
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan are joined by candidate for 3rd District City Council candidate Heather Wiley and they discuss their interest in public service and the importance of giving back to your community.
Scaredy Cats
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean talk about the fear that many communities face when big decisions have to get made.
Inside the Head of Dan Hobart
This week, Laurie Dean ask Dan about challenges he has faced and how he approaches difficult decisions and challenges he has faced in his life.
Fighting the Cult of Personality
This week Dan and Laurie Dean get into how our personalities impact how we make decisions.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
The City of awes. G.O. Bond discussion with Zach Walker - curbs, sidewalks, and streets, oh my.
City on the GO....Bond
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan are joined by Independence City Manager Zach Walker to talk about a specific aspect of the GO bond. Mr. Walker goes into greater detail on the concept of developing a new recreation center which would be an economic driver to bring in participants for youth sports.
Podcast Potluck
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan discuss several topics including the city's legislative agenda, council rules, and updates to the Rental Ready program.
Building Belief
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean discuss the recently approved lease/purchase of the former Landmark building on Jackson Drive and the rationale that went into that vote.
Meet Dan Hobart Part 2....Less to Like
In this week's episode, we continue to learn more about Councilman Dan Hobart and some changes in his life over the last year.
The Future is Now....Part 2
City Manager Zach Walker returns to talk to Dan and Laurie Dean about some new opportunities for the city and efforts to move Independence forward.
The Future is Now
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean are joined by Independence City Manager as they talk about what the future might hold for Independence.
Christmas Wishes
In this special Christmas episode, Dan and Laurie Dean talk about some of their wishes for the holiday season.
This is why we Chamber
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean talk about the Independence Chamber of Commerce, their role in the community, and the importance of being a member.
2023 Year in Review
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean talk about some of the biggest events in Independence during the past year.
Truman and Israel
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan talk about how Harry Truman's positions on Israel continue to resonate today.
And its Gone.....Discussion on the potential move of Kauffman stadium and the Royals
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan discuss the impact and issues surrounding the potential move of Kauffman stadium away from the Truman Sports Complex.
Gratitude
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan prepare for Thanksgiving and talk about gratitude and things they are thankful for.
Podcast Potluck #6
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan dive into numerous topics such as the new Frontier Trails Museum and other things happening in Independence.
IP&L
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan discuss the evaluation of the future of Independence Power & Light.
IPD Body Cams
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan are joined by Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman who will share information about the recently acquired grant which will fund body cameras for Independence police officers.
Go Go Bond
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean discuss the proposed GO bond and the potential impacts it could have on the future growth of Independence.
Re-Election, Selection, and Reflection
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean discuss Dan's plan to run for re-election for the District 4 seat.
Suits
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean discuss the Jackson County Assessment issues and potential outcomes of the lawsuit filed by several area cities.
Local Election Issues
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan take a look some potential upcoming election issues that will likely come forward in the next year.
Podcast Potluck
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan dive into a variety of community issues.
A Conversation with IPD Chief Adam Dustman
This week, Laurie Dean has a sit down conversation with Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman as they discuss challenges and opportunities within law enforcement.
We have an arch too
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean discuss programs from across the country as well as the Arch program in Independence and how they are addressing mental health issues in their communities.
Raising the Roof
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean tackle the topic of housing the challenges of dealing with rental housing, overlay districts, and multi-family.
SuperSantacaligonicexpialidcious
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan talk about the annual SantaCaliGon Festival which is celebrating its 51st year.
Getting to Know You
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan pull back the curtain to share a little bit about themselves.
Boards & Commissions
This week, Dan and Laurie Dean talk about the numerous committees that citizens have the opportunity to serve on and the important role they play in local government.
Pick Up Artist
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan dig into the proposed overlay district for Englewood.
Museum Ad-Nauseum
This week Laurie Dean and Dan discuss the tourism master plan which includes the potential concept of a new trails museum.
Shake Off the Past
This week Laurie Dean and Dan discuss how our community can look forward instead of dwelling on issues in the past.
Transparency
This week Laurie Dean and Dan talk about the issue of transparency in government and the importance it plays in building trust with your constituents.
Economic Development Update
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan discuss several economic development projects, their impact on the community, and how structuring incentives can make it a win-win for everyone.
Dan....Why Do You Hate the Square?
This week, Laurie Dean and Dan talk about the Independence Square. What has happened and what may happen in the future.