BPU Board Member District At-Large Position 1 Choose 1
Biographical Information
Ballot City
kansas city
Campaign Web Site
http://sites.google.com/view/garyforwyco/home
Campaign Phone
9132507330
Campaign Address
7300 state ave APT 707
Mailing Address
7300 State Ave
Apt 707
Kansas City, KS 66112
Apt 707
Kansas City, KS 66112
Personal Biography
Gary Enrique Bradley-Lopez is a lifelong resident of Wyandotte County, a proud husband and father of three, and a dedicated public servant. He’s running for the Board of Public Utilities At-Large, District 1 because he believes our utilities should work for the people, not against them. Gary is a middle school teacher, community organizer, and playwright who has spent his life fighting for equity, transparency, and opportunity.
Education
Associate of Arts in Theater – Kansas City Kansas Community College Bachelor of Arts in Communication – University of Missouri–Kansas City Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership – Fort Hays State University Master of Science in Secondary Education – Fort Hays State University (In Progress) Doctoral Candidate in Organizational Leadership – Grand Canyon University (In Progress)
Community/Public Service
Gary Enrique Bradley-Lopez is a dedicated community leader, educator, and advocate. He ran for KCK School Board in 2019 and has served as a drama club sponsor and middle school debate coach, mentoring youth in expression and civic engagement. He completed fellowships with Heartland Arts KC and the Líderes Avanzando Fellowship with UnidosUS, deepening his work in education, arts, and Latinx advocacy. His professional roles include leadership at The Kansas City Beacon, Guadalupe Centers, and La Placita Market. Gary also leads urban hikes in KCK, connecting residents to local history, culture, and the stories that shape their communities.
What skills, expertise, experience, or competencies qualify you for this position?
I’ve lived in this community my whole life and have experienced what so many families go through—living paycheck to paycheck, choosing between food and utilities, and facing shutoffs. That lived experience drives my commitment to public service. I’ve led engagement efforts at The Kansas City Beacon, organized around health and education equity with MORE2, and served as a VISTA with Groundwork USA/NRG when it was the Historic Northeast-Midtown Association, focusing on environmental justice and youth programs. Through fellowships with Heartland Arts KC and Health Forward Foundation, I worked at the intersection of art, health, and environmental issues that impact urban communities. I’ve also led outreach and communications at Guadalupe Center
What do you believe are the three critical projects or initiatives?
Affordability & Customer Service
Lower utility costs so families aren’t forced to choose between bills and essentials. Reopen the lobby and ensure direct access to real people—not machines.
Community Voice & Transparency
Include residents in major decisions like data centers, outsourcing, and BPU’s long-term plan. Public power means public input.
Energy Diversification
Invest in renewables to lower costs, create jobs, and reduce environmental harm—especially in urban and frontline communities.
