Platte County voters choose new commissioner, keeping 3-person board all Republicans

Allyson Berberich won the District 1 seat on the Platte County Commission, which represents the area roughly south of the Kansas City International Airport, keeping all three spots Republican.

Berberich joins Scott Fricker, the presiding commissioner and Joe Vanover, the Second District commissioner.

Berberich, an alderwoman for Parkville and small business owner, took 54% of the votes cast, while her Democratic opponent, Charles McDonald, took 46%, according to unofficial results published Tuesday night by the Platte County Board of Elections.

Berberich's main campaign points were to support law enforcement and economic growth. She promised to keep an eye on how the county spends its taxpayers' money.

Her opponent, McDonald, had similar campaign points to help improve the county's credit score and improve commission communications with residents. His points slightly differed around public safety, as he wanted to expand law enforcement to include mental health counselors.

Berberich has a background in volunteering with schools and finances and served four years on the Parkville Planning and Zoning Commission. She also holds an MBA in accounting.

Ahead of the election, Berberich spoke about the county's jail expansion plan, which has failed twice .

She also spoke about the controversy around the Children's Services Fund tax question on the ballot in Platte County , which the commission originally rejected earlier this year. During a meeting discussing the question, Berberich said tensions seemed high and the commissioners responded inappropriately to some residents' concerns.

"There was not great manners and some rudeness," she said. "I don't want to ever come across that way if I'm on the commission, dealing with people who come to a public forum."