TKC EXCLUSIVE AND BREAKING NEWS!!! CITIZENS ASSOCIATION KANSAS CITY COUNCIL SCREENING RAGE AND REAX!!!

Last night a slew of Kansas City Council candidates continued to make their election pitch to a skeptical team of Citizens Association power players in a session that started slow but ended with a bang.

To wit . . .

CHECK THIS EXCLUSIVE AND BREAKING NEWS ROUND-UP OF LAST NIGHT'S CITIZENS ASSOCIATION COUNCIL SCREENING FOR THE UPCOMING KANSAS CITY ELECTION!!!

We must again emphasize that the CA screening are where contenders make or break their candidacy and these influencers determine the local discourse that will define the upcoming election.

Let's make it hot . . .

4th District Candidate 
MO Sen. Jolie Justus


Sen. Jolie was the most laid back candidate of the night and she didn't bother to pretty herself up at all. She wasn't being dismissive, instead her tone was casual and friendly because she knows most of these people on a first name basis.

A shocking admission from Sen. Jolie regarding her leadership style:

"The key to effective leadership is the ability to disappoint people at a rate they can absorb."

She wasn't willing to take a firm stance on the streetcar that will start in her district, she seems to want to see how the starter line will work: "I'm absolutely passionate about public transportation. We need to think regional and not just local."

A strange note on the airport: "Not sure if that needs to go to a vote of the people"

Her main point seemed to be a promise to stay connected to her district if (when) she gets elected.

State Sen. Jolie Said: "The one thing that I can make a commitment to tonight, I will be available to my constituents. I'll do whatever they need me to do. I listen and I make sure I have all the available data when making decisions. I want to make sure I have all the information in order to represent a diverse group of constituents."

5th District At-Large Candidate 
Lee Barnes Jr. 


Lee Barnes stressed his connection to the 5th District and a diverse rage of experience in his presentation to the CA.

He opposes streetcar expansion given the expense of the toy train and recent voter rejection.

Lee Barnes Jr. said: "I can hit the ground running. I have been working in this community for 25 years and have experience as a policy maker with the school district along with a variety of business and civic skills I've earned and developed . . . I'm known in the community from the work that I've done."

Mr. Barnes touted a unique plan for City Hall to help the School District that consisted of housing credits for teachers to live near schools - This is probably the only plan that understands the challenge of how the Council can work to address KCPS problems without a takeover.

Jackson County Legislator And 5th District In-District Candidate Ken Bacchus


Jackson County Legislator Ken Bacchus is celebrated statesman in the Kansas City political scene with an impressive list of achievements that would be the envy of any other career public servant.

Legislator Bacchus focused on building coalitions and community service in his presentation. 

JaxCo Legislator Bacchus said: "The future of this city depends on making smart decisions in neighborhoods, restoring confidence and making strategic choices for the benefit of our community."

A great deal of the time allotted to Legislator Bacchus was devoted to Kansas City cooperation in Jefferson City and the role of a Council-member above that of a lobbyist. Legislator Bacchus advocated a more active role in pushing Kansas City's interests at the state level

Legislator Bacchus concluded his remarks with this statement: "Public service is a noble cause. The two areas I'm most passionate about are youth mentoring and neighborhood oriented work. There's nothing greater than being able to serve one's community. It's my desire to continue to mentor young people and serve my community. I want to give back and try to make the community better. I need your support to make that happen. "

AND NOW THE 6TH DISTRICT SHOWDOWN!!!

The fireworks from this forgotten part of Kansas City were substantial and definitely the highlight of Council screenings so far . . .

TERRENCE NASH - 6TH DISTRICT CANDIDATE


Terrance is fiscal conservative who came out swinging against the status quo in his opening remarks.

Mr. Nash is against the streetcar, he favors economic policy and TIF reform.

He wasn't the strongest speaker but his battle against more eloquent eco-devo enthusiasts was loud and clear:

Mr. Nash said: "I'm running as a citizen and a neighborhood advocate first. Not a politician. My platform stresses common sense leadership for a better South Kansas City."

There was a bit of eco-devo and policy debate in his presentation but overall Mr. Nash was the only candidate to make the case to reform Kansas City policy.

MO House Rep. Kevin McManus - 6th District Candidate


In a stark contrast to Terrance Nash, MO Rep. Kevin McManus was certainly the most polished speaker of the night with non-threatening vibe which reminded me that Friends is now streaming on Netflix.

Rep. McManus acknowledged that there will have to be a special election should he win his Council race and leave his MO Rep. job.

Meanwhile, he stressed his community involvement and connection to the 6th District.

Surprisingly, the highlight of the talk from Rep. Kevin McManus was his insight into the recent spate of South Kansas City deadly crime.

While touting the work of KCNoVA Rep. McManus said: "There has been a string of violence and a perception that has become a reality that South Kansas City is becoming a dangerous place to live. This has a ripple effect on the council district . . I'd like to call attention to crime in South Kansas City in terms of the community reaction. We can be on the front lines of developing a proactive response from a community perspective."

More than any other candidate, Rep. McManus did a great job of staying away from specifics regarding the streetcar to the impact of Cerner development on his district. Still, he seemed to hit all of the major talking points of his campaign platform with a winning smile.

Henry Klein - 6th District Candidate


As usual, Henry Klein was the highlight of a Kansas City political night.

Mr. Klein started his presentation touting many of the same ideas he has brought forth in the past few years and in other forums.

He wants to create a better City Hall app with increased usability and hopes to start electronic, smartphone based voting in Kansas City.

Henry Klein said: "The 6th is one of the most diverse and dynamic districts in Kansas City. We can add and and multiply development if we change our mentality and push City Hall's message and information out toward voters instead of waiting for them to come in."

Mr. Klein noted public opposition to the streetcar that has influenced his stance although he wants to wait and see how the starter line performs. He also advocates more police for a growing city along with creative budget solutions that would grow local revenue rather than looking for more places to cut.

However . . .

THE HIGHLIGHT OF HENRY KLEIN'S PRESENTATION WAS HIS ATTACK ON REP. KEVIN McMANUS FOR AN "UNETHICAL" COUNCIL RUN DURING HIS MISSOURI STATE HOUSE TENURE!!!

Mr. Klein called Rep. McManus hypocritical for touting ethics reform in the state house while possibly preparing to transfer $150K worth of campaign cash from one account to the next.

Moreover . . .

Henry Klein pleaded with the Citizens Association . . . "I'm asking you to sweep out my opponent for a betrayal of voters. He has been running for one seat and vying for another elected office. What he's doing may not be illegal but it's certainly unethical. Other candidates from the State House have waited until their term was complete. The Citizens Association should take the broom from their logo and sweep him (Rep. McManus) out of this race . . ."

Far past the bedtime of this old school Kansas City political club, Henry Klein lit up the room, got the attention of the CA top ranking members and turned the forgotten 6th District into a local race to watch.

We hope to have more from CA screenings as they continue throughout the week.

Developing . . .