The Kansas City Political Weekend: Even More Citizens Association Screenings

Readers checking this post on a Saturday morning really need to think about getting a hobby.

This one is just for Kansas city political junkies like myself.

Two days ago, we attended the second to last Citizens Association screening that wasn't quite as eventful as previous gatherings.

Here's a VERY quick look:

John Fierro: 4th District


Mr. Fierro spent most of his time talking about his many qualifications and got the night off to a BORING start.

There's no doubt that he's qualified and he even has more than a few supporters but he'll be hard-pressed to overcome the HUGE bankroll of his opponent.

Quinton Lucas: 3rd District At-Large


Mr. Lucas basically turned the forum into his classroom for about half an hour. He's smart, engaging and he has a lot of money and more than any other candidate . . . His path to Council seems nearly certain.

Mr. Lucas said: "My goal is to serve as the best advocate I can be for the 3rd district. Doing the research that's involved and asking questions in order to be involved in a robust conversation."

He's probably the most knowledgeable City Council candidate the 3rd district has seen in more than a decade and members of the CA might have learned a thing or two from his presentation which almost NEVER happens to this know-it-all group. More than anyone else, Mr. Lucas understands the details of City Hall but probably hasn't faced the devil that is shady political compromise which dwells in the corridors of power throughout 12th & Oak despite so much data and skill. 

Jared Campbell: 4th District At-Large


Jared Campbell is young, energetic and a supporter of streetcar expansion. He's basically running on the KCMO "youth vote" which has NEVER put anyone in office.

Mr. Campbell said: "My opponents have been around the block and they have a history both personal and professional. It's time for the next generation to get involved and help plan for the future."

Mr. Campbell is gaining good experience with this run and he's somebody that KC should encourage to stay involved in this horrible process. The highlight of his presentation was a really honest moment about being trapped in the Northland without bus fare - And his hope to establish smartphone payments for the bus. Also, a bottled water tax was a hokey idea that he put forward in the CA questionnaire and talked about when somebody noted he was drinking out of a rainforest destroying water bottle during his presentation.

1st District At-Large Incumbent Councilman Scott Wagner


Councilman Taylor didn't have to do a lot of convincing but reminded the small group of his work over the past 4 years:

Councilman Scott Wagner: "If anything, over the past 4 years, you've seen me take on issues not to win, but because they needed to be addressed. I've tried to be what an At-Large councilman is supposed to be and considered how ordinances will impact all of Kansas City. I have been blessed with the phone ringing from people throughout the city and that's what an At-Large council person is supposed to do."

As you can see, the Councilman has slimmed down and seems a lot happier about his job in the last year. He gave TKC a quick hello on his way out the door, and when we asked how he was doing, he replied "living the dream" which is a nice bit of sarcasm that proves Councilman Wagner is coming into his own @ City Hall.

Karmello Coleman - 3rd District At-Large


This long shot Council candidate has great intentions without a great deal of knowledge regarding how things really work at City Hall.

Fun fact, if I heard correctly . . . Karmello Coleman sang backup for Aretha Franklin for a bit and that makes her far more accomplished artistically than most people in Kansas City.

When asked why she decided to run:

Karmello Coleman said:  "I was tired of calling down to City Hall and complaining so I decided that change starts with me and started making plans to run while asking myself: "What can I do to make the community a better place?"

Her campaign platform: Rebuild, Restore and Empower.

Sadly, she kept confusing the streetcar with light rail in her presentation.  However, this candidate remains one of the most likeable , interesting and more than a few people remarked that they loved saying her name. 

Incumbent Councilman Jermaine Reed 3rd District


Councilman Reed also seemed confident during his presentation and started off his time before the Citizens Association with a lot of joking.

As he quickly got down to business, the Councilman touted his ability to work collaboratively with neighborhood leaders. 

He touted his record on eco-devo and focusing mostly on East Patrol . . .

Councilman Jermaine Reed: "We have been strategic about developments and now those developments serve as catalysts for our community. We have worked together to do that. Helping achieve those things that need to happen."

When asked about his victories and mistakes, Councilman Reed said that his initial plan to change the name of Prospect to MLK might have needed more work.

Still . . . Councilman Reed says that he'll help the effort to establish a street with Dr. King's name on it during his next Council tenure.

AND COUNCIL DUDE REED ALSO PROMISED TO LEAD THE EFFORT TO HONOR THE LATE REV. FUZZY THOMPSON WITH AN UPCOMING MEMORIAL!!!

As usual, there weren't any specifics but the announcement was welcomed from the members of the CA and did a lot to remind people of Councilman Reed's connection to the community.

Now . . .

One more screening remains and hopefully we'll be there to keep track of the tall tales candidates are telling other people since nobody else seems to be covering it.

Natch.

Any suggestions, tips, hints or insights into the process . . . Please let us know.