Jackson County Legislator Megan Marshall Explains Stadium Deal Opposition

Jackson County Legislative Vice Chair Megan Marshall has shared the most detailed response to her opposition against a stadium tax deal and her words have mostly been overlooked. 

However, even if we might disagree with her politics at times, we not only respect her service as a Marine but also her forthright sharing of information amid a critical public meeting today. 

Behind the scenes . . .

There's a hint that Legislator Marshall will earn Exec Frank White's blessing to replace him as executive. 

Also . . . Our local media mostly didn't report and didn't acknowledge a recent shift in the Jackson County Legislature which informs today's vote. 

Amid local Democratic party complaints and quite a bit of courthouse bickering, Legislator Marshall voted with Republicans in order to champion a bipartisan leadership team and select Legislator Jeanie Lauer as the new chairman. During the 2024 election cycle, this move incited outrage amongst diehard Jackson County Democratic Party leaders who fear the GOP gaining influence in the eastern part of the county. 

But the past merely serves prologue . . .

Here's a recent statement from Megan Marshal that we believe will inform her vote . . . 

JACKSON COUNTY LEGISLATURE VICE CHAIR STANDS FIRM ON VETO OF ORDINANCE 5822

Kansas City, Mo – Megan Marshall, Vice Chair of the Jackson County Legislature, has announced her decision to uphold County Executive Frank White's veto of Ordinance 5822, a proposal for a 3/8th cent sales tax to fund a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals and renovations to Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Marshall's decision is contingent upon the County reaching a mutually agreeable resolution between both teams by Monday, January 22nd, at 3 pm.

In a statement, Marshall expressed her commitment to the community and the need for ongoing negotiations before imposing a new tax on the ballot. She stated, "After careful consideration and discussions with numerous community stakeholders, I believe it is in the best interest of Jackson County to uphold the veto on Ordinance 5822."

Marshall emphasized the significant benefits that the Royals and the Chiefs bring to the community, stating, "The presence of major sports teams in the region contributes significantly to the quality of life for our taxpayers. Nevertheless, negotiations between the teams and the community should continue before we consider imposing a new tax on the ballot."

The Vice-Chair outlined key points that she believes should be addressed in the agreement, stating, "Any taxpayer commitment in the coming decades must result in a more equitable arrangement between the teams and the community." These points include a robust Community Benefits Agreement, a detailed plan from the Chiefs on Arrowhead Stadium improvements, and a commitment from the teams to cover any overruns for the projects that exceed the agreed budget proposal.

Acknowledging the progress made during negotiations, Marshall asserted, "While I appreciate the concessions by the teams, I believe that taxpayers deserve more, especially considering rising property taxes and national inflation."

Marshall reiterated her commitment to organized labor and the business community, stating, "The generational impact of these proposed projects on regular people who go to work every day to provide for their families is of utmost importance." She emphasized the need to include organized labor, entrepreneurs, and the business community in future projects, ensuring compatibility with the needs of all taxpayers in Jackson County.

Marshall addressed the pressure on public officials to finalize these deals, stating, "As elected officials, we owe our constituents not to buckle under pressure but to remain vigilant, representing the interests of the many and not just the few." She affirmed her dedication to working on behalf of all Jackson County residents as efforts continue to achieve the best result for taxpayers.                                        ###

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com share of the statement from Legislator Marshall . . . Click this link or the image for a bigger better view . . .

Developing . . .