Ballot City
De Soto
Campaign Phone
913-221-4498
Personal Biography
Rob has built his life in De Soto for over 30 years with his wife Lisa, raising four sons who all graduated from De Soto High School. His connection to our city spans generations—his parents, Chuck and Karen, also chose De Soto as their home. Beyond civic commitments, Rob finds balance through photography and competing in triathlons, demonstrating his creative perspective and determination.
Education
Rob currently serves as IT Director at Westside Family Church, managing complex systems and strategic planning. Previously, he built and led his own successful IT business for 25 years, developing valuable insights into fiscal responsibility and business challenges. A graduate of Southwest Baptist University, Rob has continued his education throughout his career and served as a national speaker, honing his communication and consensus-building skills.
Community/Public Service
As De Soto City Council President, Rob has demonstrated his commitment to engaged leadership and community-driven decision making. His civic involvement includes serving as Rotary President, mentoring young people as a Scout Leader for decades, and shaping policy through service on various state and local boards—building the relationships needed to effectively advocate for De Soto's interests.
INFRASTRUCTURE & SAFETY FIRST Infrastructure and safety will always be my top priority—especially in our existing and older neighborhoods. Every part of De Soto deserves attention, not just the newest areas.
GROWTH THAT BENEFITS RESIDENTS De Soto's growth must directly benefit our community. I'll champion projects like a community center while working to lower property taxes, ensuring development serves those who already call De Soto home.
ENGAGED LEADERSHIP THAT LISTENS Our city needs leadership that engages not just with developers but with residents. Ensuring residents voices matter by bringing citizens to the table early, keeping them informed, and truly listening.
As City Council President, I bring stakeholders together to be heard and to shape outcomes. I've transformed potential conflicts into opportunities by facilitating conversations between developers and residents, resulting in improved projects and growth that benefit our community.
My 25 years in business taught me that success requires buy-in from all involved. "How we get there matters" reflects my belief that processes that engages all concerned leads to better results and builds essential community trust.
As mayor, I'll continue bringing all voices, including residents voices, to the table because De Soto's growth requires solutions that balance multiple interests.
De Soto's greatest challenge is managing unprecedented business growth while maintaining our community's character.
This means:
• Building infrastructure that keeps pace with development without burdening taxpayers
• Preserving our close community atmosphere as our population grows
• Ensuring residents' voices heard and shape our decisions
Addressing these challenges through engaged leadership that puts community first is a must. How we navigate this growth matters as much as the growth itself.
Ballot City
DE SOTO
Campaign Phone
9133757729
Personal Biography
I’m proud to call De Soto home. My wife, Monica, and I both grew up here, raised our family here, and have built our lives around this community. For more than 25 years, I’ve served De Soto in a variety of roles, n the De Soto USD 232 School Board, De Soto Planning Commission, De Soto City Council, and now as Mayor. In my professional life, I’m a civil engineer, which gives me the experience to manage complex infrastructure projects and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
Education
De Soto High School 1979; University of Kansas 1984 BS in Civil Engineering
Community/Public Service
8 Years on the De Soto USD 232 School Board, 2 Years on the City of De Soto Planning Commission, 2 terms on the De Soto City Coouncil and I am in my second term as Mayor
De Soto is on the move, and the choices we make now will shape our community for generations. Three priorities stand out:
1. Investing in Infrastructure: Upgrading roads, water, sewer, and stormwater systems to serve both our established neighborhoods and the new growth we’re experiencing.
2. Revitalizing Downtown: Creating a more vibrant, walkable Main Street with thriving local businesses, inviting public spaces, and streetscape improvements that reflect our hometown pride.
3. Enhancing Quality of Life: Adding walking and biking trails, expanding programs for seniors, and improving parks so that De Soto remains a place where residents of all ages feel connected and at home.
I’ve been honored to serve De Soto for over 25 years, on the City Council, Planning Commission, School Board, and now as Mayor. As a civil engineer, I bring technical expertise to guide complex projects, evaluate infrastructure needs, and ensure fiscal responsibility. I have successfully led initiatives that reduced our mill rate by about 50%, delivered major infrastructure improvements, and expanded property tax relief for residents. Having lived here most of my life, I understand our values and challenges, and I work collaboratively with residents, businesses, and regional partners to keep De Soto strong and moving forward. My approach is simple: listen, lead with integrity, and get things done.
Our greatest challenge will be managing rapid growth while protecting De Soto’s small-town character. Growth is bringing increased traffic, utility demands, and pressure on public services. We must continue to plan carefully, ensuring water, sewer, and road capacity keep pace, while preserving green space and community charm. Fiscal discipline is critical so taxpayers are never burdened by rising costs. Development must pay for development. With thoughtful planning, smart investments, and consistent community engagement, we can welcome new opportunities, jobs, housing, and amenities, while maintaining the sense of place that has made De Soto a great home for generations.
