My Bio
I have called Mission Hills home for more than 18 years, where my wife and I are raising our two sons, both of whom attend Shawnee Mission East. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving our community in nearly every aspect of city government, including eight years on the City Council, several as chair; six years on the Board of Zoning Appeals, several as chair; and eight years on the Crime Prevention & Safety Committee, again with multiple terms as chair. I also currently serve as a non-resident member of the Prairie Village Civil Service Commission.
Professionally, I am a founding partner at the law firm Kennyhertz Perry, where I advise clients nationwide on regulatory, enforcement, and complex financial matters. I began my career as a federal enforcement attorney at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and later served as a chief compliance officer for a global financial firm. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of oversight, accountability, and problem-solving, which I bring to city leadership.
I believe Mission Hills’ strength lies in its sense of community, character, and shared responsibility. My approach to leadership is collaborative: I listen first, work together with others, and make decisions that preserve the unique qualities of Mission Hills while planning thoughtfully for the future. What sets me apart is strong leadership, real transparency, and a commitment to include more voices in the process.
My priorities are:
- Transparency: keeping residents fully informed on projects and council actions.
- Public Safety: ensuring Mission Hills remains one of the safest communities, with attention to issues like children riding motorized vehicles on streets.
- Community Involvement: making it easier for residents to participate and have their voices heard.
- Protecting Neighborhood Character: Our streets are part of the city’s charm and history, and I believe preserving that character matters.
- Professional Leadership: drawing on my experience as an attorney, business owner, and civic leader to provide the professionalism and judgment needed to serve as “CEO of the city.”
I will bring leadership, open communication, and a forward-looking vision for Mission Hills.
My Key Issues
Preserving the Character and Quality of Life in Mission Hills
Mission Hills is a unique and historic community, and protecting its character is central to my leadership. I support maintaining strong regulations against short-term rentals and nuisance activities that threaten the peace and beauty of our neighborhoods. I will continue working to ensure that development and redevelopment are carefully managed to reflect the values of our residents while enhancing property values and quality of life.
Regional and State Leadership and Collaboration
Mission Hills does not exist in isolation, and regional collaboration is vital to maintaining our city’s strength and influence. With long-standing connections across Johnson County and throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, I understand how to work across city lines to advocate for our community’s interests. Whether it is infrastructure, public safety, or regional planning, I will ensure Mission Hills has a strong voice at the table and that our residents benefit from thoughtful, coordinated leadership.
Efficient, Transparent Government and Responsible Budgeting
Residents deserve a city government that is both transparent and fiscally responsible. My experience on the City Council has taught me the importance of careful stewardship of tax dollars, balancing strong city services with accountability in spending. As Mayor, I will prioritize open communication with residents, clear decision-making processes, and budgets that reflect the priorities of our community while keeping taxes fair and predictable. Visit Instagram: @bradenmperry for more information.
Public Safety and Community Security
A safe community is the foundation of a strong community. Through my years on the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee and City Council, I have prioritized proactive safety measures and close partnerships with our police and neighboring municipalities. As Mayor, I will continue to strengthen these efforts by supporting responsive law enforcement, fostering neighborhood awareness, and ensuring that our city remains one of the safest places to live. Visit Instagram: @bradenmperry for more information.
Engaging New Voters: How to Register
To register to vote, or change your registration, please visit the Johnson County Election Office website located at: https://jocoelection.org/registration (highlight URL and right click to go to the website)
Getting Residents Out to Vote: Advanced Voting
For information about Advanced Voting by mail, please visit the Johnson County Election Office “Advance Voting” voter information page at: https://jocoelection.org/advance-voting (highlight URL and right click to go to the website)
Question: Why Me?
* Strong leadership* * Real transparency* * Commitment to include more voices in the city* These are what set me apart. I also bring my experience as a business owner and professionalism to serve as the leader of Mission Hills.
6400 State Line Road Property Questions
In August, Mission Hills purchased the church property at 6400 State Line for $3.2 million. On the surface, it looks like an exciting opportunity to expand the City’s footprint and plan for future use. At the same time, it comes with several challenges that will require careful management and clear communication with residents. • For the first 18 months, the City collects only $1,000 per month in rent while covering financing costs. • The roughly $100,000 per year in cell tower income remains with the Church during the leaseback. • The tower has a long-term cellular lease through 2044, with relocation costs falling to the City. • The property was accepted as-is, including asbestos, ADA, and structural issues. • Any significant repairs during the leaseback period are the City’s responsibility. • Roughly 68 percent of the land lies in a future floodplain, which limits redevelopment potential. Mission Hills has long benefited from an AAA bond rating, a reflection of our fiscal discipline and stability. Protecting that rating means managing new assets like this one thoughtfully and transparently. As a Qualified Risk Director® who works daily with complex financial and operational matters, I see both the opportunity and the responsibility here. With steady, independent leadership, this property can be managed prudently, preserving its value, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring it serves the community well in the years ahead. Mission Hills deserves proactive and transparent leadership that balances vision with accountability. I will provide that stewardship. See Instagram: @bradenformayor for more information.
The Draft Mobility Plan
The City’s draft Mobility Plan, part of broader changes to the Comprehensive Plan, contemplates adding miles of new sidewalks. Sidewalks can be good where they improve safety and make sense. But this plan also involves paving over large portions of greenspace. That means more stormwater strain and the loss of many trees that define our city’s beauty. Here is one way to think about it: Every ¼ mile of a 4-foot-wide sidewalk equals ~5,280 square feet, or roughly 65 cubic yards of impervious concrete, where greenspace and trees stand today. I believe in public safety and walkability, but we need balance. Let’s protect what makes Mission Hills unique while also making smart improvements where they are truly needed. This is still a draft, and the City is seeking input. You can submit your comments now through the Mission Hills website. See Instagram: @bradenformayor for more details.
On Independence:
On Independence: Independence matters in leadership, in judgment, and in how we run campaigns. That is why, despite offers of funding and donations, I chose to self-fund my campaign for Mayor of Mission Hills. In a city of just over 3,500 residents, our elections should stay local, personal, and free from outside influence. As an expert witness and attorney, independence is part of my daily work. I analyze facts, form opinions, and stay impartial. That same independence guides me in public service. My goal is to lead, not rule, and to represent all residents, not a select few. Over the past weeks, Birdie and I have walked much of Mission Hills, meeting neighbors, listening, and sharing my background and experience. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement of my family, friends, and neighbors. With continued hard work, I hope to earn the opportunity to serve as your Mayor, with a little help from my friends… See Instagram @bradenformayor for more information.
On Leadership:
On Leadership: In 2024, I was honored to be recognized as a Law Firm Leader by Missouri Lawyers Media. That award carried a simple but powerful message: leaders are not followers. It followed years of recognition for my work, including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and being named to Missouri Lawyers Media’s Power 30 in White-Collar Defense. Leadership, however, is not about plaques or titles. It is about consistently stepping up when it matters. I was selected to Leadership Kansas (LK '16), one of the most prestigious leadership programs in the nation, and to the 2019 class of Leadership NEJC, where I worked alongside civic and business leaders to strengthen Northeast Johnson County. I also lead every day in my professional life. As a former Senior Trial Attorney at the U.S. CFTC, I prosecuted complex cases in federal court and coordinated with federal law enforcement on high-profile investigations. Today, as co-founder of Kennyhertz Perry, I guide clients through government investigations, regulatory challenges, and litigation where the stakes couldn’t be higher. With your help on November 4, I will bring that same approach to Mission Hills and lead our city with independence, accountability, and vision for the next four years. Visit Instagram: @bradenmperry for more information.
Find me on Instagram:
@bradenformayor
Civic Experience
• 2015 – 2023, Member and President (2018-2022) of the Mission Hills City Council (Liaison to ARB, BZA, and Planning Commission) • 2009 – 2015, Member and Chair (2014-2015) of the Mission Hills BZA • 2007 – 2015, Member and Chair (2013-2015) of the Mission Hills Crime Prevention and Safety Committee • 2011 – 2017, Director, Tomahawk Road Homes Association • 2018 – Present, Prairie Village Civil Service Commission • 2018 – Present, Appointed by the Governors of Kansas, as a member of the Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (“BIDS”), pursuant to K.S.A. 22-4519 and Chair (2021-2024). • 2017 – Present, NEJC Chamber of Commerce Board Member Emeritus and General Counsel • 2016 – Leadership Kansas • 2019 – Leadership NEJC • 2018 – 2020, Belinder Elementary PTA Legislative Liaison • 2014 – Discover Children’s Mercy (Spring Session) • 2014 – Citizen’s Police Academy, City of Prairie Village, KS
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
2000 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission Woods, KS 66205, USA