Calvin's Jackson County Courthouse Comeback Coming Soon!!!

A controversial figure is slated to work again at the Jackson County Courthouse and his impending return has sparked an intense ethical debate. 

To wit . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE: JACKSON COUNTY ARGUES OVER THE CALVIN WILLIFORD COMEBACK!!!

Here's are the basics courtesy of KICK-ASS TKC READERS . . . As always, AWESOME TIPSTERS get the first word . . . Check-it . . .

"For the last year or so, tongues have been wagging in the Courthouse that scandal-ridden Calvin Williford has been secretly working hard behind closed doors to try to find a way to get back on the Jackson County payroll.  It appears that all of that maneuvering has finally paid off as he has found a very cushy landing spot as a legislative aid for new incoming Freedom Inc. legislator Donna Peyton.  

Needless to say, those loyal to team Frank are fuming . . . Williford was able to cause many problems for the Exec on his way to Leavenworth that literally took years for them to clear-up."

Now, here's the review and backstory for those who don't know or have already forgotten . . . 

Calvin Williford pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with kickback schemes that netted him and (Former Jackson County Executive Mike) Sanders tens of thousands of dollars. Both admitted to using the ill-gotten gains for lavish travel and political dirty tricks.

After a two-and-a-half hour hearing, Williford was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to forfeit $36,000.

Since his release Mr. Williford has worked as a community organizer for the local faith-based advocacy group More².

Now . . . 

Because this is both Christmas & Hanukah week . . . We want to give credence to the other side of this debate . . .  

Consider . . . 

In 2016 Jackson County Executive Frank White led the county legislature in unanimously supporting a “ban-the-box” measure. From wiki: "Ban the Box is the name of an American campaign by advocates for ex-offenders aimed at removing the check box that asks if applicants have a criminal record from hiring applications. Its purpose is to enable ex-offenders to display their qualifications in the hiring process before being asked about their criminal records."

More importantly . . . This thoughtful off-record quote deserves consideration as a counterpoint. 

"Now, that he has done his time, I think he deserves a shot to return to the county. His willingness to serve at that level after being the highest paid non-elected employee is a sign of his humility after all that has happened."

That's an interesting and very kind consideration. 

For what it's worth . . . Mr. Williford has worked in Kansas City for years and there isn't anyone who doubts his skill and love for community. For decades he served as an invaluable bridge betwixt urban neighborhoods and Eastern Jack wherein he forged many compromises that wouldn't have happened without his time, dedication and patience. 

None of that erases his history but should add more perspective.

More to the point . . .

We're blogging this issue because it's important and because it's a sign of a new era at the courthouse wherein the Freedom, Inc. majority demonstrates that ideas like restorative justice will be part of their agenda going forward. Obviously, they will encounter resistance and, well-deserved intense debate. 

Or . . .

Because this is Kansas City, we might all just politely ignore the unpleasant topic of a federal conviction and happily move on to promoting the next tax increase. 

Either way . . . We thank BOTH SIDES of this debate of helping us present the issue to our blog community FIRST.

Developing . . .