TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! MUST READ!!! KANSAS CITY NORTHLAND COUNCIL CONTENDER CIVILITY DEBATE CONTINUES AND COULD SOON BE RESOLVED AT THE BIG BISCUIT!!!

The fight over civility and fair campaigning continues in Kansas City's 2nd District At-Large Council District as the candidates trade e-mails and jabs at one another while trying to decide how to run a fair and civil campaign.

Teresa Loar puts the City Council resolution forward . . . Jay Hodges wants to talk things out at The Big Biscuit.

Meanwhile, more than a few readers are getting back to TKC and want to remind all of the candidates that CRIME, the budget, infrastructure, tax breaks, eco-devo, water bills and transit are more important to TKC blog readers than politeness. Natch.

Still . . . This is probably the most important debate betwixt any Council Members right now . . .

First Word From Teresa Loar . . .



Jay - since there seems to be disagreement on both sides as to which agreement to sign, I suggest we use the resolution passed last week by the Mayor and City Council to run a civil campaign. I think it pretty much says what needs to be said and keeps the spirit of the contract in tact. I have I attached the resolution and have signed and dated. I hope this is something you can support. Teresa

Jason Hodges Responds . . .



Teresa,

As I have stated before if you would like to sit down and discuss an agreement, I am eager (at this point, very) to do so.

However, the resolution passed by the City Council was written by Councilman Ford for the sole benefit of your campaign. You will deny this. But proof can be seen in that no other race has a candidate that stands to benefit, the way ours does, from removing character of the candidates from the public discussion. Further, no other race is even discussing the topic of a pledge.

It is not the hypocrisy that Councilman Ford is using his Council Office to promote a "Campaign Fairness Pledge" that campaigns for his hand picked successor that truly bothers me. It is the consistent effort by you both that character is not relevant in this public discussion that truly bothers me. The truth is that members of the City Council do not gain this position by promotion through achievement. By this I mean that members do not start on the ground floor of City Hall and then over time earn the right through a series of promotions to sit in the Chambers and govern. Rather, those seeking to govern must ask for the trust of the public. They must ask the public to believe in them. They must ask the public to trust their character.

It is my strong belief that character in a member of the City Council is fundamental. You are asking the public to trust you with a billion dollar budget. You are asking the public to trust you to make neighborhood decisions, tax decisions, program decisions, decisions on public safety, the airport, the streetcar, job retention and growth. You are asking the public to trust you but attempt to shroud from them a key component to placing that trust, your character. I strongly disagree with this tactic.

There are those that will say character should not have the emphasis that I place on it. To them I would simply ask that if character is not important, then why did the City Council just have a member resign over character issues? We are asking much from the public, to trust us to govern and make decisions. All I am asking is that you and I give a little to earn that trust.

My campaign continues to be about finding solutions to pinch points, problems and disagreements through open dialogue and inclusion. Therefore, I will not have the terms of any agreement dictated to me. I would, again, propose that we meet to discuss a Campaign Fairness Pledge. All on this email chain (don't think we have forgotten about you guys) are invited. Let's sit down and have an open and honest discussion to find a solution. How about 9 am Friday the 13th at the Big Biscuit on Barry Road?

Let's sit down and find a good solution.

Jay
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As the primary approaches, this civility talk seems to be getting tense and maybe is an indication that KC politics might have FINALLY moved past politeness.

Developing . . .