They’re sitting quietly amongst other spectators and staffers in the county commission hearing room, listening and taking notes as money is allocated to human service funds and transit contracts.
In just a few weeks, Becky Fast and Janeé Hanzlick will be in the same hearing room, looking out from the dais as newly elected county commissioners.
Both women defeated incumbents in the November election. Both have backgrounds in social services. And both say they’d like to see the county focus more sharply on the needs of the vulnerable – mental health clients, the elderly and those who are being pinched by high housing prices. “In order for Johnson County to continue to be a quality place to live we have to make sure everyone is moving forward, including the most vulnerable,” Hanzlick said. “We have issues that mean that not everyone is enjoying the same quality of life. How do we make sure to bring them along?”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)