No matter how you might feel about the "ethics fight" over funding for Guadalupe Center . . . The most important thing about the ruckus is that it reveals that most people don't really think ANYTHING has changed in Jackson County.
Today Mary Sanchez rounds up the Ethics Questions in Jackson County quite nicely.
She entertains so many conspiracy theories but comes away with this conclusion: "Many will continue to believe the turmoil stemmed from an attempt to swipe at Garza Ruiz for backing fellow legislator Crystal Williams in her successful bid to unseat Henry Rizzo, and other past squabbles. Again, it’s wasted energy. If Rizzo was that powerful, he’d still be in office."
Sound reasoning but I have a fact to back it up:
County Counselor W. Stephen Nixon, the guy who made this ruling at the request of Garza-Ruiz, has a multi-year contract and he really isn't facing political pressure from anyone in particular.
Still, hardcore Jackson County watchers can't help but speculate . . . And more than anything THAT will encourage a "business as usual" perception at the County. In this town, are "better angels aren't as attractive as Aisha Cain in a bottled water advert.
Sanchez seems to put the hot mess at a conclusion with the following passage: "The Guadalupe Center said that it terminated Genaro Ruiz’s employment and that the Guadalupe Educational System, a separate affiliate, would hire him. The education program has no ties to the county funds."
Still, I wonder if that move is going to be enough.
And allow me to reveal my position on this one . . . More than any political slapfight, I think funding for the important programs that Guadalupe Center hosts is the most important concern of all.
Still, from what I hear Garza-Ruiz engaged in a full court press on this topic.
I even noticed adverts on Facebook regarding her position statement:
Personally, I don't think this is the end of Jackson County debating and here are some outcomes regarding the high profile slap fight:
Newbie Legislator Crystal Williams was caught being VERY QUIET despite the fact Garza Ruiz got her elected. Fun fact: Williams is no stranger to politics and her silence spoke volumes.
Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders wasn't very helpful either regarding funding for a constituency that helped to get him elected. In order to gain higher office in Missouri, slapping around Latinos is a must and his lack of leadership on this issue gives away his ambition.
Honest question: Is Garza-Ruiz lobbying to keep funding after the Counselor ruled an affront to the spirit of ethics guidelines?!?! Again, the funding to GCI is the most important thing of all but riddle me this: There are more than a few people wondering if this entire dilemma doesn't merely represent a reformer facing a karmic boomerang of her own reforms.
Conclusion: I don't think this is over.
GCI Lawyer and Former MO State Rep. Tim Flook is, reportedly, already making calls on this one according to TKC TIPSTERS and a real money fight could get messy.
Garza Ruiz wanted to put this to a vote and make every Legislator take a public stand on a nasty topic.
And finally, no matter the outcome . . . What this whole hot mess reveals is that political slapfighting at The County Level isn't over by a longshot, Garza Ruiz has paid a real price for her reform and the legislator might not have as many friends as she thought . . .
Developing . . .
THe legislature will vote on Tuesday, and Garza is screwed. That is a good thing as politicians shouldn't proft from their business.
ReplyDeleteGarza Ruiz was caught trying to appropriate $200K of taxpayer funds to an organization that recently hired her husband at a salary of more than $100K per year.
ReplyDeleteThe GCI received those funds in years past when the husband of a county legislator was not working there. Things changed when the group hired the husband of a county legislator and not when Crystal Williams ran against Henry Rizzo. (I voted for Crystal.)
"Business as usual" would have been to look the other way and not enforce the Ethics Code.
This action by the County was never about denying GCI funds, it was about enforcing an Ethics Code that Theresa Garza Ruiz voted against until it was dumbed down. Why did Theresa vote against an ethics code -- well I think it is clear why she did.
If an organization that receives $200K a year from the city had been crazy enough to hire Gloria at $100K, you would have called for an FBI investigation Tony. And you would have been right to do so.
In my opinion, the fact that GCI took this action, if it did, proves the fact that Nixon was correct in his legal opinion -- otherwise the GCI would have challenged the opinion on its merits.
We now will have to see whether this corporate shell game is legal enough to satisfy the Ethics code.
Ultimately, I think a sitting judge should decide this.
Regardless of how anyone feels, it does strike me that we are having a public discission about ethics and the new ethics code in the county. When has that ever happened before? IMO, Garza can't take the job. This has the potential to ruin a promising poltical career if she continues to push for the funding, or has GCI do so by proxy. I agree with T, screw everyone else, and GCI can't lose the funding. She has to do the right thing and step away.
ReplyDeleteDo the right thing Genaro. Step down.
ReplyDeleteDo not cost GCI funding that it can receive otherwise, Genaro.
AND, Genaro, do not make your wife look like a crook.
Theresa wants ethics as a press statement not as a reality.Jenaro is lazy so why is Chris trying to keep him,more money from Theresa. She got caught in the cookie jar.
ReplyDeleteTheresa wants ethics as a press statement not as a reality.Jenaro is lazy so why is Chris trying to keep him,more money from Theresa. She got caught in the cookie jar.
ReplyDelete8:44 I thought garza spearheaded the reform effort that is now come back to haunt her.
ReplyDeleteTheresa will have serious opposition next time and Daddy Jim won't be around. Welcome to insider politics Theresa the money always takes you there. You should take the money the stain is already on you.
ReplyDeleteWhere is her buddy Crystal ,oh the heat is on.
ReplyDeleteGarza-Ruiz talked about reform alot, but when it came to voting for a tough ethics code, she voted No.
ReplyDeleteThey had to weaken it to get her vote.
I guess she forgot to mention that during her re-election campaign, but that vote speaks volumes now.
The only thing standing between GCI and the county grant now is are greedy people: Theresa and Genaro.
Whether the legal or ethical statutes actually will be tested on this issue is doubtful. Right now it is just opinion,peer pressure and the media that will be the drivers of change. This is so typically, politics in Jackson County except for the fact that Sanders considers Ethics Reform the cornerstone to his legacy in Jackson County and future in politics.
ReplyDeleteFace it, the manner in which the ordinances were dumbed-down and misdirected to require the State Ethics commission to enforce the ordinance, it would be "a joke" to see the process move forward. Personally, I hope this issue is bigger than the mayoral election but chances are it will get lost and set aside for the reason I just stated. In that case I may be the one to file the Ethics Complaint because the Commission itself doesn't have the guts nor financial prowess to see it through on its own initiative.
Agree 10:08. Either the county police's itself or someone look at filing an ethics complaint agaisnt them. It would be absurd to allow a politician to get their spouse a job at an agencyh they give $ to.
ReplyDeleteDoes no one remember that Scott Burnett sold six million dollars worth of equipment to the County in 2006. Even though the commission found "no merit" in his multiple conflicts the County paid tens of thousands of the public's money to Scott's lawyer, Leland Shurin to defend Scotty even though it violated the ethics code for them to do that. Talk about a joke.
ReplyDeleteLet's see the dominoes fall if they try to "take down" Garza-Ruiz.
1/17/11 10:16 AM
ReplyDeleteYour are right but that system was replaced by the system that Garza voted against.
I do not think it is a question of anyone trying to "take down" TGR.
ReplyDeleteIt looks to me like TGR trying to "cash-in."
I agree on Scott, but you can't use a new code to go after old conduct. Saddly, all of that was "OK" under the old code. Also, all of that happened under the reign of Shields, but Scott was knee deep in it. No doubt. BTW, none of this excuses Garza's overreach/greed. Hopefully everyone gets an enema.
ReplyDeleteFirst lets not forget Genaro is coming home to GCI. He grew up in the programs. So to me the issue is not his hiring. To me I question the amount that GCI get from the county. $200,000 is a lot of money to give away when your employees have not had a raise in 6 years and you are laying off people. GCI operating budget is 85% so I think they do with out the County's money.
ReplyDeleteIf they do not want to give raises maybe some services to taxpayers in south KC!
Genaro is going to the GCI as a $100,000 a year lobbyist, even if he will not be a registered lobbyist. He is cashing in on his government contracts, and GCI is buying that package. That is saddly legal, but it is not legal for his wife to use her legislative authority to send money to his employer.
ReplyDeleteThe choice is simple either Genaro or Theresa need to quit, or GCI cannot have the money. If either members of that family quits, the GCI can have the money.
Tony your argument (via Rizzo) that Nixon is not under political influence is that he has a multi-year contract?
ReplyDeleteEveryone should be looking at Stephen Nixon's contract and calling for his resignation.
$145,000 for 5 years. A $600 per month car allowance.
1 1/2 months after ruling on Royster v. Rizzo.
Mike, why did you allow this idiot Stephen Nixon to make this opinion? For starters, you are holding hostage the Guadalupe Center and the entire Latino community so that Henry (who has a spouse employed at the county) and Tindall (who shouldn't be serving in office) can get paybacks at Theresa. Second, you use a county counselor that everybody with common sense knows should have removed himself from little Johnny Joe's case against Will Royster. Using a legal analysis behind Nixon's opinion, now questions are going to be asked not only of that idiot but of all of us. Thanks, Mike. Thanks, Henry. Business closed.
ReplyDeleteLook at these "Democrats" attacking honest real democratic reformers and leaders like Theresa Garza-Ruiz and Genaro Ruiz!! Are they attacking them for their honesty? Or are they attacking the Latino community?
ReplyDeleteEither way spells trouble for Democrats.
Are those attacking Theresa and Genaro the same group of fake democrats running Anne McGregor's campaign? Yes they are. (Get away from that bunch as fast as you can Anne!)
Are they the same corrupt bunch filling the halls of the County Executive's office? Yes they are.
Is it also John Rizzo going on the attack for daddy? Yes it is.
Pathetic.
Look at these "Democrats" attacking honest real democratic reformers and leaders like Theresa Garza-Ruiz and Genaro Ruiz!! Are they attacking them for their honesty? Or are they attacking the Latino community?
ReplyDeleteEither way spells trouble for Democrats.
Are those attacking Theresa and Genaro the same group of fake democrats running Anne McGregor's campaign? Yes they are. (Get away from that bunch as fast as you can Anne!)
Are they the same corrupt bunch filling the halls of the County Executive's office? Yes they are.
Is it also John Rizzo going on the attack for daddy? Yes it is.
Pathetic.
The "New Ethics Ordinance" is actually weaker than the old ordinance. Enforcement depends on whether the County determines whether the alleged "unethical behavior" is benefits them more than the person whos stands accused. Garza's opinion is merely an opinion that removed the "politics" out of the hands of the legislators who voided the vote on the funding. Back in the day, such action would be called a "bill of attainder" because it selectively enforced legislative action against one memeber while ignoring similar conflicts in other legislative actions.
ReplyDeleteThis ruling is like the bull in the china shop.
Only "real" reformers make $100,000 on the taxpayers backs. If we don't like it, then we are attacking the entire minority population? Way to stretch your agenda.
ReplyDelete1/17/11 11:16 AM
ReplyDeleteI disagree that the new code is weaker than the old, but Sanders did propose a stronger version than what was passed, and Garza Ruiz joined the "usual suspects" in voting that one down.
Dude. That was a really long post as is your habit. Foreive me that as some criticize ME, I didn't bother to read ANY of that!
ReplyDeleteNot a bit. I know, we have learned so much, we want to glorify both oursleves and the story we're trying to write.
That's just TOO MUCH TEE.
Either write about the story or about yourself. Both makes it way too long.
THIS IS THE PROBLEM with us BLOGGERS...for we DO NOT HAVE an EDITOR that gives us limits and forces us to cut our own copy!
I know. I have more to say than anyone wants to hear!
You can say that again.
ReplyDeletewhat does that have to do with anything Radioman? Are you on drugs?
ReplyDeleteWell, Radioman you should read it-and then read Mary Sanchez's piece. Tony & Mary both have an interesting take on the current JaCo ethics mess. And, for Mary Sanchez-thats pretty damned impressive!
ReplyDeleteGCI has been receiving money since the 1980s and the same amount of money since 1997. With or without Genaro or Theresa that organization has been approved historically the same amount of money.
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it this is a political cheap shot by a man who up until december was Jackson County's most corrupt judge, by the county executive and by henry rizzo
What else did you expect Kansas City? Once again the Kansas City Star defending Henry Rizzo. LOL
ReplyDeleteCan anyone honestly read the editorial pages of that paper with a straight face? It wouldn't surprise me if that douchebag starts writing for their editorial board.
1/17/11 12:42 PM
ReplyDeleteThis is not difficult.
The nepotism/conflict of interest did not exist until GCI hired a county legislator's husband.
I'm good with that notion about Mary Sanchez.
ReplyDeleteShe doesn't seem to have the demands on her that Tony does which causes his posts to be long and boring.
She doesnt' seem the need to tout HERSELF as being the pervayor of exclusive information to our readers. And she also doens't seem to have the requirement of praising nameless tipsters who write her and help her with new ideas.
Tony seems to need to both praise HIMSELF and also incessantly PRAISE his EMAILERS for his awesome tips.
To me, that indicates Tee has a bit of a self-esteem problem. He should be able to see his analytics and not need to blow his own horn. He has a great blog and shouldn't need to remind us of that every post.
Amd he should also realize that his "AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS" don't need to be stroked... they are tipping him because they feel powerless where they are in the scheme of things, and the have axes to grind. THATS why they write him...not for the awesome fake blogger praise! They want to fuck with their bosses!
And when Tee publishes their stuff, they feel empowered! All reporters with anonymous tipsters know that. It's how we make our living.
Quid PRO Quo. Tip me to dirty stuff, and we BOTH win! You getting EVEN, me with READERS readers! Again. We BOTH win!
Why give GCI any money?
ReplyDeleteTKC selling out another Latino for Rizzo money. What a shame.
ReplyDeleteNixon is attacking Garza-Ruiz on $200,000 where she DID remove herself from discussions and voting. Yet he received a $27 MILLION dollar budget from Henry Rizzo and didn't remove himself in Royster v. Rizzo
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone care about this issue?
ReplyDeleteNixon says Guadalupe Center funding should be cut because Theresa Garza-Ruiz is employed at the county and GCI wants a contract.
ReplyDeleteSo why did Nixon not remove himself in Royster v. Rizzo knowing his wife Betsy Anne T. Stewart had a position at Jackson County until 2010, approved by the legislature?
1 1/2 months after ruling on Royster v. Rizzo, Stephen Nixon becomes the first county counselor to receive an actual contract of $145,000 per year for 5 years.
ReplyDeleteand a plush $600 per month car allowance.
ReplyDeleteShouldn't the Rizzo's reimburse Jackson County for all of the years either Henry and Sylvia Rizzo worked at the county together? Talk about welfare.
ReplyDeleteWho cares if GCI get $1 from the County?
ReplyDeleteLets make this a non-issue. Don't give anything to GCI! Everyone wins then!
ReplyDeleteObviously the Moreno twins care about this issue. LOL LOL LOL
ReplyDeleteMary likes it when I make a shit on her lap.
ReplyDeleteTheresa doesnt care about the center or anythings else but employing her husband. She replaced Rizzo with Crystal and moved into the most corrupt member of Jackson County government. Theresa the roosters are coming home you deserve ever thing you get.
ReplyDeleteNixon is as corrupt as it gets. Wouldn't surprise me if next he proposes cutting GCI's funding and replacing it with $200,000 to TMJJ aka Henry and JJ Rizzo's stolen car dealership and predatory loan company.
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to follow the line of corruption why not just fire Nixon and hire Henry Rizzo as the county's general counsel?
ReplyDeleteWho was it that I read that Theresa's mother used to date?
ReplyDeleteHENRY RIZZO FOR THE COUNTY GENERAL COUNSEL!!! LEGALIZE CORRUPTION DRUGS AND PROSTITUTION PEOPLE COME ON!!! HIS FAMILY NEEDS ANOTHER PENSION!!! STEPHEN NIXONS FAMILY IS GOBBLING IT ALL UP!!!
ReplyDelete