Jackson County Exec Demands Manny Abarca Recuse Himself

We're doubling back to pick up this quote because it ACTUALLY applies to all government duties beyond the budget . . . And the quote offers a glimpse of courthouse rivalries continued even after the passage of the budget . . . Check-it: 

Jackson County Executive calls on Legislator Abarca to recuse from budget vote due to ongoing legal proceedings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. today issued the following statement regarding Legislator Manuel Abarca’s ongoing legal matters and his anticipated participation in the Jackson County Legislature’s scheduled vote on the 2025 budget:

"As the legal proceedings surrounding Legislator Abarca’s serious charges in multiple jurisdictions continue to unfold, I remain deeply concerned about the implications for his role in county government, particularly his involvement in decisions that may directly interfere with the institutions handling his legal matters.

“Those legal matters include a case pending in Jackson County Circuit Court, which, according to news reports, held a hearing earlier today related to a court-issued protective order. This development underscores both the urgency and complexity of the situation. Additionally, it is particularly troubling that Legislator Abarca has reportedly listed the Jackson County Legislative Offices as his address in ongoing legal proceedings involving both the protective order and related criminal charges. Government property should never be used to shield personal legal matters or blur the line between official responsibilities and private misconduct.

“This concern is heightened by today’s scheduled vote on Jackson County’s 2025 budget, which includes funding for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, the very court presiding over one of Legislator Abarca’s cases.

“Given this clear conflict of interest, I had hoped Legislator Abarca would voluntarily step aside from his official duties or, at the very least, recuse himself from today’s vote. That has not occurred. Therefore, I am publicly calling on Legislator Abarca to recuse himself from today’s vote and from any future decisions involving the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Kansas City.

“Should he proceed with participating in today’s vote, I believe it would raise serious concerns under the County Charter and the County’s Code of Ethics. This is not merely a matter of optics; it is a matter of public trust.

“If Legislator Abarca continues to refuse to step aside, I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to take appropriate and necessary steps to protect the integrity of this government. The people of Jackson County deserve leadership that is transparent, principled and fully committed to ethical governance.”

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The response . . . 

Abarca’s spokesperson released the following statement:

“Legislator Abarca does not have a comment on the County Executive’s statement at this time. Our office’s focus remains on legislative matters and on serving the residents of Jackson County.”

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCTV5: Jackson County Executive Frank White said Monday he is “deeply concerned” about Legislator Manuel Abarca’s continued role in the county amid his ongoing court case.