Mercer County Goverment: Q & A With Commissioner Kristin L. McLaughlin

Press release from the Mercer County Government:

03/01/2022 10:09 AM

Kristin L McLaughlin was elected to the Mercer County Board of County Commissioners in November of 2021. She was sworn into office earlier this year and has already begun working with the residents of Mercer County and their leaders to promote collaborative relationships and initiatives, effective, responsive service delivery, and cost-effective transparent government operations.

Kristin McLaughlin grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, and moved to Mercer County in 2008 with her husband Mike and three daughters, Megan, Amelia, and Carolyn. She holds an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. She was elected to the Hopewell Township Committee in 2016, and reelected in 2019, serving as Mayor in 2019 and 2020.  

Q: Can you describe your feelings being selected by the residents of Mercer County to represent them as Mercer County Commissioner?

A: In a word, honored. I am very honored by the residents of Mercer County for entrusting their government to me. I know from my years on the Hopewell Township Committee that people reach out to their government most often when they just don’t know where else to seek help. I look forward to helping our residents find the services they need to live productive, successful lives here. 

Q: Your mother was a 4-term member of the Kansas State Senate. What lessons did you learn from her and bring with you to Mercer County?

A: More than I can count! It is very unlikely that I would be doing this if not for the example my mother set for me. She continues to be an inspiration to me every single day. Here are the most impactful lessons I’ve learned. First, listen carefully. You can’t solve a problem that you don’t understand. Second, public service is a team sport. Complex issues require many good people to work together to find solutions. I see my job as pulling together the right people who have the expertise and ability to help. Third, be patient. While some issues can be resolved quickly, most of them evolve over time. It will take the right people some time to resolve the issue. Fourth, our ever-changing world moves more quickly than a policy so we have to plan ahead to the best of our ability and be ready to shift when circumstances demand. The job is never finished! 

Q: As one of three elected women on the Board, what advice would you give young women who are hoping to begin a career in public service?

A:. Don’t be afraid to get involved before you think you have all the answers. With empathy, intelligence, the ability to work hard, and the desire to build community, you have all you need to be a successful public servant and make a difference. 

Q: You grew up in Kansas and moved to Mercer County in 2008. Why Mercer County?

A: This incredible county boasts the state capital, several renowned colleges, incredible parks, exciting restaurants, and bountiful open spaces. More importantly though, the people who choose to make Mercer County their home take pride in their communities. The strength of our community organizations, from the youth athletic and artistic organizations, to the innovative business community groups, creates a connected and exciting place to raise a family. We moved here with our daughters when they were in first, fifth, and ninth grades because my husband, who was raised in Hopewell Township, spoke so enthusiastically about Mercer County as a place to grow up. I felt immediately at home here and am always proud to tell anyone who asks about the area why I am so happy to live here.

Q: You were a member of the Hopewell Township Committee since 2016, including two years as Mayor. What would you say are some of your greatest accomplishments in that position?

A:. I am very proud of the way we as a Committee met the challenges of the affordable housing mandate, the departure of one of our biggest employers, and the economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic. We took those enormous challenges, and with diligent and collaborative work, crafted solutions that will keep the Township strong. I am extremely proud of the progress we’ve made on our much dreamed about community center. 

The lesson one very quickly learns in municipal government is that there is no such thing as an average day. I am most proud of how our employees and elected officials worked to keep the government serving our residents during the uncertain months at the beginning of the pandemic. No one had ever before been tasked with keeping a town running while everyone was supposed to stay at home. We worried about how to keep our employees healthy while also providing for public safety, keeping the streets maintained, and keeping our senior population engaged among a host of other concerns. It really is true that the most challenging times bring out the best in people. We certainly saw that then. 

Q: You've been a County Commissioner for a little over a month now. What goals do you and the rest of the board have for this upcoming year?  

I, like many others, am hoping that we can move on from the necessary pandemic protocols and return to a more normal way of doing business. Mercer County must continue to support our residents who were impacted by COVID-19 while also working to better the future for everyone here. The county received $71 million in COVID relief funds and there is a group currently creating a list of possible actions. I believe we will see those proposals very soon. We have incredible assets here - the community college, the airport, a strong and innovative business community, and most of all, engaged, articulate, and thoughtful residents who work every day to make our community stronger. I am simply thrilled to be able to support the work that is already being done here and to be able to lend my efforts toward meeting the challenges that will come.

Q: Let's end with something fun. Tell us about your family and what you like to do in your free time? 

My husband Mike and I are the proud parents of three talented young women, Megan, Amelia, and Carolyn. Carolyn is a freshman in college and is working to become a veterinarian. Amelia is working in New York for a new jewelry company that is specializing in sustainable gems and metals. Megan is working for USAID in Washington, DC. We like to spend time at the beach, cooking - lots of cooking - and finding excuses to celebrate each and every holiday that shows up on our calendar. Mike is an author and a runner and we all like to travel. We have two big white rescue dogs, Albus and Olli, who keep us entertained and on our toes. You can often find me early in the morning at our beautiful county park, Mercer Meadows, attempting to tire them out for the day.

This press release was produced by the Mercer County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.