Overland Park at a Crossroads

Say NO to Stadiums, High-Density Rezoning, and Developer-Driven Politics

A Community Call to Action Ahead of the October 10th Forum

by Victoria Kline

October 6, 2025



This election isn’t just about a stadium. It’s about whether Overland Park remains a city of neighborhoods or becomes a playground for developers.

You’re Invited:

Friday, October 10th Public Forum

Time: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. 

Central Resource Library 

9875 W. 87th Street. O.P. KS  66212

This Friday, residents of Overland Park have a chance to do more than vote – they can speak.

Join us for a community-led forum where real questions will be asked, and real answers demanded.

Details are in the flyer image – bring your neighbors, your concerns, and your voice.

While Mayor Curt Skoog has committed to only two tightly controlled forums, Dr. Faris Farassati is opening the floor to the public.

This third forum is not a formality – it’s a reality check.

Follow the Money: Who’s Really Benefiting?

One of the most telling images in this campaign is the developer contribution chart. It lays bare the financial ecosystem behind Overland Park’s development boom:

Thousands of dollars flowing from developers and special interests.

Occupations and affiliations that raise serious questions about influence.

A pattern of votes favoring developers over neighborhoods.

This isn’t speculation – it’s documentation. 

And it backs up Dr. Farassati’s claim: Overland Park’s leadership has prioritized developers profits over community well-being.

The Voting Record: Skoog vs. the Neighborhoods

In a detailed post, Dr. Farassati outlines 12 separate instances where Mayor Curt Skoog voted against neighborhood interests:

From Ward 5’s Sorrento II project to Ward 6’s Bluhawkdevelopment, the pattern is clear.

Zoning variances were pushed through despite resident opposition.

Projects were greenlit that altered the character and safety of established communities.

This isn’t just about one vote; it is about a governing philosophy that treats neighborhoods as obstacles rather than partners.


It is history like this that encourages Dr. Farassati to suggest a Citizen Advisory Commission on Budget. 

And after listening to citizens speak up at the August hearing over the Johnson County budget, it is clear that citizens do have informed views on what is happening.

Please see the budget and full written out discourse in the first half from Free State News. (1) 


Then there are local campaign infractions, such as Skoog’s oversized campaign signs in the public right-of-way.

Dr. Farassati asks the obvious question:

“Does the Mayor not know this?”

It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes. When leadership ignores basic rules, what else is being overlooked? And the irony of the question rather hangs in the air “public right-of-way”?


First Responders Deserve More Than Lip Service

Mayor Skoog claims to have “consistently backed our Police, Fire, and EMS teams.” But when Councilman Hamblin proposed a modest $600K support package for first responders during the pandemic, Skoog voted no – and approved a $6 million developer incentive the same night.

Skoog is not on your side. Voting for him is NOT in your best interest.” —Dr. Faris Farassati

This isn’t just about budget priorities, it’s about who gets protected and who gets paid.

Dr. Farassati stands for Overland Park residents – 

Final Word

This election isn’t just about a stadium. It’s about whether Overland Park remains a city of neighborhoods or becomes a playground for developers.

Dr. Farassati has shown what principled leadership looks like. Now it’s up to us to show up, speak out, and vote with clarity.

Your City. Your Voice. Your Vote.


(1). https://freestatenews.net/local-issues/understanding-the-johnson-county-budget-presentation-for-revenue-neutral-august-20-2025-budget-series-part-1/  

and https://freestatenews.net/local-issues/public-voices-on-the-johnson-county-revenue-neutral-meeting-budget-series-part-2/

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