Public Elected Offices Held
State Representative, County Commissioner
Jon Carpenter grew up in Kansas City’s Northland, attending St. Charles grade school and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church before graduating from North Kansas City High School as a National Merit Scholar. That scholarship took him to the University of Southern California, where he graduated magna cum laude.
After college, Jon came home to Clay County and married his high school, college, and current sweetheart, Midori. As a small business owner and later a public servant, he has dedicated his career to serving the Northland and is guided by his vision of common-sense leadership and practical problem-solving for the issues that really matter to working people, families, and seniors.
He has spent his career serving the people of Clay County with honesty, transparency, and common‑sense leadership. He’s running for Western Commissioner to keep Clay County moving forward—focused on infrastructure, public safety, and strong communities.
As Western Commissioner, Jon Carpenter will focus on what matters most to Clay County families—good roads, strong communities, public safety, and fiscally responsible government. Rather than getting caught up in divisive debates that don’t improve daily life here at home, Jon stays grounded in common-sense priorities that make a real difference for the people of Clay County.
Clay County’s job is to keep the basics working—county roads and bridges, parks and trails—so families and businesses can move safely, enjoy the outdoors, and grow here at home. Public safety works best when county leaders and first responders work together. Support law enforcement, EMS, emergency management readiness. And invest in training and equipment that keep both residents and first responders safe. Fiscal transparency is key. Clear public reporting on major projects and budgets. Modern, user‑friendly online services & permitting. And making sure that every single tax dollar is spent wisely.
Campaign Phone
9134368455
Incumbent? YES or NO
No
First we must look at what a County Commissioner is responsible to do: they make the general policy decisions and instruct the County Administrator to make it happen; pass ordinances, resolutions and proclamations for the County; adopt the annual budget and 5 yr Capital Plan. My education and work experience of being a nurse/nurse administrator has given me a strong foundation in problem solving, creating and executing budgets and policy all while ensuring the best outcomes for patients, staff and the facility. Best practices and continual reevaluation are my foundation of success in healthcare and will be in government as well. Compassionate care is who I am, it's not just part of a job description. Coordination and cooperation with internal and external parties is vital in healthcare, as it is in government. This is what I bring to the table.
My first priority is to get to know all the department heads for Clay County and get their input on challenges, opportunities and ways to make their department most efficient and an example of excellence. That is the way to keep taxes down while improving services.
I would start the process on creating zoning ordinance specific for the data centers, for which there is currently none. Nobody likes living next to a bad neighbor and the trend with current centers being built is, unfortunately, that they are. We need to be proactive and ready for when one comes to Clay County, to make sure we benefit for both the short and long term.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
