TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! TERRY RILEY SUPPORTS THE MISSOURI PLAN!!!

Since this blog is one of the last remaining news-y outlets still doing investigative journalism (of sorts) I think it's important to reveal a fact I discovered this morning in my relentless pursuit of the scoop.

Actually, opposition from some Kansas City African-American Leaders to The Missouri Plan is a story that's going to have a huge impact in the near future.

But I had an opportunity to talk to Councilman Riley this morning and he noted that he has listened to both sides of this argument . . .

AND THE FINAL WORD FROM COUNCILMAN TERRY RILEY IS: "I SUPPORT THE MISSOURI PLAN."

So, don't count the Council Dude as part of the contingent from the African-American Community that is set to launch criticism of this controversial issue.

Normally, I don't bother making adjustments to my original reporting like this one because there is a case to be made for implied support at the outset of this debate . . . But as Missouri Plan discussion becomes more prominent in local headlines I think we'll see Councilman Riley take a leadership role in the discussion. A lot of people don't know that his wife is also a very talented lawyer who will probably be a judge one day soon; so an appointed position might be more prestigious and beneficial than having two politicos in the family. Also, with Riley's run for the County, an attack against The Missouri Plan would put him at odds with a great many Democrats and big time donors.

A lot of lawyers don't like opposition to this part of The Missouri Judiciary and they vote with their campaign donation checks.

Also, I always get a kick out of demonstrating the real diversity that exists within so many Kansas City communities. So often, "Black Leadership" in Kansas City is portrayed as a monolithic entity but leaders come from throughout the city and comprise a wide variety of political backgrounds, opinions and philosophies.

So, after having a nice lunch with a really smart person I realized that any clarification I can offer on this blog only helps to spark even more discussion. We didn't know where Council Dude Riley stood on The Missouri Plan before this morning but now THANKS TO KICKASS TKC TIPSTERS, the rest of the city can be certain that Council man Riley supports keeping politics (i.e. Democracy?) out of the courtroom.