Last night we noticed more newsies and local bigwigs in the house covering the Kansas City Citizens Association screenings that will most likely determine the course of the next election cycle.
We'll try to keep this write-up and review of the screenings just a bit tighter with respect to Rosie Jones and our local Democracy.
Mayor Sly Touted Kansas City East Side Achievements And Promised More Taxes Last Night!!!
The Mayor just didn't seem like he was in a good mood last night and while he swears up and down that he loves people challenging him . . . He gets testy every time someone asks him a tough question.
The biggest revelation of the Mayor's talk was an upcoming General Obligation bond property tax increase election that will soon make it's way to the ballot and maybe before the e-tax reveal.
The Mayor went on and on about all of the achievements his administration have accomplished on the East Side with the new East Patrol being the centerpiece.
Another shocker, when asked about his biggest regret the Mayor answered: "I didn't expect people to lie about the streetcar, to make it a racially divisive issue. The tone and tenor of the debate was unexpected. I deal with facts and data as lawyer and as an executive. The fact that people would distort the truth so blatantly to push their own agenda was unexpected. I would have done things differently, and I will do things differently given another opportunity."
The Mayor faced more push back from a member of the Kemper clan regarding pre-signed resignation forms but he explained, "I haven't had to use one yet, so it's hasn't been a problem." Despite the concern about lack of a process for the Mayor's strategy to leverage control over appointees of boards and commissions.
Lance Conley Touts Ethical Leadership In Kansas City's Troubled 5th District
The most polished and professional presentation of the night was given by Lance Conley.
The Kansas City healthcare exec and active civic participant seemed hopeful to get the 5th District back on track after a recently troubled tenure.
Lance Conley said: "The 5th district has recently endured a lot of turmoil, I feel like I'm a positive, family type of guy who can represent the people ethically down at city hall."
Mr. Conley said he'd like to work on the City's housing committee while continuing to work his day job Truman Med Center with far less hours.
Mr. Conley continued: "I hope I will bring a fresh perspective to the council. Understand that all of the candidates are great people. They're all awesome and we have agreed to run a clean campaign. But I believe I have a unique insight in terms of financial expertise and won't have any baggage that will be alarming to people who want to see something different. Unfortunately, given the recent history of the 5th, the neighborhoods are very distrustful of people who speak to them. We have had some disconcerting issues and the next council person needs to work with the community to overcome those perceptions."
Mr. Conley wants to partner with the 3rd district for neighborhood events and hopes to create greater neighborhood cohesion throughout the Southeast part of Kansas City.
2nd District At-Large Kansas City Comeback Candidate Teresa Loar Wants City Hall To Get Back To Basics
It was clear the Teresa Loar knew just about everybody in the crowd and was the most relaxes of all the presenters last night.
Her insights were heartfelt and held a great deal of personal experience. She detailed her journey back to KC politics by way of a brief corporate stint in Afghanistan and seemed to be coming back to KCMO with a different perspective on local government."
Teresa Loar told the small crowd: "Given the results of the last two big elections in Kansas City. It's clear people just aren't going to be voting for taxes for a while."
She touted her experience and ability to build consensus and form coalitions over her opponent.
Most importantly . . .
Teresa Loar said: "Back to basics always rings true with residents. Sure, I've loved the big projects, but I do understand now with more maturity that basic services are what the city wants and what voters demand. We've got build and maintain good roads and bridges, storm-water systems, sidewalks, parks and public safety. Those are the things people expect with their tax dollars and I want to get back to those priories."
Ms. Loar also wanted to bring a bit of a reality check back to the behavior of City Council members.
"If there's one thing I've learned, you've got to be nice to staff. It's just the right thing to do. I might remind folks that they haven't been elected to the senate, just City Hall."
Teresa concluded her remarks with a stab at the Golden Ghetto . . .
Teresa said: "I think the city is about to see a growth spurt. The shine is wearing off JoCo. Meanwhile, there is room for KC to grow, most likely north of the river. We'll have 70k new homes in Twin Creeks. We have excellent school district in the Northland which adds to the tax base and will help with budget issues. We are looking at industrial and manufacturing growth. We will see a new stuff online and this is going to benefit all of Kansas City." .
1st District Candidate Heather Hall Shares Her Energetic Support For Kansas City Public Safety
Conservative Heather Hall shared an austere view of local government with the Citizens Association that was remarkably different than most of the presentations for the evening.
She faced some tough questions about the E-tax and her idea of investigating ways to reduce City Hall dependence on the controversial levy. Her ideas about the "hire-at-will" City Manager fell flat among the experienced group of Kansas City Insiders who know that top level government executives don't work that way in any part of the nation.
Heather Hall said: "I want to share my energy and effort with City Hall in order to bring more transparency and support for our public safety professionals to the forefront."
Rev. Stephan Gordon Believes His Experience Will Benefit Kansas City's 3rd District At-Large
Throughout his talk Rev. Gordon spoke of his interaction with neighborhood groups which he believes are the key to reviving the 3rd District.
Rev. Gordon opposes the streetcar and hopes to bring City Hall spending under control.
Rev. Gordon said: "What's more important: Streetcars or sidewalks for children throughout Kansas City?"
Rev. Gordon wants to focus on community collaboration if he wins elected office.
Rev. Gordon said: "We have to improve relationships between neighborhoods, City Hall and the business community. If we can get that done we can have a better city as a whole."
While touting his experience, the 3rd District hopeful said he agreed with the strategy of the KCPD Police Chief and believes neighborhood groups can bolster anti-crime efforts with more watch programs and increased outreach.
Rev. Gordon concluded: "To serve on the city council would be a continuation of what I've been doing for the past 25 years as a minister. Ive been working in the community for one reason, I want to see the community, grow and get better and I like helping people. Tonight I come before and ask for endorsement and I believe I'm the most experienced and will advocate for the 3rd in a way that benefits all of Kansas City."
4th District Candidate Katheryn Shields Talks About Her City Hall Comeback As An Advocate
The return of Katheryn Shields to local politics is a story that our blog community broke before any other news outlet.
We want to focus on Katy's talk specifically in just a few minutes but just to round out this post we need to report that her presentation focused mostly on her extensive experience in local government and history of building cooperation betwixt Jackson County and City Hall in KCMO.
She talked about her race against incumbent Councilman Jim Glover in no uncertain terms.
Katheryn Shields said: "My opponent is a good man but he has a history of being closed to new ideas and he's often unwilling to approach a topic with an open mind. In the case of Kemper Arena, he simply didn't listen to alternative ideas . . ."
Katy continued: "With me, Kansas City will get more than a single vote, they'll get an advocate who can work to build consensus."
We asked this veteran politico a bold question and we'll have the deets in a few minutes regarding her surprising take on public perception of her Kansas City comeback.
As for the Citizens Association . . . Screenings continue as Kansas City politicos put on their best face to meet this crew of influencers who most likely decide their fate.
Developing . . .
Posts
