Dear Friend:

Before getting into the campaign update, please mark your calendars to join me tonight (Thursday, Oct. 9) at 7 pm in the Westridge Middle School cafeteria, 9300 Nieman, for a candidate forum sponsored by the Westridge PTSA. The chamber forum went very well and you’ll see an overview and links to the videos below.

Monday night was perfect for so many reasons (photos are below):

1. We hosted my fundraiser at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park with wonderful jazz music provided by Shawnee Mission Northwest’s own Doug Talley and his Quartet. Thanks to all who came out and shared a beautiful evening.
2. The weather was perfect and the sprinkles held off until I was driving home.
3. The Royals swept the ALDS on Sunday, so we didn’t have to cancel the event altogether. Who wants to come to a political fundraiser when the Royals are in the Series race?
4. BUT – it’s never too late. I still need a lot of help to bring this effort across the proverbial home plate – the election on Nov 4. I’m sure you’ve noticed the clutter of political advertising. It’s very difficult (and expensive) for lower-level races to break through. If you can help, please donate online today!

The first of two major forums was held on Tuesday, hosted by the Lenexa and Shawnee Chambers of Commerce. I’m very happy with how it went; we were able to get a few videos, and they are posted here on my site.

Take A Walk With Me

If you can spare 2 hours on the weekend, or before dark on a weeknight, I would love to join you on a walk around your neighborhood. There’s nothing like word-of-mouth support, and seeing your friendly face introducing me to your neighbors is better than any paid advertisement.

• You don’t have to live in the district to help with this effort! If you can join our door-knocking team, meet at my house (7804 Monrovia) on Sundays at 3:30 pm. Please let me know which Sunday(s) you can come so we are sure to have lists and literature ready for you.

Great stories always come from door-to-door campaigning. I use a voter registration mapping app developed by our former State Representative Stephanie Sharp; it’s called VoteSharp. With the app in my hand, I knocked on a door and ended up chatting with the programmer for the app – it’s a small world!

I'm really enjoying meeting District 23 voters and reconnecting with many whom I worked with in PTSA, booster clubs, and Girl Scouts.

Upcoming Opportunities

The Lenexa Chili Challenge is coming up Oct. 17-18. This is one of the many family-friendly, community-oriented festivals that make Lenexa a great place to call home. If you’re headed to Old Town, let’s meet up so you can show off a Gallagher sticker (or t-shirt!) and spread the word.

Neighborhood coffees: If you can host one on Oct. 18 or at your convenience, please reply – it’s a piece of (coffee) cake for you, and is a huge help to me!

• Homestead Estates, San Miguel Place, Nieman Park: Saturday, Oct. 11, 9-10 am at the home of Bernadette and John Coulter, 11404 W. 74th St. in Shawnee.
• Greystone South: Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 am-Noon at the home of Jill and Jim Quigley, 13112 W. 84th St. in Lenexa.
• Lenexa Ward 3, Precinct 1 (Colony North, Lincoln Park, Cedar Valley, and Lenexa’s portion of Seven Hills): Saturday, Oct. 25, 9-10 am at the home of Melinda and Mike Parks, 7821 Caenen St. in Lenexa.

Community Happenings

Other than walking door-to-door in this beautiful weather and staying up late watching a Royals season-to-remember, here’s a taste of the various community engagements I’ve had in recent weeks: 

• Toured Johnson County Developmental Supports and learned more about funding of services for our physically and developmentally challenged neighbors.
• Attended the Johnson County Commission on Aging Legislative Breakfast to discuss their concerns over Medicare funding under the Health Care Compact bill passed during the last legislative session. I share their concerns and will work to prevent a takeover of Medicare that would jeopardize Johnson County seniors.
• Shawnee Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon featuring Secretary of Transportation Mike King.
• Lenexa Chamber of Commerce lunch featuring MARC’s David Warm discussing the Johnson County economy.
• Provider Advocacy Coalition of Kansas legislative briefing about how KanCare has affected service delivery to individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Shawnee Mission Ford.
• Attended a meeting for board members of Lenexa Home Owners Associations where Lenexa city officials discussed building permits, city communications and Google Fiber.
• Met with an official from HyVee to learn more about efforts to sell full-strength beer, wine, and spirits in grocery and convenience stores. 

VOTE NOW!

Advance voting has not yet begun, but now is the time to apply for a mail ballot so you don’t miss out! Click the ballot application below to submit your application.

Your ballot will be mailed on Oct. 15 and should arrive in your mailbox by Oct. 17.

You can also vote in advance in-person beginning Monday, Oct. 20 at the these locations. View your sample ballot and Nov. 4 polling location.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions about the campaign or the Kansas House of Representatives.

At your service,

Linda Gallagher, Candidate
Kansas House of Representatives, District 23
Serving Shawnee, Lenexa, and Overland Park