Kansas City Rages Against Port KC

Credit where it's due, this news item does a better job of explaining why so many local civic-minded people can't stand this organization . . . Meanwhile, expecting the new mayor to take any bold action is a longshot given his desperation to cling to his nice guy image. Checkit:


This Obscure Kansas City Agency Does Not Need Your Approval To Keep Giving Tax Breaks To Developers

Port KC is one of Kansas City's most powerful economic development agencies, often handing out lucrative tax breaks, but some critics say it has too much clout and reforms are needed to give elected leaders more oversight. CEO Jon Stephens understands the concerns at a time when the new mayor and the public are skeptical about incentives for wealthy developers.

Comments

  1. There is nothing powerful about a bunch of greedy crooks running unchecked and leading the city into insolvency just because no one has the balls to step in and stop the bastards.

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  2. So Jon how many billions are taxpayers going to end up being on the hook for because of your idiotic leadership?

    Yes I know... STOP ASKING QUESTIONS LIKE THAT!!!!!

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  3. Stephens, who assumed his position 10 months ago, acknowledged that Port KC is an obscure agency that until recently has “flown under the radar.” It can grant generous tax abatements, borrow money, condemn property and set up special taxing districts without city council or voter approval.


    Wow how these officials running Port KC lose on a deal like that? Imagine the money and gifts and "incentives" exchanging hands under the table in this operation.

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  4. So in other words there is ZERO accountability within the Port KC racket.

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  5. Aldemir Shallubey8/31/19, 12:47 PM

    Port "hole" KC should not be allowed to bypass the inept city council. Lucas and the council needs to eliminate them.

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  6. “After seeing years of decline and dwindling tonnage levels, the Port of Kansas City closed in 2007. However, the Kansas City Port Authority took over the port and reopened it in August 2012 for commercial use.[1] At one time, the Port of Kansas City shipped and received millions of tons of freight; however when it ceased operations in 2007 it was only processing 600,000 tons of freight a year.[1] The Port has since undergone extensive renovations, which were completed in 2016. The Kansas City Port Authority is trying to revive the barge industry in Kansas City, and believes it can be a great economic engine for the Kansas City area. They have recently hired a Director of Port Operations who has been tasked to establish sustainable levels of freight operations and oversee the eventual public–private partnership of the port.”

    sLIE has his filthy lyin cheatin crooked hands all over this mess, go figure.

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  7. Any plots Port KC comes up with should also have to pass the Council. Accountability is crucial.

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  8. "sLIE has his filthy lyin cheatin crooked hands all over this mess, go figure."

    While we are on that subject...

    Sec. 2-2044. - Prohibited activities after leaving municipal service.
    (a)Prohibition. No elected official, or employee of the city serving in an executive or administrative capacity, shall perform any service for any monetary or in-kind compensation during one year after termination of his or her office or employment by which performance he or she attempts to directly influence a decision of the city or any department or agency thereof.


    Uh oh we better call Wickham James

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  9. By appointment of Mayor James, Dana serves as the board chairman of the Port Authority of Kansas City and also serves on the Kansas City Parking and Transportation Commission and the City Market Oversight Committee.


    The gift that keeps on giving.

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  10. Iceberg Ahead! Iceberg Ahead!8/31/19, 2:24 PM

    “The ship must continue to move forward. If it ain’t moving forward, we’re sinking.”


    Sly's farewell

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  11. 2:11 PM

    No officials give a shit about the city code of ethics much less follows it.

    The ethics ship sank a long time ago.

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  12. So the port authority is only supposed to deal with boats and shipping, so why did sLIE put them in charge of giving money to Developers? Sounds like charges could be brought up on that crap

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  13. Mayor Lucas called for all Board Members to resign. Have any?
    Or are hey determined to prove to the KC taxpayers that they have absolute power?

    Dan Fowler is an especially dubious instance, since he serves both as a 2nd District Councilman and a member of the Port Authority's Board, an obvious conflict of interest.

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  14. TKC readers were on the Port KC (then called the KC Port Authority) story at least a few years ago.

    I remember articles/comments about their sweetheart deals for developers, political contributions, and the fact that Congressman Carwash's daughter worked there.

    The former Port KC leader got rewarded with a job at JE Dunn Construction. Then Jon Stephens, a political lackey, was brought in to really open up the tax-favored bond spigot.

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