Making the Courthouse the Center of Our Community Again

Happy Saturday, Platte County!

I was recently re-reading an insightful piece by Bill Graham in the Platte County Citizen about the history and future of our beautiful Courthouse. He captured something I’ve felt for a long time: our Courthouse should be more than just a place for tax assessments and legal proceedings—it should be a welcoming center for our community.

Bill made a few points that really hit home for me:

• History at the Forefront: Our post-Civil War structure is a treasure. We should be showcasing our history and our parks right there on the ground floor, making it a "positive attraction" for residents and visitors alike.
• A Friendly Ground Floor: Bill recalled the 80s and 90s when the ground floor felt more "friendly," with the County Clerk and other officials present and accessible.
• Removing the Barriers: While security is a modern necessity, we should strive to make the entrance to our "Justice Center" feel less like a hurdle and more like an invitation to engage with our local government.

The Watchdog Perspective: As your County Clerk, I don’t just want to audit the books; I want to audit the experience. I agree with Bill—we should move administrative offices back into the heart of the historic building and partner with our local historical societies to make the Courthouse a place of pride for every town from Parkville to Edgerton.

Our Courthouse is the "Heart of the County." Let’s make it beat for the citizens again.

Read Bill Graham’s full perspective here: http://www.plattecountycitizen.com/theplattecountycitizen/making-the-courthouse-the-center-of-the-community-once-again31102023

What are your favorite memories of the Courthouse Square? Do you agree it’s time to make the building more accessible and community-focused?

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Who in your family served? My 41 years here have taught me that we owe it to these veterans to manage their tax dollars with the same integrity they showed in service.