Katheryn Shields, 4th District Councilwoman
by Logan Snook
Shields was elected Councilwoman of Kansas City’s 4th District at-large in 2015, alongside Jolie Justus (from Monday’s trivia question!). Shields has a long history of working for Kansas City, beginning with her first run in the Kansas City Council from 1987-1994, as well as serving three terms as Jackson County Executive. On top of that, Shield’s ran for Kansas City Mayor in 2007. She recently took a break from government work, and has returned this year as one of the 5 women on the 13-seat City Council, all of whom were elected in 2015. For her 4-year term, Shields has been appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Neighborhoods and Public Safety Committee, Vice Chair of the Youth Development Committee, and as a member of the Legislative Committee.
Shield’s is an active leader in environmental issues, and has been recognized by her work as former Councilwoman and former County Executive for her environmental and sustainability initiatives. Along with this, Shields is a proponent for public art funding, and also worked to renovate both Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums, and extend their leases to the Chief’s and Royals respectively to 25-years.
For her current term, Shield’s is focus is on a return to the “basics,” implementing programs on better road, bridge, and sewer maintenance, as well as revitalizing City Planning and historical architectural heritage.
For anyone who wants to follow Shield’s activities in Kansas City and with the City Council, like her Facebook and Twitter pages, where she frequently posts about on goings in Kansas City.