Hi! I’m, Michael Schuckman, a native of Kansas City and I am running to be your next councilperson from District 6.
A little bit about me, I was born in Kansas City and grew up in nearby Lee's Summit. I was fortunate to attend some excellent schools including Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic grade school and later Rockhurst High School. I then went on to Northwest Missouri State University where I was a double major in Geography and Spanish, then continued on to the University of Missouri-Kansas City for graduate school. It was during grad school I became even more interested in urban environments, specifically how cities develop, and reinvent themselves over time. That made my focus of Urban Geoscience and easy call for me. I focused my research and thesis on this topic and traced how Kansas City has been reinventing itself, since the mid 1980’s. During those years working on my research, I also began to feel the calling to public service in earnest. I knew whatever I ended up doing in life, I wanted to be of service to others and make my city a better place.
This calling has lead to a career focused on public service. I have previously worked for the City of Lenexa as an asset manager, and then went on the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for several years working as a Business Analyst. Since 2021, I have been an employee of the City of Kansas City Water Services Department as an Information Systems Senior Analyst.
Personally, I am lucky to have many amazing friends and family in my life. My mom, Olivia, and my dad, Scott, have always supported me in every adventure I have undertaken. My sister, Suzie, is someone I have always looked up to as an example of determination and perseverance. I also am very lucky to have a very understanding and endlessly patient boyfriend, David, who is supporting me though this crazy journey of a first campaign. Even my cat, Kylo, has been supportive of the campaign, in his own way.
When I am not busy working or campaigning, I enjoy working on home projects as a first time home owner, hitting the gym or pool for some laps, or hanging out with my amazing group of friends enjoying all that Kansas City has to offer.
I hope I earn the honor of serving as your councilperson because I know I can give this my all. Working on the behalf of District 6 would be my full time focus. I will apply my experiences as a Latino member of the LGBTQ+ community, and my education and professional expertise to every decision. I will be open to listening to all points of view. Our council and our city works best when everyone has a voice and is engaged in the process. I will be your megaphone to advocate for what matters to you and all our neighbors in District 6.
I am running because I strongly believe it is time for a new generation of leadership to step up in Kansas City. We have made amazing progress in the last few decades. Let's keep moving in the right direction with sensible, community focused solutions that help every citizen and wow our visitors.