News

Sharp Highlighted with "New Leaders of Johnson County"

Stephanie Sharp — 2012-01-03T19:04:51Z

Kansas City Star, 913 section, Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Legislator plays host to health care forum

Stephanie Sharp — 2010-05-11T05:44:02Z

State Rep. Stephanie Sharp, who represents the 17th House District, will play host to a forum focusing on health care access and affordability.

The 17th District includes portions of south Shawnee and north Lenexa east of Ogg Road.

The forum is open to the public and will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Lenexa Senior Center at Santa Fe Trail Drive and Pflumm Road.

For more information, visit www.stephaniesharp.com/issues.htm

| Edie Hall, ehall@kcstar.com

KC Star's Kraske names Sharp an "Up and Comer"

Stephanie Sharp — 2010-05-11T05:44:02Z

Kraske: Who are the Up and Comers? Say hello to Sanders, McCaskill, Kinzer, Dunn and Marcason

One truism of politics is that rapid turnover is part of the game.

So who are the up-and-comers? Who are some of the most likely prospects from the Kansas City area destined to succeed in the fine art of transforming raw ambition into higher office?Mike Sanders

Here’s my list: (Thanks to trusted sources for their input.)

Mike Sanders: No one on this list has “higher office, here I come” scrawled across his chest in brighter neon than the Jackson County executive. Kansas City mayor? Or an appointment to secretary of state should Robin Carnahan win the U.S. Senate next year? Who knows. But know this: He’s coming.

Claire McCaskill: Yea, she lives in St. Louis now. But the U.S. senator is a Kansas Citian at heart. Let’s see now, where can the woman who has long joked about her own ambition go next?

Why not make history? The Washington Post just cited her as “the best possibility” among the current generation of women office-holders to end up in the Oval Office.

First up, though, re-election in 2012. The GOP is determined not to give her a pass.

Terry Riley: A self-made politico who’s not a product of Kansas CiTerry Rileyty’s black “legacy” families, the city councilman could slip into a two-candidate runoff for mayor in 2011.

Then, look out. Still has to prove he’s about more than just bringing home the bacon.

Ed Eilert: The long-time Overland Park mayor and member of the Johnson County commission supposedly wants to be chair. Look out, Annabeth.

Lance Kinzer: State rep from Olathe is in his third term in the House, but already part of the GOP leadership. Respected. Conservative. Could be speaker one day.

Cindy Circo: First term Kansas City councilCindy Circowoman already regarded as one of its most able members. Has the right pedigree as daughter of Bill Baker, a long-time member of the Independence City Council. The challenge: overcoming four years with The Funk.

Kevin Yoder: At 33, four-term state rep from Overland Park already at a crossroads. Run for attorney general next year or stay put as chair of powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Jason Kander: Ran his head off to win the 44th District legislative seat last year. Has shown the same hustle in first year in Jeff City.

Peggy Peggy DunnDunn: A Republican and mayor of Leawood, insiders say she could go to Washington someday as Dennis Moore’s successor. But, does she want to?

Paul Davis: If there’s any hope for the future for Kansas Democrats, the House minority leader from Lawrence may be it.

Victor Callahan: A state senator from Independence, the Democrat works politics with the fervor of a man fighting for his last breath. Term limited in Jeff City, Callahan could run statewide…or return to town as Jackson County executive.

Mike Talboy: The state rep from Kansas City is the Democrats’ top recruiter for the House in Jeff City. If he picks good candidates and Democrats regain a majority, Talboy could be speaker.

Jan MJan Marcasonarcason: Well-respected work horse of the Kansas City Council. You know where she stands.

Ryan Silvey: The GOP state lawmaker from north of the river had the guts to stand up to the Blunt administration on fee offices. No-nonsense.

Stephanie Sharp: Former GOP state rep, now member of Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees. Has mastered the art of political communication.

Bryan Pratt, Brian Yates: Ah, the two B-boys, Pratt from Blue Springs, Yates from Lee’s Summit. On collision course for the same state Senate seat next year. Shame there’s not room for both.

Theresa Garza Ruiz: It’s not easy being the lone woman on the Jackson County Legislature. Worked with the city to implement a prostitution-free zone on Independence Avenue. That her husband works for Congressman Emanuel Cleaver means she’s connected.

To reach Steve Kraske, call 816-234-4312 or send e-mail to skraske@kcstar.com.

Rep. Sharp TV spot on Newsmakers with Mike Shanin

mroot — 2006-09-01T05:00:00Z

You can view the spot here at ...

Sharp files for re-election to the 17th District

mroot — 2006-04-21T05:00:00Z

Topeka, KS – Representative Stephanie Sharp (R-Lenexa) filed today for a third term to represent the 17th District in the Kansas House of Representatives.

A key member of the bi-partisan education coalitions that have crafted solutions to fund Kansas schools over the past four years, Sharp is looking forward to “continuing the fight to maintain educational excellence in Shawnee, Lenexa, and across Kansas”. After years of financial drought, state and local funding for the Shawnee Mission School District has increased by $20 million during her four years in the House of Representatives.

Sharp began her public service on the foreign affairs, trade and defense staff of former Senator John Ashcroft. Upon returning to Kansas, she was a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society. With the endorsement of longtime 17th District Representative Lisa Benlon, Sharp was elected in 2002 to represent the northern Lenexa and southern Shawnee district.

The focus of Sharp’s public service is being an accessible source of information for voters. Her legislative e-newsletter, the Sharp Record, is touted as a Kansas favorite because it provides real-time updates on the legislative process, comprehensive and easy-to-read explanations of bills before the legislature, and keeps Sharp accountable to her voters by telling them how = she votes. Visit www.stephaniesharp.com to subscribe to the Sharp Record.

Cracking down on uninsured drivers, providing retired teachers and state workers with a long-awaited COLA, and requiring elected officials to be accountable for their campaign expenditures, are among the initiatives Sharp has introduced.

Additionally, seeing a need for enhanced math and science education, she shepherded the Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) proposal through the House of Representatives. KAMS was approved by both the House and Senate and earned the Governor’s signature earlier this month.

During her tenure, Sharp has been endorsed by each member of the Shawnee and Lenexa City Councils, and Mayors of both communities. Pro-education, teachers, parents, and business organizations alike have been active supporters of Representative Sharp, including the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During her first legislative session, the Kansas Disability Caucus presented Sharp with an award for “courageous leadership”. She has been recognized statewide for her efforts to work with Kansans across the political and regional spectrum to craft and pass solutions to the Kansas education crisis.

Born in Missouri, Sharp considers herself an “adopted” Kansan, and has lived in Kansas for 29 of her 30 years. She graduated from Garden City High School, Southwestern College (Winfield, KS), and George Washington University (Washington, DC). Sharp is a member of the Shawnee and Lenexa Chambers of Commerce, is an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, and volunteers for various community charities. She and her husband, Dan Bruyn, live in Lenexa.