TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! EMANUEL CLEAVER III CLOSE TO DECLARING A 5TH DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL RUN!!!

One of Kansas City's biggest political names is on the cusp of making a major announcement.

There's a great deal of news behind this big political move for Kansas City's African-American Community . . . This could be interesting.

But for now, I just want to note . . .

EMANUEL CLEAVER III POSSIBLY RUNNING IN KANSAS CITY'S 5TH DISTRICT COULD COMPLETELY CHANGE THE BALANCE OF POWER IN KANSAS CITY!!!

An interesting detail in all this is that IF the son of Kansas City's former mayor decides to run he'll be going in-district rather than competing directly with Cindy Circo who has now made her alliance with Mayor Funkhouser and Union Boss Louie Wright public by way of her voting record.

Even better, it seems that Kansas City's African-American Community is mobilizing into action on an even wider scale . . .

THERE IS TALK THAT "THE UPCOMING ELECTION CYCLE COULD BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT POLITICAL MOMENTS FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN KANSAS CITY!!!"

The talk that "E III" stands on the verge of making a decision and impending announcement will be worth watching when mainstream media finally decides to report AFTER TKC readers have already learned of what's on the local, political horizon. Natch.

Look At Extra WyCo Casino "Goodies"

A great bird's eye report from Nick Sloan at The Kansas City Kansan: When casino is built, county can expect some extra "goodies"

Funky Kansas City Government By Surprise

NBC Action News: Mayor Mark Funkhouser held a town hall meeting Wednesday morning in the Northland.

What they don't mention is that most people got only 24 hours notice to attend.

Media Makes Another White Lady Victim

Only in the dcrewy media world of the United States would the wife of a multimillionaire and a golf-club-wielding-jealous-Swedish-bikini-model on a rampage be portrayed as a victim.

I'm sure Whitlock is working on something that will make us all mad . . . Don't forget to read my early take on the subject KC sports fans and other fellow admirers of beautiful white women.

"A New Day for Buzzard Beach"

The only bar recommendation I'm willing to take is from a blog as "experienced" as The Kansas City Drinker . . . And recent Buzzard Beach raving is worthy of consideration.

Cowardly Kansas City Crime 4-Way Cut

A great look at somewhat incomprehensible local crime motivation from MO Rage.

Cindy Circo's Cauthen Suspension Excuse

We have heard from Council Lady Jan Marcason on the Cauthen suspension.

Mayor Funky gave a few terse comments.

Now, THANKS TO THE BEST TKC TIPSTERS, we have Council Lady Cindy Circo's explanation for The Cauthen Removal.

Smart people say she deserves credit for her choice . . . Others feel she was misguided.

SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TKC TIPSTERS WILL BE CLOSELY WATCHING THE CAREER PROGRESS OF HER FIREFIGHTER HUSBAND IN LIGHT OF CINDY'S RECENT VOTING RECORD!!!

In any event, here's here excuse from a recent newsletter:

New Leadership at City Hall

Over the past several weeks, there has been an enormous amount of media coverage regarding the change in leadership at City Hall. I, along with five other councilmembers and the Mayor, voted for the removal of City Manager Wayne Cauthen. the As with any other major issue that I have dealt with over the past two years while serving as your city councilwoman, I have provided my supporters and constituents the facts regarding various positions. I feel this is one of those decisions where I want to set the record straight and provide to my constituents an explanation. Particularly since the media is digging for the scoop and conspiracy theories are abundant regarding this issue.

First and foremost, I must commend Wayne Cauthen for his leadership these past several years in his ability to jump start the heart of Kansas City with the rebuilding of a desolate downtown and the development of the Sprint Center, among other accomplishments. Wayne Cauthen was the manager we needed for the job at that time.

However, we all know that our city is in a different state than it was when Mr. Cauthen arrived in Kansas City six years ago. We are now in the midst of an economic downturn and our city is facing a $60 million dollar deficit. Management practices that worked five years ago do not work now. As with any government leadership position, elected or appointed, different styles are needed for different times in our history. It is the nature of the position.

Secondly, I want to dispel the rumors that "deals were made" and that I am "aligning with the Mayor". This was one of the hardest votes to cast during my term because I also respect Wayne personally. The only "alignment" that was made with my vote was with that of my own beliefs about what is right for Kansas City at this time. When I was honest with myself and looked at the current needs of the city, I know that a change of leadership was necessary.

You may agree or disagree with my position, and I respect that. As you know, I have always had an open door and hope that you will feel free to contact me whether you support or oppose my positions. I wish Mr. Cauthen the very best in his future quests. I also look forward to working with Mr. Schulte and what he brings to the table.

Sincerely,

Cindy Circo

It seems that the lady doth protest too much and it's bad news for the 5th District that this statement seems to be the worst of all.

Developing . . .

A Westside "Urban Hero"

NBC Action News Reports: Primitivo Garcia Elementary's Bob Wilcox was honored at a VIP awards luncheon by The Downtown Council on Wednesday.

Catholic Key Covers KCPD Volunteer

Check out a really great profile featuring KCPD administrative assistant Irene Munoz and her faith-based volunteering.

Via KCPD Chief Corwin's Blog

The TKC Wednesday Night Link Layout

Just a few links that have been on my mind . . .

Maybe more jobs in this cowtown: Jobless rate falls in KC metro

KCTV has captivating video: Chase Video Shows Stolen Car Catching Fire

MEGA-METH!!!! Federal authorities say six men have pleaded guilty in a scheme involving the theft of a 110-pound drum of a chemical used to make methamphetamine.

Aftermath of Kansas violence: Woman Dies Following Shootings of Granddaughter, Great-Granddaughters

Global jazz shows in KC: A new exhibit looks at the history of the world tours of jazz legends.

Many thanks . . . BlogKC links TKC!!!

JoCo Crime Syndicate: OP Police Seek Alleged Crime Ring Members

A very nice Vida Guerra photos set so we don't forget her great assets.

Jeff Roe's Source Blog Claims Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Bill Skaggs Has A "Sweetheart" Missouri Fee Office Deal!!!

A bit of triangular politics (or something). Still . . . TKC Note: The only people Mayor Funky's crew treat worse than their enemies are their friends. Here's the money quote on the alleged Skaggs family sweetheart deal:

"Skagg's and Snowden's involvement has been a loose thread in the story. We pulled on it, and succeeded only in raising more questions.

In Williams' original bids for the Gladstone and North Kansas City fee offices, Sandra Skaggs and Jane Snowden were set to cover 50% of the costs and receive 50% of the profits.

By all appearances it's a sweetheart deal. License offices aren't exactly risky financial ventures, which makes it difficult to explain why they would get a 50% share of the profits with so little responsibility."

Luckily, The Missouri Ethics Commission is on permanent vacation and the FBI story the Star keeps circulating is urban legend for the moment . . . This is just a bit (alleged) background into Bill Skaggs and insight into his political posturing.

Chat Line Romance Turns Out To Be Nothing More Than A Kansas City Scam

Kudos to a brave North Carolina who reveals the details of how she was scammed by a dude playing on her desperation. And honestly, stealing a middle-aged women's rental car is today's reminder that romance is dead in this cowtown.

Spurned by Tiger Woods, Elin Nordegren Now Wants Pasty White Dudes Like YOU!!!

Actually, no she doesn't.

But that won't stop so many clueless middle-class sports fans from celebrating the predictable infidelity in a celebrity marriage. Thankfully, Tiger's sponsors are much more loyal than he appears.



And here's a clue regarding just how rich Tiger really is . . . If he can look at this poor, beautiful white women and think that he can do better.

Anyhoo, this is one of those not-so-remarkable instances where sports, pop-culture and racial politics all move into play . . . I'm waiting for Whitlock to weigh-in with something embarrassing at any moment.



My only insight into this mini-controversey is that the many angry white dudes who read TKC didn't want the marriage to work anyway BUT will unfortunately find that none of this "news" regarding Tiger's roving putter will prove beneficial to them in the least.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! SUSPENDED CITY MANAGER WAYNE CAUTHEN CLEANED OUT HIS OFFICE!!!

Here's a bit of hope for bright-eyed Kansas City optimists who mistakenly think this town is capable of progress.

KICKASS TKC TIPSTERS SAY THAT SUSPENDED CITY MANAGER WAYNE CAUTHEN RECENTLY REMOVED HIS PERSONAL BELONGINGS FROM HIS OFFICE!!!

Could this be a glimmer of hope that Kansas City doesn't have to go through a horribly divisive public hearing that will only serve to waste time and dishearten local political denizens?

I doubt it. He probably just wanted his office toys back.

Nevertheless, City Hall is just a tiny bit cleaner today as this town waits on the next unproductive local government drama.

Teaching Co-Mayor Gloria Squitiro

Here's a bit of follow-up to recent Internets news on the status of Gloria Squitiro's Triumphant Return to City Hall.

Apparently, Squitiro would have to submit to training if she wanted to bring her barefeet back into Mayoral Business at the City's Epicenter of power and not just handing down edicts to her husband from Brookside.

"Gloria Squitiro has yet to take the training she would need to take to return as a full-time volunteer in the City Hall office of her husband, Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser.

Earlier this year a state judge threw out provisions of a city ordinance passed in September 2008 that barred Squitiro from serving as a full-time volunteer in the mayor's office on the 29th floor.

The courts did uphold the portion of the ordinance that requires "regular service" voluntees in the offices of elected or appointed officials to undergo training."

Of course this training has yet to be developed but I'm sure it would involve guidance on proper footwear and maybe a note to keep racial slurs to a minimum.

More importantly, this NBC Action News Web Special was expertly crafted by DeAnn Smith.

TKC TIPSTERS REPORT THAT SMITH WAS RECENTLY DESCRIBED AT A CIVIC FUNCTION AS MAYOR FUNKY'S "WORST NIGHTMARE" AS THE CROWD CHUCKLED AND ADMIRED HER SEXY CURVES SULTRY SOUTHERN TWANG!!!

Meanwhile, I'm guessing that this report keeps Squitiro at bay in Brookside where she hopefully has stopped beating Kansas City's Mayor considering her recent admission that she has has "hit Funk more times" than she can bare.

Increasing Kansas City, Missouri School District Violence Unites Teachers

WDAF reports that "a group of Kansas City, Missouri, school teachers say they aren't going to wait for the district or anybody else to solve their problems and are taking a proactive approach to school safety.

The informal group of teachers and district staffers met on Tuesday evening to discuss the problems and how to fix them."

No word on rumors that the gathering of teachers uniting against recent school violence took place while they were cowering in fear underneath a desk.

City Hall Cash Crack Down

In light of other recent "ethics" jokes, City Council Will Consider Campaign Limits . . . Whereas I couldn't imagine why anybody who didn't have a consulting business or a wasn't developing a project in need of tax money would even consider paying most of these clowns.

TKC TIPSTERS CONFIRMED!!! MODOT HOLIDAY LAYOFFS FINALLY REPORTED BY THE STAR!!!

I'm sure it doesn't matter to families who will be struggling this winter after MODOT layoffs but AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS were the first local source of information regarding upcoming, local job losses. Natch.

Respect KC's Favorite Reckless Driver

KCTV5 reports taht Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas will become the 10th player to have his jersey retired by the Kansas City Chiefs during a ceremony at halftime of Sunday's game. Sadly, the honor won't help the many kids he fathered by various women.

Upcoming Jackson County Cuts

All of Jackson County government is bracing for serious cuts and even more belt tightening . . . Except for those lucky workers dedicated to PR for County Executive Mike Sanders.

LOL: LeVota Ethics Reform!!!

From The Examiner: "Standing in Independence’s Harry S. Truman Library on Tuesday, state Rep. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, unveiled his plan for legislation that aims to reform ethics and accountability in the Missouri General Assembly."

I'm sorry, I have friends who are Democrats and I would vote for the LeVotas as many times as they asked. But EVERYONE knows this kind of PR stunt is a joke. It's just impossible to hear, read or look at the term "LeVota Ethics Reform" without choking down laughter.

Big Money Kansas City Weed Bust

A $22-Million Dollar Kansas City Marijuana Ring Was Recently Busted . . . Because a serious thriving urban agriculture market that could generate increased revenues or at least pizza sales would be too dangerous.

Kansas Coke Ring Sentencing

Man Sentenced to 235 Months for Masterminding Cocaine Trafficking Ring

I guess local government needs more guns

The Star: "If Raymore City Councilman Jeff Cox gets his wish, he and his colleagues soon will be able to carry a concealed weapon during meetings."

Bannister Toxic Death Count

NBC Action News Investigation: "New claims of sick and dead workers from the Bannister Federal Complex."

Inspired TKC Wednesday Links

Just a bit of morning Link inspiration . . .

Jesus Christ The Star sucks as of late: KC church hopes to make impact with new urban core building

Enjoy the profits earned by Mayor Kay: KC Public Library to use extra TIF money for Bluford library

Rock Chalk Crazy: Lawrence Police Find Man Carrying Grenade in Front Yard

Find this JoCo chick: The Shawnee Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing, endangered woman.

Blow hard: KCP&L Tries to Harness Wind Power

Jackson County nasty: Woman alleges sexual abuse, suspect arrested

WyCo's big gamble: Board Approves Plan for Speedway Casino

A shout out to the yokels: Family of Metro Soldier Supports Obama's Plans in Afghanistan

GOP sticks with "too little, too late" tagline and continues their miserable "Party of NO" platform: Tiahrt Reaction to the Obama Speech

Even The Star is covering Juanna Krupa's sexy, bombastic PETA Ad . . . So I decided to lead with a photo gallery that was far more inspired.

Hope, Change And The Sausage Grinder

I don't sweat national news on this blog but last night's speech by Obama impacts all of Kansas City and the rest of the world.

For all the talk about Hope and Change it was disappointing to hear Obama double down in Afghanistan. The Obama talk last night was nothing more than a continuation and endorsement of the Bush Doctrine. To his credit, unlike Sarah Palin the President probably knows what that is . . . But, in the end, it's really only recipe for more failure.

Afghanistan is known as the "graveyard of empires" and only the most arrogant supporters of the military-industrial complex would dare to dream that U.S. intervention is going to change tribal traditions that have been in place for 2000 years.

To be fair, this move is exactly what Obama promised during his campaign. Still, spending obscene amounts of cash and committing to the almost certain sacrifice of the lives of U.S. Troops doesn't seem like such a good plan as we STILL struggle with a global recession. But there really is no arguing with the strained logic that would claim premature victory in Iraq and argue the merits of nation building while continuing to invoke Sept. 11th. The commitment to endless war by Obama makes it abundantly clear that the fate of this nation and the world is determined by forces devoutly committed to profit and unconcerned with sacrificing precious resources and lives to the giant sausage grinder which feeds so many greedy appetites.

Kansas City Higher Education Killing

NBC Action News: One person was shot to death near the campus of Rockhurst University Tuesday evening.

Kansas City Homicides Aren't Down, They're Trending Upward!!!

Again, kudos to the KCPD for being so forthright with their reporting of local homicide stats . . . However, so many folks concerned with crime in this cowtown must note that KC has more murders in 2008 and 2009 than we did in 2007 and that demonstrates a lack of progress in dealing with the most important topic in Kansas City.

Ramsey Una Vez Más

The promo for Kansas City's Ugly Sweater Party looks even better in Internet HD on Vimeo.

Silly Workflow At Midtown Kansas City Spin Pizza Doesn't Ruin Classy Food or Ambiance

Kansas City Lunch Spots comes up with a fantastic review of one of my favorite places to watch hipster d-bags pay way too much for pizza.

Missouri Ethics!!! No, Seriously.

Patrick Tuohey at The Missouri Record takes on the "circular reasoning" of State Rep. Jason Kander and his completely non-ironic attempt at Ethics Reform in Missouri.

"Succotash now open in Longfellow"

I have no idea why I thought this BlogKC post was gonna contain vegetable porn.

The TKC Late Night Stretch

Yesterday was a damn fine day of posting . . . Today might not be as gully but maybe still interesting . . . But probably not as fun as Holly Valance in a tube top.

Stay tuned.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! KANSAS CITY CONCERNED CLERGY PLAN TO PUT ON A BIG SHOW OVER CAUTHEN FIRING DURING AN UPCOMING COUNCIL SESSION!!!

Kansas City is soon to see the opening act of a great show. The fallout from the ouster of City Manager Wayne Cauthen continues . . .

CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME MEMO COURTESY OF KICKASS TKC TIPSTERS!!! THE KANSAS CITY CONCERNED CLERGY DEMAND ANSWERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL OVER THE CAUTHEN SUSPENSION!!!

November 30, 2009


To: Mayor Mark Funkhouser, Cindy Circo, Beth Gottstein, Jan Marcuson, Russ Johnson

From: The Concerned Clergy Coalition

Once again our city finds itself in a negative spot light. It is our position that the reason for this negative light could have and should have been avoided. We believe the handling of the Wayne Cauthen suspension was an embarrassment and the morally wrong way for city government to be conducted. The cities top employee certainly deserved to be let go with much more dignity and respect.

We do not question the ability of the Mayor to make his decision to terminate. It has been well known what could happen once he had the votes. However to make such a serious decision without the voters being given a voice, and without the entire council having a civil discussion in closed session, was not in the best interest of the city.

We stand together with many other community groups: The Baptist Ministers Union, The Methodist Minister Fellowship, A Call To Oneness, NAACP, Freedom Inc, The Black Agenda Group, Ad Hoc Against Crime and others, to respectfully ask that the Mayor offer a resolution of apology to the citizens of Kansas City and to Wayne Cauthen for the immoral and embarrassing way he was suspended and escorted out of city hall.
We also request that the City Council members, who previously supported the city manager, by renewing his contract, give an explanation of the reason for the change in their support.
Finally we ask that the current employees and programs in the city manager’s office be retained until a resolution or permanent city manager replacement is found.

We would like for the resolution and explanations to take place at the next City Council Session, Thursday December 3, 2009.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pastor Michael E. Brooks, President
Concerned Clergy Coalition

Two important facts to remember . . . Not all of the African-American community is aligned with Cauthen but if the KC CCC can get enough momentum going . . . This could be very interesting.

Also . . . LET'S NOT FORGET THAT MAYOR PRO TEM BILL SKAGGS WILL BE IN CHARGE DURING THE NEXT COUNCIL SESSION!!!

Skaggs is not up for re-election . . . He's an old school Missouri politico and THE MOST AWESOME AND WELL INFORMED TKC TIPSTERS are saying, "He's not going to have a problem putting the gavel down on this circus act."

The end result is that Kansas City will become even further divided and this ongoing drama will most likely thwart even a hiNt of progress at City Hall . . . And yes, like the coward that he is: We hear Mayor Funky will be out of town and unable to take the heat on this one. So goes the "Orange Revolution" as once again this town has been failed by so many local politicos. Natch.

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! UPCOMING MODOT LAYOFFS JUST IN TIME FOR X-MAS!!!

Here's just a bit of seasonal cheer . . . VERY AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS report "MODOT says that layoffs will come for Part time and seasonal workers tomorrow. These are the people that actually do work and not sit in an office."

The bad news for Kansas City is twofold . . . Local streets will remain screwed up AND more people will be out of work . . . OR Show Me How Local Government (and infrastructure) Stay Losing!!!

Kickass Shot Of The Kauffman PAC

Eric Bowers never fails to impress and even manages to make Kansas City's upcoming, elitist monstrosity look nice.

"Virtual" Casino scheme will most likely create REAL Bankruptcies

KCTV5: Casino developers try to sell Kansas review board on “virtual” hotel concept.

Completely Unqualified JoCo Congressional Candidate Screwing Around With Blogs!!!

I don't know much about Mr. Scherer's Congressional Run in JoCo . . . But I'm convinced that if he's screwing around with JoCo bloggers he's probably undeserving of any attention or consideration.

Black Eyed Peas Coming to Kansas City

Check out KCTV5 hopping on the local entertainment reporting bandwagon: "The Black Eyed Peas will be bringing their top-selling hip-hop act to the Sprint Center on March 24, according to a number of sources" i.e. every blog in town.

This could be the most important news in Kansas City today. I'm not joking.

Celebrate!!! New Crew At CCP (ugh)

Check out Committee for County Progress (CCP) and their incoming crew of dimwits leaders working on behalf of people who don't want to think for themselves.

Midtown Miscreant Takes On Ugly

Another awesome post from one of my favorite bloggers.

KCPD Chief Corwin Bows Out Of P&L District Dress Code Hot Mess!!!

I'm still hearing calls for KCPD Chief Corwin to run for Mayor . . . His judgment on KCPD participation in P&L District problems is superb and his reasoning gives confidence.

Check it (emphasis belongs to TKC):

City Councilman John Sharp, vice chair of the Council’s Public Safety and Neighborhoods Committee . . . Also asked Chief Corwin to consider committing police department members to the city’s new committee to review dress code issues and compliance at the Power and Light District, as opposed to participating in the committee sponsored by Power and Light owner Cordish, which would be tasked with the same thing. Chief Corwin said he had spoken with Cordish President Zed Smith and thought it would be inappropriate for police to enforce corporate policies on either committee. He said the department is tasked with enforcing only ordinances, statutes and laws, not private policies. If police had to arrest Power and Light employees for violating city dress code ordinances, they could face a conflict of interest if police also served on the committee that oversaw the dress code. Two Commissioners also expressed concern about separation of powers and conflicts of interest. Chief Corwin said that while he has not yet made his decision, he is leaning toward not having police participate on either the City’s or Cordish’s dress code committee.

A good move. Put simply: Kansas City has bigger problems.

Also, the Chief would join the NAACP and several other organizations in dropping out of P&L District plans to justify their dress code and discriminatory practices. .

Early Afternoon TKC Link Onslaught

Killer Coffee in Kansas City: A driver of a van told police he choked on his coffee, prompting him to hit a backhoe, which ran into a construction worker in Independence Tuesday morning.

The Cleaver Green Party: Kansas City Green Impact Zone Will Host Information Fair

KCK Legal Cleanup: Suit, settlement would force MedServe to sell Kansas City, Kan., facility

Show Me More Politico Fighting: Ethics Complaints Filed Against Bill Stouffer

Cash for killers: $10K added to reward in KC homicide

Who said lawyers were cynical? Divorce Lawyer Not Surprised Man Killed Wife And Daughters, But Not Son

Another kind of KC Suburban Homes Tour: A chase that started in Leawood, went to Kansas City, Mo., Grandview and ended in Olathe, ended with police arresting the driver of the stolen vehicle.

Online Promo: Checking Out Make: KC Tonight

Old news on a lame PR stunt: Mayor Mark Funkhouser signs a host city agreement on Tuesday in an effort to land World Cup soccer matches in Kansas City.

Izabel Goulart looks perfect naked and in bed.

Plaza Bank Robbery Hot Mess!!!

A bank robbery on the Plaza has big media scrambling to to get their story straight:

Crime Scene KC offers a simple take on the story: Robbery at Bank of America on the Plaza

NBC Action News previously reported this . . . "FBI: KC Bank Robber Used Brown Paper Bag." The seems kinda low rent.

And now they're going with a dead tree story: "Suspect Used Newspaper in Plaza Bank Robbery" Now this MAKES SENSE and it's good to know that somebody finally found a use for the columns of Mike Hendricks and Mary Sanchez.

KCPD 3RD QUARTER HOMICIDE REPORT

Important news for crime stat enthusiasts and the rest of us who should be concerned with local violence and crime:

KANSAS CITY'S THIRD QUARTER HOMICIDE REPORT IS NOW ONLINE!!!

KCPD Chief Corwin describes the report in his blog post, "The report contains statistics you would expect about things like gender and race of victims, but it has other information, too. Like that most murders this year have taken place on a Monday. Or that 75 percent of victims in 2009 have had a criminal record. It also includes detailed maps of aggravated assault hotspots and where homicides have taken place throughout the city."

Small TKC correction . . . Even people who have committed crimes in the past have the right to live without the threat of murder, I'm sure the Chief knows this but d-bags on the Internet don't . . . Still, a great effort from The KCPD in getting out important information to the public.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! KC CO-MAYOR GLORIA SQUITIRO SUMMONS MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CLERGY TO HER HOME TO DISCUSS THE CITY MANAGER HEARING!!!

Gloria Squitiro consistently shooting her husband in the foot as soon as he garners just a bit of momentum is hilarious to me. She really doesn't need to be at City Hall, she can screw up Kansas City from the Mayor's Brookside office even more conveniently.

Here is her latest foible:

RUMOR HAS IT CO-MAYOR SQUITIRO HAS SUMMONED A FEW FRINGE MEMBERS OF KC'S BLACK CLERGY TO HER BROOKSIDE HOME IN ORDER TO PERSUADE THEM TO STAND DOWN DURING THE HEARING OVER THE FATE OF CITY MANAGER WAYNE CAUTHEN!!!

It's just another disappointing and silly "divide and conquer" tactic.

Even worse . . . Squitiro didn't even bother calling real leaders like Rev. Michael Brooks of the Concerned Clergy of Kansas City, Missouri or even Emanuel Cleaver III.

Nope, she's recruiting lower level preachers to do her bidding.

Here's the problem: That kind of cynical ploy not only divides Kansas City but it's transparent in all the wrong ways.

It's also worth noting . . . Mayor Funky and the Northland contingent who pulled off the Cauthen Coup don't really need Squitiro's help.

LUCKILY FOR TKC, GLORIA SQUITIRO CAN'T STOP SCREWING WITH HER HUSBAND'S CAREER AND SEEMS DESTINED TO SEEK THE SPOTLIGHT!!!

FOR BETTER OR WORSE, GOP MACHIAVELLI JEFF ROE JUST CAN'T KEEP THIS GOOD WOMAN DOWN!!!

I have a bit of faith that Squitiro won't do much to persuade even the minor members of Kansas City's African-American faith community . . . Especially if they want any credibility in their neighborhoods. Nevertheless, it's easy to have faith in the fact that the Co-Mayor will NEVER stop meddling in local politics as long as her husband is in office.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! FORMER STAR NEWSIE DEANN SMITH STILL PONDERS THE FATE OF CO-MAYOR GLORIA SQUITIRO AND THE QUALITY OF KANSAS CITY REPORTING!!!

DeAnn Smith is a world-class reporter and a tight little package with a sweet Southern accent . . . And because she has all that going for her, I'm not gonna feel guilty about taking her insightful Gloria Squitiro tweets and calling them a TKC EXCLUSIVE given that only 12 other people might have seen them.

Now . . . On with the story . . .

DEANN SMITH RAISES SOME PRETTY INTERESTING QUESTIONS ABOUT GLORIA SQUITIRO'S UPCOMING RETURN TO CITY HALL WITH A SERIES OF TWEETS CRITIQUING A WEEKEND STAR FRONT PAGE STORY!!!







Squitiro needs training . . . Good stuff. I hope that it starts with lessons in appropriate footwear.



"Large personna" Ouch!!!



I have no doubt that Smith is raising some valid questions . . . My only concern is Galen, a guy who pretty much ignores everyone who isn't capable of firing him and seems to be making up the City Charter as he goes along.

More importantly . . . Other than the fact that reporters can't resist critiquing the work of their peers and it drives them crazy that TKC ignores all criticism on GP . . . I also noticed that the fall from The Star is pretty steep . . . Smith once moved the entire metro with her stories and now she's chatting with a crowd of a dozen and me on Twitter . . . Sign up for her feed . . . Because even if she's not working at The so-called "paper of record" she still has more insight into this town than just about anybody at the last remaining dead tree media institutions.

KCK Homicide Trend Lines

A great deal of violence is coming from Kansas City, Kansas as of late . . . One of the smartest TKC readers recently put things into perspective for that small burg and the overall state of murder in the metro area.

"(KCK had) 25 homicides in all of 2007, 33 in all of 2008 and 37 so far in 2009. That, combined with the "unwanted distinction" that KCMO has as virtually the only city of size in the US to have had more homicides in both 2008 and 2009 than in 2007, are going to complicate the metro's image problems as far as conventions, tourism and business."

TKC contention: "Spillover" of local violence is a lot more complicated than people think but just might be evidenced by increase homicides on the other side of The State Line.

World AIDS Day in Kansas City

The KCMO Health Department to Hold Special HIV Testing Clinic for World AIDS Day

The AIDS Service Foundation of Kansas City is also a pretty cool charity to check out . . . They're having a luncheon today at Blackwell offices to mark the occasion . . . For those who can't attend . . . Wrapping it up during dangerous anonny hookups is also a great way to celebrate today's festivities no matter what the time or place.

The Star Notes Harsh Times For The Citizens Association and Freedom Inc.

Strange that The Star is substituting news stories for simple round-ups and profiles. Still, AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS had breaking news on the fate of Freedom Inc. and ethics complaints against the group in October . . . Meanwhile, the juxtaposition is far too politically correct and doesn't really note that both groups are at polar opposite ends of Kansas City's Political Problems that go back to the Pendergast era.

Show-Me State Fed Investigation Speculation Continues Thanks To The Star

The Star: "The FBI has been asking questions about why Missouri House leaders blocked legislation earlier this year affecting millions of dollars in sales taxes charged by cities. State Rep. Tim Jones said Monday that he was contacted by telephone in October by an FBI agent inquiring why colleagues spiked the sales tax legislation he sponsored."

TKC Fact . . . Nobody knows how the story will play out but Kansas City's paper of record is reporting every bit of gossip, innuendo and chatter as fact in order to keep Statewide legislators on their toes. It's not a horrible strategy but it does ignore media consumers who want their news just a tad more concrete.

Still . . . Reporting rumor is interesting work for any blogger or reporter.

Kansas City Lady Fights Gangs On Her Own

WDAF features a nice profile of a woman fighting Gang Graffiti and Vandalism In Her Neighborhood and has potentially put herself in harm's way . . . It's not the average "feel good" local crime story and the fact that the lady isn't finding much support for her anti-crime efforts speaks to the state of things in Kansas City.

“Dancing Badly all over Kansas City”

Ramsey promotes the Ugly X-mas Sweater Party with a bit of horrible, local boogie.

All of the cash for this promotion/production goes to Operation Breakthrough.

Kansas City Starbucks Manager Fights Off Gun-wielding Crook With A Box Cutter!!!

Nice. Looks like the people working at a Midtown Starbucks are much stronger and far better than the coffee.

A tale of Starbucks heroism could be the greatest story of the season or at the very least a sign of the times in the Broadway/Main corridor:

"A thief with a gun lost the battle when he got into a fight with a Starbucks store manager in midtown, police said.

Kansas City police said a gunman walked into the Starbucks at 41st and Main streets about 10:45 p.m. Sunday and went into the back room where the manager was counting money.

Starbucks officials said the manager followed protocol and complied with the robber, but when he felt his life was in danger, he pulled a box cutter out of his pocket and sliced the gunman across the chest. The manager then grabbed the robber's gun and pushed him out of the store."

The would-be crook was later found at a hospital where he was arrested.

Links:

Starbucks Manager Slashes Would-Be Thief

Starbucks Employee Fights Off Robber

Starbucks Manager Disarms Gunman

KC Jazz Folks Rally For Lucky Wesley

The Star profiles local jazz people coming together for the legendary 82 year-old bass player.

Setting Up The Big Gamble in KCK

Nick Sloan for The Kansas City Kansan: Unified Government approves new version of casino plan

TKC Tuesday Newsy Link Fill Up

Topping off morning links . . .

Local Eco-Nasty: Acid Spill Repairs May Take Days: Hours after flipping over, spilling acid and clogging interstate traffic, a tanker finally rolled off I-35 Monday night.

A hand up to those who have been smacked down: Rose Brooks Center will be collecting donations for the women and children who will spend the holidays in their emergency shelter.

Who should catch the silt in Blue Springs neighborhoods? Because that community only dedicates less than 100k to the problem according to The Examiner.

Help Needed for Hanukkah Gift Project

Sending the very best from The Suburbs: Blue Springs Group Sends Care Packages To Troops

Athletics always provide an opportunity: Thieves break into 17 vehicles during the state football championships in St. Louis.

Take A look At The Good Life in The Golden Ghetto: Johnson County Christmas Light Displays

FUMO of a Missouri GOP Payoff of sorts: : Rep. Brian Yates (R-Lee's Summitt) is officially resigning at noon tomorrow to work full time for QC Holdings. It's a payday loan company, with stores operating mostly as Quik Cash or National Quik Cash.

Alessandra Ambrosio Bikini Pictures from Spanish Mag DT Provide Motivational Fuel For My Morning.

Kansas City Soccer Blog Figures Out Mayor Funky's Host City Agreement PR Scheme!!!

Credit the Internets and Kansas City Soccer blog "Down the Byline" for quickly figuring out Mayor Funky's cheap (and meaningless) PR stunt.

The Host City Agreement that cities need to sign to be part of the bid process. It breaks down the hosting responsibilities of the city for the World Cup, everything from the selection of the cities, to posters advertising the event, to public transit, to even the base camps for the team . . . It needs to be signed by the city for the city to be considered in the final hosting for the country biding for the World Cup.

I've been able to confirm from a source that this is indeed what the announcement is supposed to be tomorrow, the fact that the city of Kansas City has signed the Host City Agreement.

Again . . . The World Cup in Kansas City would be cool . . . But Mayor Funky has managed to screw up just about EVERYTHING he has been involved with and just might be the worst spokesmen for Kansas City.

IF THIS COWTOWN WANTS THE WORLD CUP WE WOULD BE WISE TO KEEP MAYOR FUNKY AND HIS CO-MAYOR WIFE FAR AWAY FROM THE PROCESS!!!

The Mayor d-bag is looking EVERYWHERE for a political victory and seems to only be successful at spreading the smell of his failure and wife's feet.

Bottom Line: Tiger Needs Help

Bottom Line Communications sums up things for America's favorite golfer quite well and even offers a bit of advice: "Tiger Woods Not Handling Crisis Well"

Local Trader Joe's Cheap Substitute

Mary Anne's About.com blog: KCGroceryService.com Brings Trader Joe's to KC

"If you need a friend, buy a dog" Tuesday

Just a few things to talk over today . . .

Quick observation . . .

Mila Kunis showing off her legs with a pet is cute, but not as good as last year's buddy Maxim bikini shot with Elisha Cuthbert.



It always pays to have hot friends.

More posts on the way.

Stay tuned.