Stilwell Stymied:Self Rule Aborted

By Dan Verbeck

Olathe, Ks. – Those who want to incorporate the community of Stilwell are unable to muster a unanimous vote among the Johnson County Commissioners. State law requires unanimity when the land in question is within five miles of an existing city. Many saw the attempted maneuver as a defense mechanism against encroachment by Overland Park. Commissioner Doug Wood tells KCUR, he had to vote No. In his words:
" ..So I was supportive of their trying to maintain their lifestyle. But I found the application for incorporation to pose a greater threat to the orderly development of that part of Johnson county."

Commission chair Annabeth Surbaugh says the proposal might have gotten her backing if the land mass of Stilwell had been smaller, but it was drawn at 22 square miles. Incorporation fails.