The TKC Friday Night Power Rankings!!!

It has been an interesting week but not quite as impressive as Candice Swanepoel flexing in a bikini. Still, there were A GREAT MANY local power plays worth documenting.

Here are the folks who made a strong showing this week:

POLITICOS

1. Deb Hermann - The Council Lady had the best kickoff of all Mayoral candidates and her Northland neighborhood supporters seem more committed than most.

2. Aggie Stackhaus - The Parks Board Lady was this town's favorite punching bag but after a week of humiliation she's still standing. That's a powerful statement.

3. Jim Rowland - In a strong display of confidence he firmly believes Kansas City's Southwest Corridor will come through for him.

4. Rick Bumgardner - Kansas City's LGBT leader has jumped into bed with the P&L District and Mayor Funky. That's a potent commitment to his party above all else.

5. Leonard Jonas Hughes IV - A young, successful African-American male putting himself in the running for Kansas city's top job is a powerful move no matter what critics say.

MEDIA

1. Johnny Dare - He came out strong on local airwaves when he called an aforementioned Parks Board member a "snatch."

2. Walt Bodine - Face it, he'll bury us all and still have a job on local radio.

3. DeAnn Smith - She's taking her web editor gig to the next level and remains one of the strongest forces in local media.

4. Gloria Squitiro - The Strongest Force in City Hall and that's not just a reference to the smell of her barefeet.

5. Chris Hernandez - Consistently a solid source for accurate information on all things Kansas City and City Hall.

FESTIVALS AND PARKS

1. Mudfest - Hard Rock Fans and The Rain demonstrated the influence that a bad weather can have in this town.

2. Kansas City Gay Pride Fest - Politics and partying define the struggle between a good time and a social conscience.

3. Richard Berkley Riverfront Park - The formerly abandoned place is raising its profile.

4. Kansas City Beer Fest - Great booze for a good cause is one of many strong reasons for attending.

5. Swope Park - The best place in Kansas City to meet interesting people or find a dead body.

This list has been compiled according to scientific TKC polling and market research data and it's a weekly comprehensive guide to all things powerful in Kansas City.