Fast in the NEWS
Johnson County approves funding for child care providers
Commissioner Fast said "The county has earmarked $2 million to develop a child care business training center."
"The center will focus on helping child care providers build a sustainable, profitable business in an effort to supply additional childcare options in a growing community. The Commission is allocating federal funds to pay for licensing, business development, and training. The lack of access to affordable child care is the biggest barrier to growing workforce shortages.”.
Want to keep Johnson County a great place to live? Then help solve affordable housing
Commissioner Fast “Johnson County KS must solve its affordable housing problem.”
Bob Meneilly, ‘courageous’ Johnson County pastor who took on racism, extremism, dies
“His vision really changed the vision of our county,” said Johnson County Commissioner Becky Fast. “He created a welcoming community.”
Researchers Uncover Harrowing Story That Could Be Linked To Negro Creek.
Wandra Minor (left) and Virginia Sewing (middle) with the Johnson County chapter of the NAACP, along with Johnson County Commissioner Becky Fast (right), are part of an informal group of local officials and activists working to change the name of Negro Creek.
Microbreweries And Small Bars In Johnson County Could Benefit If Voters Ditch Long-Standing Liquor Law This November
Commissioner Becky Fast echoed the regulation, which was established in 1987, is archaic.
“We are the last major metro in Kansas to repeal this. We should have been leading on this,” Fast said
County Update: Commissioner Fast says investments in sewer system will improve water quality, protect environment
This project will have water quality benefits for Indian Creek, as well as the downstream waters of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
County Update: ‘Let’s feed people, not landfills,’ says Commissioner Fast
A 2016 study showed that Johnson County’s food waste was slightly above the national average at 23% of landfill volume. Almost a quarter of what’s in our landfill could have been diverted if it had been eaten!
Priced Out: Increasing access to affordable housing in JoCo is a health issue. But the politics of doing so are tough
Fast thinks affordable housing is part of a strong economy that attracts jobs.
County Update: Commissioner Fast discusses challenges of meeting community’s mental health needs
Community leaders, local school districts, and concerned parents must join together to support policies that address the challenging mental health needs for our youth.
County Update: Commissioner Fast says collaboration is key to increasing housing options
If we’re going to solve this seemingly insurmountable problem and ensure that every Johnson County resident has a place to call home, we’re going to have to work together.
Johnson County Leaders Fear A 'Tsunami' Of Revenue Loss If Big Box Stores Win Tax Appeals
Johnson County Commissioner Becky Fast worries about consequences for youth and family services and other government functions as large retailers challenge their appraisals and tax bills.
County Update: Commissioner Fast urges ‘the will to be bold and make sustainability a priority’
As your newly elected District 1 Commissioner, you can trust that I will be a strong voice for improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency efforts resulting in tax savings, and maximizing waste diversion from the landfill, including promoting innovation in food waste composting.
Commissioner Fast examines ‘the price we pay’ with cuts to mental health program funding
Johnson County’s mental health system has struggled in recent years after a decade of state and federal funding cuts.
NEW COMMISSIONERS SWORN IN
The new members are former Roeland Park City Council member Becky Fast, representing the 1st District, and Janeé Hanzlick, the former CEO of the SAFEHOME domestic violence agency in Johnson County. She represents the 4th District.
Becky Fast steps down from Roeland Park council ahead of move to county commission
“My sincere thanks to Roeland Park residents, for trusting in me as your representative on the Roeland Park City Council,” Fast said in her resignation letter. “I look forward to representing you in a different capacity as your next District 1 County Commissioner.”
Incoming county commissioners say safety net, changing demographics are top priorities
“We really need a visioning strategic planning process again, because in (the past) 10 years the demand for these services has totally changed,” she said. “Surveys say people want the county to pick up some of the gap.”
‘It is time women have a voice.’ JoCo commission races reflect national trend
Fast, his opponent, said she was galvanized to run after she attended commission meetings and didn’t hear anybody speaking up for issues she believes are paramount, including mental health, senior services and public health.