07/17/2026
Yesterday, Councilmember Cynda Rader announced her resignation from the Lee’s Summit City Council, effective immediately.
Serving in elected office requires countless hours, difficult decisions, and a willingness to put yourself in the public arena. Regardless of where we may have agreed or disagreed on individual issues, I want to thank Cynda for her willingness to serve the residents of District 3 and our community. Public service is never easy, and it represents a significant commitment to our city.
As District 3’s remaining representative, I want our residents to know that I remain fully committed to serving our district during this transition. I will continue listening, answering questions, and working to ensure District 3’s voice is heard.
The City Council will now begin the process of appointing an interim councilmember to represent District 3 until the next election, and I will share information about that process as soon as it is officially announced by the City.
Although it is not completely confirmed, I believe this is likely the process:
- Council will convene next on August 4th, and at this time we will approve the resignation and issue next steps.
- Applications will start to be accepted from District 3 residents, and we will go through an internal process of nominating and appointing the new Interim, to serve from now through April 2027.
- In December, the standard 2 week filing period will open for the annual municipal election period (statewide) - and during this time, we will accept filings for a LS Special Election for the District 3 representative.
- The public Special Election will be April 6, 2027, for a candidate to serve the remaining 3 years of the 4-year term. **UPDATE: the term only extends through April 2028. It will be a 1 year elected term.**
- I'll be sure to share the application process when it's available. Please note - those details may be subject to change as they have not been confirmed yet by Council.
You can follow the city's home page for announcements
https://cityofls.net/
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Please join me in thanking Cynda for her service and wishing her and her family the very best in whatever comes next.