KC's Latino Community profits from Funkhouser's fumbling

Recently, there was more news regarding Mayor Funkhouser's horrible luck when it comes to his appointments and how he has managed to horribly stumble through the process.

Turns out, in what is seemingly an attempt to dig himself out of a hole when it comes to the Semler debate, Mayor Funky has pissed off this base (nullus) in Clay County and appointed some Latino dude that isn't really that qualified for the ATA board.

This is an especially painful paradox for Mayor Funky given that his talk radio supporters often cite Mayor Funky's "principles" in sticking up for Frances Semler. HOWEVER, the only "principle" apparent in the choices for Mayor Funky's appointments aren't related to qualifications but instead seem to rest on promoting his Administration's agenda or rewarding loyalty. Obviously, Mayor Funky is mistaking the idea of "principles" for patronage and politics.

The people of Clay County recommended folks who had experience when it came to transportation issues and it now looks as if their well thought out and carefully picked recommendations were all but ignored in favor providing "damage control" for the embattled Funkhouser Administration. The Mayor's response is buried in the article and it's not only laughable but also dangerous:

Funkhouser said he was not looking for someone to serve on the ATA board who had expertise on public transit issues. He said professional staff was already in place to handle those matters.

Rangel would represent the interests and values of the citizens, Funkhouser said.

“I was looking to represent the diversity of the community,” he said

Riiiiiight.

Again, this is just another STUPID decision by Funkhouser and it only shows his screwed up, cold Vulcan logic believes that pissing off EVERYBODY in the City somehow represents: "Diversity." His (mis)understanding of the concept of diversity is probably one of his greatest failings as both a leader and a human being.

Sad thing is, the Latino leadership who is still pissed at the Mayor over the Semler appointment isn't going "accept" this truly token gesture. While I'm sure they're all happy for Rangel, there's no way this is going to diffuse their dissatisfaction - In fact, expecting it to do so not only underestimates KC's Latino Leadership but is also unfair to Rangel.

So here's an important question: For you folks who support Mayor Funky for not "caving into demands from La Raza" and local Latinos. How to you feel about the Mayor appointing a unqualified Latino to an important board based only the need for diversity?

Personally, I find it insulting. And yet again, this is just another example of the Mayor's lack of political acumen.

Diversity doesn't mean digging up your Latino neighbors or cronies and turning over important work for the City to people based primarily on loyalty. I'd really like to know if the same people who support Semler, support this obvious affirmative-action appointment by Mayor Funky because they are related.

Thing is, I don't mind the appointment but only because it throws yet another Latino into a prominent position. Somebody ought to profit from the Mayor's missteps.

If TKC was bestowed with the title of "Kansas City's Chief Boobie Inspector" maybe I wouldn't spend so much time pointing out the many faults of the Mayor.

But the truth is, while transportation may not be Rangel's area of expertise - He is a talented guy (no homo) and the more influential Latinos in Kansas City, the better. But do you think the supporters of the Minutemen feel the same way? I'm guessing no and I'm also guessing that the Mayor's political fumbling with his appointments have cost him more political support than he could possibly imagine.