TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! AIRICK L. WEST PLEDGES TO SUPPORT THE LATINO COMMUNITY IN SEARCH OF REPRESENTATION ON THE KANSAS CITY SCHOOL BOARD!!!

Despite an array of empty promises for change on the Kansas City School Board, local Latinos have often been shut out when it comes to public education in this city.

Last night I attended a regular meeting of the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) at which School Board Member Airick L. West spoke and answered questions. Obviously, the major topic of discussion was the recent resignation of School Board member Ingrid Burnett and the subsequent impact on the Board.

It was the first time I was able to see Mr. West in action and more than being impressed by his obvious verbal ability, it was his formidable command of facts, figures and the rules of the District that stood out most.

Two facts revealed in the meeting stood out to me:

KANSAS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT IS NOW 25% LATINO

THERE IS CURRENTLY NO LATINO REPRESENTATIVE ON THE SCHOOL BOARD.

I knew the second fact, but in light of the first it seems even more unacceptable.

Through the course of the meeting Mr. West explained how the selection process for a new School Board Member would be carried out and provided instruction as to how the Latino community could be most effective in promoting a Latino representative. Even better . . .

MR. WEST MADE A BOLD STATEMENT BY OFFERING HIS SUPPORT OF A QUALIFIED LATINO CANDIDATE TO FILL THE CURRENT VACANCY ON THE SCHOOL BOARD!!!

I'm not sure if everyone in the room understood the gravity of what he was doing but in a town as racially divided as Kansas City . . . Advocating for more Latino representation is a big step and something few politicos are willing to publicly endorse.

I'd never heard the term before but at the meeting they spoke of a "cross-cultural coalition" and it seemed like something that just might be the first step in changing a district that has been driven by identity politics for more than a generation.

Mr. West made it clear that what happens now is up the Latino Community and realistically noted that the selection of a replacement is made long before the public meeting to review candidates.

Here's how it might go down and what needs to happen for Latino leaders in KC to get any kind of direct representation in the next 18 months:

Currently, Latino leaders in Kansas City are developing a list of names to present to Mr. West and the School Board in preparation of the selection.

There's also an effort to rally community support behind one or more people on this list and to make it clear to other school board members that there is large concern that wants Burnett's replacement to be a qualified Latino representative.

There's also a need to reach out to members of other communities and rally support behind a list of Latino candidates.

What wasn't noted aloud and only hinted at . . . Leaders in the Latino Community know that School Board President Marilyn Simmons wants this spot reserved for one of her cronies. Simmons is rumored to have run Burnett off the board. If Simmons secures a vote that she can control, it will make her role as School Board President almost untouchable.

I'm not sure Latino Leaders will be able to rally the kind of support they need to challenge the obvious power grab by Simmons. I don't like the tactic of using a list of candidates and would prefer if they just went ahead and nominated front runner Dolores Arzola who nearly won as a write-in candidate and already has a well-respected reputation of involvement with the KC Schools. Or, sending Enrique Chaurand back to the School District in a governance role is also a great idea.

However, in the final analysis, what was really inspiring was to see Latinos in Kansas City committed to a specific cause that will benefit the education of our community. The fact that Mr. West offered his help in this endeavor was exceptionally encouraging and probably one of the very few signs of hope for a School District that is usually regarded as a sinking ship.

A look at Kansas City Light Rail Opposition

I just received the following e-mail press release . . . And what's surprising to me is not light rail opposition but that it's not coming from a big money corp. as of yet. In fact, from what people tell me, the folks on this board have a record of being involved in the community . . . On the other hand, the people who own KC Light Rail.com are sill anonymous.

NEW COMMITTEE FOR SENSIBLE TRANSIT QUESTIONS LIGHT RAIL EXPERIMENT

Committee Seeks to Inform Kansas City Voters About Unanswered Light Rail Ballot Questions

Kansas City, Missouri—September 30, 2008—Members of the Committee for Sensible Transit announced today their opposition to the light rail ballot measure placed on the November 4 ballot by Mayor Mark Funkhouser and the City Council.

The Committee is an ad hoc group of civic, business and neighborhood interests representing differing political philosophies, a multitude of professional backgrounds and decades of working to make Kansas City the best, most responsible and livable city it can be. The Committee is unified in its opposition to the Mayor and Council’s egregiously expensive and short-sighted light rail experiment.

“The ballot language leaves too many questions unanswered, said Bob Lewellen, former city councilor and Committee member. “The City has not given voters the information they need to make an informed decision.”

Committee member Greg Allen also shared his concern that Kansas City’s specific needs are not addressed by the rush to build a billion-dollar light rail system. “We have not scratched the surface in implementing cost-effective and truly innovative strategies to provide better public and personal transportation. Kansas City deserves much better—something truly thoughtful and something consistent with our traditions of green and spacious development.”

Among the Committee’s other concerns are that the sales tax used to pay for the light rail development will deplete funds that could otherwise be used to repair and maintain the city’s infrastructure such as streets and sidewalks. “Let’s not forget all the compelling infrastructure needs to which we could devote one billion dollars,” Allen noted.

The Committee will spend the next few weeks presenting Kansas City voters with other examples of the concerns that remain unaddressed by the November 4 ballot question:

While the ballot language is explicit in how the city will collect taxes, it does not describe the route the light rail will take or where the stations will be built. This leaves residents and business owners unsure of what they are being asked to support, though it is clear that the proposed light rail will not go to the airport.

Proponents describe the light rail plan as regional, yet none of the neighboring communities have committed to extending the rail beyond its current 14-mile course.

The exact cost and funding mechanisms remain unclear. If the federal government does not provide funding, will the city build the light rail anyway? Will that additional funding come from additional taxes or from shortchanged bus service?

The Committee encourages all Kansas Citians to ask these important billion-dollar questions. “This proposal is long on expense and short on details,” Lewellen said.

###

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! Folks at City Hall say Ed Wolf left because Mayor Funky plans to sue over the Volunteer Ordinance!!!

Here's a fact that everybody already knows but local media is too scared to note . . .

THE REASON FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF ED WOLF LEFT WAS BECAUSE OF THE MAYOR'S IMPENDING LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF GLORIA SQUITIRO!!!

Here are the reasons that City Hall insiders are citing when they spread this rumor:

Nobody, and I mean nobody leaves a $250k job at the outset of a historic financial crisis . . . This is just common sense and above all Mr. Wolf has a solid reputation as a pragmatist.

Wolf is abandoning ship not even halfway into the term. That simply looks suspicious and thankfully this doesn't seem to stem from any kind of health issue given that Wolf seems to be in good shape and is regularly spotted mowing his own lawn (sometimes on City time neighbors say).

This is important: Mayor Funky appeared frustrated today when anyone tried to press him on questions about this the surprise resignation/retirement . . . KUDOS TO THE MEDIA OUTLET THAT GETS WOLF TO GO ON THE RECORED ABOUT HIS REAL REASONS FOR PARTING WAYS WITH THE MAYOR!!!

For a long time the rumor circulated that Wolf wasn't allowed to do his job and the Mayor's wife Gloria Squitiro really functioned as Chief of Staff. The claim has never been denied or addressed but now Wolf is gone from his job for good while Mayor Funky is being cagey about what he's going to do regarding his wife.

Nearly everyone at City Hall expects the Mayor to sue. Mayor Funky thinks he's being smart by playing a stalling game . . . His tactics have now become transparent and easily predictable. Rumors that the Mayor is going to resign don't even seem that strange nowadays given that the guy has grown increasingly isolated and his public statements seem more erratic . . .

As this controversey drags on . . . Look for even more turnover among Mayor Funky's people as he continues to confuse marital loyalty with the duties of his office.

Light Rail issue puts Kansas City elite against community and neighborhood groups

The image featured above is from a handout circulated by a community group in South Kansas City that seems to be dedicating their lives to defeating the upcoming light rail initiative.

Since last week I've talked to a great many people about this topic and here's what I've learned (I would call this a TKC Exclusive but pretty much everybody already knows it):

LIGHT RAIL HAS VERY LITTLE SUPPORT AMONG GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS IN KANSAS CITY!!!

This is a shock to me because any big money ballot intuitive usually takes the time to throw some money or make promises to these groups in order to divide them and make them ineffective or at least quiet their concerns by providing the attention that people who participate in this kind of thing so desperately crave.

A general failure to address these constituencies a key weakness that I see in the pro-light rail campaign.

Recently, the endorsement of Light Rail by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce was big news but it seems to be predicated on a lot of things that just aren't going to happen . . . Like a decent time frame for building the thing and money from the Feds that will now be going to the Wall Street Bailout and should be used on KC Sewers.

Anyhoo . . . What I notice is that when this Light Rail mess started with Clay Chastain's effort - It was a grass roots effort by one wing-nut that was virtually unchallenged and ignored. Now that a few KC power brokers have bought into the deal the idea gets more credibility (because their is big money to be made) but there's even less support from the citizenry . . . Which normally doesn't make a difference but proved to be the only factor that started this thing moving in the first place.

At some point there has to be community support for light rail and so far I don't see it . . . And the middle-class begging for new toys in Waldo, Brookside and Ward Parkway aren't exactly representative of the rest of Kansas City.

Mayor Funky throws a fit at press conference and then leaves for The Netherlands

Once again Mayor Funky leaves on a bad note . . . And media watchers have to wonder if the Mayor has fallen out of favor with Star Columnist Yael Abouhalkah, are their many cheerleaders left? TV news has a far more boring take on the press conference but behind the scenes it seems as if talk of a "bunker mentality" within the Funkhouser Administration is completely accurate.

Lie about loving Kansas City and win!!!

Local tourism people are holding some kind of contest to get people to say and show nice things about this town . . . So take a photo and come up with condescending lie about your love and you'll be awarded some pricey coupons . . . Actually, it's not a bad deal and people usually have to start dating in order to freely exchange photos and lies about love.

Saving gas and fighting crime in Kansas City

Kansas City anti-crime activist Alonzo Washington is about to get a new weapon in his arsenal against crime that could prove handy given that the recent drop in gas prices is just temporary.

In an attempt to involve local businesses and the community against crime, Mr. Washington is going to be hosting another community rally and broadcast this weekend.

Here are the details:

The event will take place on Saturday Oct. 04 2008 at Motorhead's Scoot & Cycles at 3100 South 24th St. Suite D, Kansas City, KS 66106. The anti-crime broadcast on KPRS, Magic 107.3 and will start at 3:00 PM. At this event Mr. Washington will receive a new motor scooter that will be turned into a the Omega7 anti-crime tips cycle. Here's the audio promo courtesy of KPRS.

Actually, I think it's pretty cool that he's getting a kick ass and practical endorsement from a local company.



So often local companies only pay lip service to crime fighting efforts but helping to improve communities in which they do business ultimately benefits consumers and markets . . . Also, scooters are pretty cool and it's about time that the growing trend in the metro area now has a little bit more meaning to it.

Blogger Review: Beck at the Uptown Theater

Kansas City blog Bradical Mindspew provides an inside look at last night's concert with some pretty decent photos.

About KC's Aim 4 Peace Initiative

It's not much but "Aim 4 Peace" is a public health approach to crime targeting high-risk individuals in a 24-square mile area of Kansas City. The KC Currents feature on the effort is really informative but not very critical.

Kansas City Hates John McCain

I guess the mainstream media doesn't cover stuff like this but I was recently rather surprised by row of protest signs on a major Kansas City thoroughfare. I thought providing a glimpse of them on the day Sen. John McCain is going to be in town would be appropriate.

For the uninitiated, Summit leads into Downtown and is regularly traveled by a yuppies looking for a shortcut to work. For nearly a week a row of signs protesting the Republican candidate for President have dominated the street.

Here's a close-up look at some of the slogans:











The signs have been placed at the top of a lot that also serves as a community garden . . . While Obama is ahead, I still think this election is close but so far I've yet to see any spontaneous demonstration for McCain in the urban core of the metro area. In fact, my neighborhood is littered with Obama propaganda . . . IN SPANISH AS WELL!!! So, while I may not know who is gonna win this thing, I can clearly see the signs.

City Manager Wayne Cauthen Stays Winning

The KC Biz Journal Reports: Appeals court ruling favors City Manager Cauthen . . . The Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, ruled Tuesday that a city manager can be removed only with the mayor’s approval and the ratifying vote of six other council members, or, absent the mayor’s approval, with nine council members in favor of removing the city manager . . . In other words, the City Charter is upheld despite Mayor Funky's efforts to subvert. TKC still hears that Skaggs is about to drop this thing given the lack of popular support for the Mayor.

Mayor Funky has yet to follow through on his Mayors against Illegal Guns promise

Here's just a bit of fact checking on yet another effort that Mayor Funky has failed to follow up on . . . It has been many weeks since the Council voted endorse Mayor Funky joining the "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" Coalition (a step that was completely unnecessary). Yet Mayor Funky has yet to sign the initiative the he initially touted as an effort to reduce crime. Almost two months have passed since this flashy press conference with guns on the table that turned out to nothing more than a PR stunt. I don't know if the Mayor is afraid of pro-gun activists who rightfully find fault with the organization . . . Nevertheless, this is just one of many initiatives on which Mayor Funky has failed to show any follow through. In the meantime, a Kansas City toddler was shot herself in the head today after finding a gun in her living room. Personally, I don't think Mayors Against Illegal Guns would have prevented the tragedy . . . But when an elected leader of a city makes a big speech in favor of responsible gun ownership, it's important that he stand by his words . . . In this respect, yet again Funkhouser has failed his constituents.

A virtual garden Midday Kansas City links

Here are some links that are floating around everywhere. I wanted to collect them for the midday in order to justify posting yet another photo of Gemma Atkinson.

Down and out and in town: McCain To Stop In KC Today

Hey, here's a story that only reporters and politicos care about!!! Report: Bond Opposition Led To Graves' Departure

Sorry, can't even pretend to care about this one: Michelle Obama To Stop In KC This Week

Crazy ass JoCo Kid of the day: Lenexa Student Threatens Teachers, Classmates With Knife

Babies rarely make good bargaining chips: Church Kidnapping Might Be Linked To Business Dispute

At least now local companies have an excuse to under-perform: KC-area stocks drop after House rejects $700B bailout bill

Combat in KC on an expert level: Iraq Veteran Arrested for Shooting at Motorist

Local crime finally hits home for TKC: McDonald’s Robbed by 2 Armed Men

Hiding away from the world gets more popular during harsh times: Area universities report record enrollments

Finally, a preview of Gemma Atkinson's new calender was kinda cool but covers up a lot and a good look at all the photos might ruin it for those of you planning to buy it.

Kansas City Public Libraries aren't just a place for stinky homeless to look at porn!!!

Kansas City Public Library to Receive National Medal and Award at White House Ceremony . . . First Lady Laura Bush will award the Kansas City Public Library the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries, at a White House ceremony on Tuesday, October 7.

A Kansas City place to take pumpkin head rug rats the weekend

12th Annual Crown Center Pumpkin Patch . . . Saturday, October 11 is the date, with Sunday, October 12 being the rain date. The place–Crown Center Square, at 25th and Grand Blvd in KCMO. The time–10am until 4pm. FREE admission and parking at Crown Center Square. At the event, tickets may be purchased for $0.50 each, and these can be used for pumpkins, games, etc. TKC NOTE: Calling a young person "pumpkin head" every Halloween will probably create serious self-esteem problems later on in life . . . So just remember you'll pay for it later in shrink bills and be sure to get a good laugh while it counts.

Notes from the KC Serb fest

Again, this is another event in KC I would have never known existed if it weren't for the Internets. And normally this is where I offer up some kind of ethnic joke, but looking over a list of Serb stereotypes . . . I got nothing. So just enjoy the link.

Happy New Year!!!

Holy shit . . . I almost forgot it was Rosh Hashanah. I don't really celebrate the holiday but then again, as a Catholic I'm far too guilty to celebrate anything much without a lot of guilt. Still, I'm sure there might be a few TKC readers who mark the occasion and I think a photo gallery of hotass Israeli model Bar Reaeli is where we can all find common ground.

Related . . . So we can all start the new year feeling multi-cultural before we get back into old habits of blaming minorities for everything:

Tailoring tradition: Rosh Hashana in US cultural history

Here's the wiki entry on the holiday

Rosh Hashanah, the world's birthday

They say that this is a time for "spiritual stocktaking and reflection" and I've been thinking lately that I should stop being so nice.

Joke of the day: Kansas City Mayor wants a clean slate with City Council

Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser will hold a press conference today, September 30, at 9:45 a.m. in his office at City Hall.

Thing is, I was thinking about going to this press conference today but there's no way I'm stepping inside that dude's office since all he has had for me is personal insults and intimidation by way of his wife (I scare easily) . . . Which is sorta funny that they would get so worked up about a lame ass blog.

This meeting seems reserved for big media, so much for Orange Revolution promises of transparency.

An insightful blogger analysis if people voted based on issues

Nick Sloan: "Will Obama Hit McCain In Kansas Over Boeing?"

The TKC sleeping schedule

I actually managed to get some sleep this morning which is strange . . . More posts on the way . . . I plan to have 20 posts up by noon but I had also planned to have a real career by now . . . So we'll see how that goes. In the meantime, I was surfing around just now and I found a gully guide from a Kansas newspaper: "7 tips for getting a good night's sleep"

Booze isn't on there . . . But it should be.

Kansas City as the bottom falls out

On the news last night every local d-bag seemed to be in a panic over the economy.

I actually know people who lost money so I'm not gonna gloat despite the fact that all of my funds ($12.50) are tied up in cash, snack cakes and G.I. Joe Action figures.

I think the thing that I enjoyed the most about today were the "experts" they dug up to be on local afternoon and evening talk shows. Thing of it is, some of the smartest people in the nation including CEOs, Investment bankers, mortgage company presidents and government officals don't know exactly how this mess started so I really doubt that a guy who has an office in a JoCo strip-mall is going to do anything but promote his own business. And that's all they did . . . I kept hearing, "It's still a good time to buy" and the requisite nonsense as if nothing has ever changed. But get it straight:

THE RULE OF THE DAY IN KANSAS CITY FOR SMALL POTATOES INVESTORS IS PANIC!!!

Panic is probably the only thing this town does well and far be it from me to deny anyone the opportunity . . . Yet, I've been in Kansas City all of my life and I'm accustomed to living in the shadow of old money who can withstand nearly any catastrophe this side of a nuclear Holocaust. So, I'm sorry if I seem a bit cruel when I don't show the right amount of sympathy and concern over the rapidly disintegrating lifestyle of Johnson County scumbags. I'm broke and living in a basement at the beginning of an economic collapse that this nation hasn't seen since the Great Depression . . . So I'm not too worried about maintaining my station in life and I'm definitely the wrong guy to look to for sympathy over the stumbling of an economy, culture and credit market that was too consumed with greed and motivated by hubris to see the consequences that were not too far ahead.

It's time to abandon the Funky ship!!! Chief of Staff for Kansas City's Mayor calls it quits!!!

Already a lot of you have sent this my way . . . Many thanks!!!

Apparently, more than $250k a year wasn't enough to keep Mayor Funky's Chief of Staff Ed Wolf on board - He called it quits today.

Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser has announced the retirement of Chief of Staff Ed Wolf.

Wolf was the former Director of Public Works and had retired from the City in 2003 after 36 years of service. He joined Funkhouser's mayoral campaign early and was an integral part of the campaign's success. He joined the administration as Chief of Staff.

"I was honored that Ed was willing to dedicate some of his well-earned retirement to helping me get my administration started," Mayor Funkhouser said.

Now Gloria Squitiro is officially the Chief of Staff and Mr. Wolf has to mow is lawn on his own time . . . I don't know if this is progress . . . But it's clear that Mayor Funky's closest friends are looking (running?) for cover, which should kinda make you wonder about what's coming next in the Mayor's troubled career as we see his allies move on to a hopefully happy, healthy and long retirement.

KANSAS CITY'S FUNKY FOOT LOVE AFFAIR GOES NATIONAL!!! GLORIA SQUITIRO SAGA AND VOLUNTEER ORDINANCE ON NPR'S 'ALL THINGS CONSIDERED' TODAY!!!

Our murder rate is out of control but today Kansas City's Mayor is making national headlines because of his wife and the fight against the Volunteer Ordinance.

One of the most awesome TKC Tipsters just told me that the Kansas City Volunteer Ordinance saga is going to be featured this afternoon on 'All Things Considered' which plays on KCUR (89.3 FM) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the broadcast is also available on their website.

Be sure to tune in and remember to thank Mayor Funky for the kind of publicity he is giving Kansas City . . . And then take a moment to recognize (!!!) that it's not about Mayor Funky fighting "the powers that be" or bring miraculous change. So far, Mayor Funkhouser's entire tenure has been about nothing more than his pathological stubborness and his wife's feet!!!

And just for shits and giggles . . . Thank you TKC Tipsters who gave me this info and allowed me to post it way before the last remaining, highly paid and well respected reporters at The Star who are currently reporting the same-old bland content that's on C-SPAN and cable news networks.

Kansas City Revelation!!! Racial profiling at the P&L District doesn't keep anyone safe!!!

Yet again Kansas City has grasped at straws in order to stay safe and come up with nothing but divisive rhetoric and hard feelings.

There were so many who spoke out in favor of a discriminatory dress code at the Power & Light District and turned a blind eye to the blatant discrimination which the practice of the policy aimed solely at minorities entailed.

YET A SHOOTING OVER THE WEEKEND PROVES THAT RAMPANT RACIAL PROFILING AT THE P&L DISTRICT HAS DONE NOTHING TO KEEP KANSAS CITY'S DOWNTOWN PARTY DISTRICT SAFE!!!

The weekend shooting only highlights the fact that in the past two weeks the P&L District has been plagued by the same kind of crime that has spread throughout all of the Kansas City area.

Nine instances of crime in the past two weeks puts the place at Westport danger levels and white people looking for a place to hide haven't found a safe haven in the de facto segregation that has been allowed Downtown.

It's worth repeating and all of Kansas City needs to realize (recognize?):

THIS TOWN'S RACISM WON'T KEEP ANYONE SAFE!!!

In nearly every crime story posted online there's usually some d-bag blaming every instance of violence on local minorities but P&L District problems prove that drunk white people left to their own devices will also create destruction. The idea of an island of prosperity, exclusivity and SUPREMACY in Kansas City's downtown never made any sense anyway.

Throughout Kansas City's history, the most lively and entertaining attractions have always been the most diverse. The Jazz legends who put this town on the map didn't gain noteriety by corporate sponsorship but by scores music aficionados venturing past their comfort zone and looking for a bit of Kansas City culture that wasn't in the mainstream at the time.

I don't claim to have an all-encompassing solution to Kansas City's crime problems but I do know that the current racially charged climate of fear will only make things worse. For too long this town's populace been separated and managed as if they were cattle and this strategy has been unquestioned for the most part. Hipster hangouts, "art" shows along with festivals that are little more than excuses for posing have become coded attempts to keep people of color out of the mix. The ongoing attempt to keep Kansas City's nightlife segregated must stop not only because it's detrimental to this town's well-being and because it doesn't really provide security but also because attempting to keep all of the fine ass middle-class white women hidden away only delays their inevitable foray into interracial dating and causes unrealistic expectations about the prowess of minority males which are cute at first and kinda fun but then quickly become tiresome.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! More charges that Kansas City Schools are finding new ways to shortchange students and teachers!!!

This information comes from a very reliable and awesome TKC Tipster who was appalled to learn of more alleged mismanagement by the Kansas City School District. Check it:

The School District needs to hire more special education teachers to work with students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Rather than hiring new teachers to fulfill this need, they are taking regular teachers and classifying them as 'highly qualified' and forming special education classes without explicitly using the term "special ed." Because the majority of the kids on IEP can be mainstreamed they are using this to form classes without compensating a teacher who is experienced in teaching special ed. Of course they are doing this over a month into the school year, disrupting schedules for many students, not to mention the teachers who will find their class assignments changed.

The highly trusted TKC tipster says that this is yet another instance which marks Administration bullying of teachers doing their best to deal with an ever increasing workload.

Additionally, TKC IS HEARING MORE STRIKE TALK THAN EVER BEFORE . . . As Kansas City's School District teeters on the brink of collapse and even the most reasonable Kansas City residents (not me) are hoping that rumors of a State takeover are true.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! A bright shining example that Kansas City doesn't honor agreements with minority contractors!!!

TKC has offered a great deal of exclusive coverage of the ongoing struggle to get to Kansas City to take it's minority contracting goals seriously . . . Recently, I received a public document which states the case far more eloquently than I ever could and it's even more interesting than the most recent set of Audrina Patridge bikini photos.

Folks interested in the way construction projects are really put together in this town and the argument that a great deal of development in Kansas City excludes minorities might want to check out out a PDF of a recent document put in front of the TIF Commission.

Here is the main argument of the case:

"Respondents concede, or at least offer nothing by way of opposition to, the fact that H&R Block manipulated the bid and contract process and used front and pass-through companies to underreport minority utilization by more than $11.5 million (45%) for the Project. No Respondent is even willing to discuss that.

Respondents concede that H&R Block violated the TIF Commission's Affirmative Action Policy. The TIF Commission has even acknowledged H&R Block generated and reported its utilization numbers was inaccurate and immoral."

This is important not only because it means that Kansas City's word means nothing but also because the result of this case could put money back into this town's pocket.

Unfortunately, folks who once ranted against TIF abuse have remained curiously silent when it comes to a specific case involving allegations that a company did not live up to its part of the bargain after getting a generous deal from Kansas City. For instance, Mayor Funky the so-called advocate for equitable use of TIF hasn't offered much support on this specific example of alleged TIF abuse.

Furthermore, it's also worth emphasizing that the folks at the center of this case, Kansas City Hispanic Association Contractors Enterprise (KCHACE) and a great many other minority contractors and associations, aren't seeking monetary compensation. All they're asking is that the TIF Commission enforce their own rules. The liquidated damages would revert back to the public funds.

The appellate court will review the case to see if it should be returned to the circuit court for trial. The process could take up to 6 months. Stay tuned as TKC demonstrates that politicos, the judicial system and so many parties promoting development in Kansas City are obviously intimated, weak and unable to stand up to big time developers.

KCMSD Board Member Replacement Policy

Read the Kansas City, Missouri School District policy carefully regarding Unexpired Term fulfillment and vacancies . . . There will soon be hearings which are open to the public and there is sure to be contentious debate . . . THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT A LATINO SHOULD GET THE NOD IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE DISPARITY IN TERMS OF PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE FASTEST GROWING GROUP IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. We'll see. Word is that School Board President Marilyn Simmons has the position locked up . . . And will use it to claim an unquestionable majority on the Board.

"Would we be handling things differently if half the victims were middle-aged whites?"

Gone Mild raises an interesting question regarding local murders.

Go Chiefs: A half empty stadium in Kansas City celebrates mediocrity once again!!!

There is some interesting and enthusiastic analysis over at Arrowhead Pride, Kansas City's best Chief's blog, regarding yesterday's victory.

However, I'd like to dwell on the negative.

Here's what I noticed about the game:

Only Kansas City could make an end to the longest losing streak in franchise history a cause for celebration.

Larry Johnson will never fulfill his potential.

This might have been the sloppiest game played at Arrowhead . . . And that includes the Wizards.

Think about it . . . This only sets up a late season defeat by the Broncos that's going to be really embarrasing.

Anybody get a look at all of the empty seats? I sure hope that Wall Street Bailout works because there just wasn't enough of a crowd in this town for NASCAR and Football . . . Real contests of consequence are played by old, rich white people in suits . . . Grow up.

On the other hand, I guess any victory is nice no matter how ugly . . . Remember that phrase because it will be a mantra for the Chiefs during what they're once again calling a "rebuilding" year.

Higher Education is no reason to stop playing musical chairs: Kansas City is on its 25th superintendent in 39 years

An interesting AP article describing a great many public education failures in this town and the rest of the nation: Urban school superintendents hard to hang onto . . . And while this may be a valid concern, it's not nearly as important as fair negotiations with LOCAL TEACHERS WHO ARE STILL WITHOUT A CONTRACT!!!

Traffic kills Kansas City po'folk as well

Homeless man struck by a car and killed in what the news is calling the "north loop" just after midnight on eastbound Interstate 70 at Main Street in Kansas City . . . Don't expect a vigil. On the other hand, I'm sure the dude's death will be utilized and compiled by the local bike/ped crowd into a convenient stat the next time some affluent cyclists meets an untimely death.

Speed Levitch in Kansas City

Present Magazine offers a quick profile of one more weird ass person in Kansas City:

Timothy "Speed" Levitch, famed New York tour guide featured in Waking Life, School Of Rock, Adult Swim's Stroker and Hoop, and subject of award winning documentary The Cruise, is now living in his hometown of Kansas City. Levitch and director Zac Eubank of Skinless Productions are producing weekly video blogs around Kansas City where Levitch hosts and reels off thoughts on his new love affair with the city.

Speed Levitch has a blog entitled "Speedisms" but isn't really updated that often. However, the first video in the series is definitely worth checking out. And something that the d-bags at The Pitch are going to pout about not discovering first . . .

For the uninitiated . . . The best introduction to the work of Levitch is from his brief turn in Waking Life which was one of the high points of the film . . . And nearly as good as an appearance by Alex Jones.

Fans might want to bookmark the "Speed Levitch" tag for future updates on Vimeo . . . Meanwhile, there's no doubt that hipster fare in Kansas City is definitely kicked up a notch by this addition to the local intelligentsia i.e. people who look homeless but are extremely well spoken.

Kansas City Kitty

Why TKC hates women - Reason #4,082

Over the weekend, a woman was smiling, giggling and obviously giddy as she approached me . . . She said she thought I deserved a little pussy. My eyes lit up, my mood suddenly improved . . . And then she handed me this bottle cap.

I can't stand this town.

1000 Reasons To Hate Kansas City

A quick video from Ron and Fez in an ongoing series . . . The reasons to hate this town are somewhat funny (not really) . . . Even better, Ron and Fez provide a glimpse as to why local radio people shouldn't fear the folks from satellite coming to steal their cheese . . . (TKC Fact Check: The BTK killer was from Wichita and not KC) . . . And I'm thinking that d-bags like these are the reason that Howard Stern is considered a "genius" by comparison . . . I kinda have to agree.

Kansas City Killing Fields & Link Fest

There really is no way to contemplate the carnage that's going on in the local streets of this small Midwestern town without looking at it all clumped together . . . Also:



THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A INCOMPETENT MAYOR COMES INTO OFFICE AND PUTS FIGHTING CRIME IN THE BOTTOM HALF OF HIS PRIORITIES!!!

Anyhoo . . . Here some crime links that you're already familiar with and some you might have missed. No jokes just links:

Man Found Shot To Death In Car

Related: KCTV5 reports: A man is shot in the neck during a rolling gun battle in Kansas City, Mo., and two people he's with leave him to die, a witness says.

Westport Shooting Injures 2

Different station, differing count: Three People Shot Overnight In Westport Area

Person Shot Near Power & Light District

Early-morning shootings injure four

Kansas City Homicides Soaring

Three People Shot Overnight In Westport Area

Charge made in pawnshop robbery

Kansas City police are trying to untangle the dramatic and brief kidnapping of a 3-year-old snatched right in front of her parents in a church parking lot Sunday morning.

Awesome, The Star tells the people of JoCo about the metro murder rate!!! Five families, five killings

Damn, most of these are fresh from no later than Saturday Night . . . And don't think that the start of the work week will end the violence, it just means that a few folks will be victimized at work instead of on the street. Stay tuned . . . Let's see what press conference the Mayor will call to boost his street cred before he takes off to the Netherlands on a private gig.

Kansas City Dog Coverage Continues!!!

Truman is the Greatest Kansas City Dog according to a Star contest that probably garnered more readers participation than any call to civic involvement . . . And don't worry, the local homicide rate is not going to distract from this town's real priorities.

Let's not forget that Kansas City suburbs are awash in violence as well!!!

NBC Action News Reports: A 23-year-old man from Overland Park was arrested and charged for a drive-by shooting in Lee's Summit early Sunday morning.

Surprise attack: I didn't even know there was a greater Kansas City Japanese festival

From the University Daily Kansan: Japanese dance groups perform at Kansas City festival

Kansas City bloggers consider local violence

The local homicide rate is the talk of the town . . . Sadly, I'm still noticing so many bloggers bickering about some presidential election that will have very little impact on their lives at the very same moment KC is embroiled in violence.

On the bright side . . . Some of Kansas City's best bloggers have addressed the subject.

Here are my favorite posts:

RDM: KC’s “Entertainment” District is popping

Nick Sloan: "Kansas City vs. Ira