Jackson County Exec Requests Authorities Investigate Recall

This afternoon, Jackson County Executive Frank White is getting SERIOUS about putting down the recall effort that stands against him. 

Here is the most important part of this presser from our vantage . . . 

"As part of that effort, the County Executive has formally referred Legislator Sean Smith to Prosecuting Attorney Melesa Johnson and Sheriff Darryl Forté for investigation."

A video from Legislator Sean Smith is at the center of this controversy . . . Local news points out that the Exec's team claims the video has now been edited.

For those accustomed to Beltway gossip and political shenanigans this might not be surprising BUT . . .  

ASKING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO MONITOR POLITICAL POWER MOVES IS PRETTY SERIOUS IN MISSOURI!!!

The move might have important consequences both ways and at the very least deserves consideration today.

Here's the presser so that readers can judge for themselves . . .  

Jackson County Executive refers Legislator Sean Smith for investigation over alleged misuse of public resources for political campaign

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced today that he has formally referred Legislator Sean Smith to Prosecuting Attorney Melesa Johnson and Sheriff Darryl Forté for investigation into the potential unlawful use of public resources to support a partisan political campaign.

The County Executive, as required by the Jackson County Charter and entrusted by voters, is obligated to ensure that state and local laws are faithfully followed. The information brought to his attention shows that Legislator Smith used county facilities, staff time, taxpayer-funded technology and data to support political efforts related to the recall of a democratically elected official.

Central to the referral is a video presentation that was created and distributed using county resources and originally included statements advocating for the recall effort. The video is now hosted on Legislator Smith’s campaign website, where campaign branding and imagery have been added. After being informed that his conduct violated state law, Legislator Smith edited the video to remove the advocacy content. The revised version now ends abruptly and omits its original conclusion. Despite the edits, the video remains active and has already been viewed more than 4,000 times. It can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y5z9cDzqXw.

Missouri law, including §§ 115.013(20) and 115.646, prohibits public officials from using taxpayer resources to support or oppose any candidate or ballot measure. The information submitted to law enforcement also includes evidence that Legislator Smith was fully aware that such use of public resources was improper and yet continued to engage in it.

“The law is clear – public resources cannot be used to serve political purposes,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “These actions undermine the public trust and the integrity of our government. We owe it to the people of Jackson County to ensure that any misuse of their tax dollars is investigated fully and fairly.”

The County Executive’s Office has submitted multiple documents to Prosecutor Johnson and Sheriff Forté today, with additional materials forthcoming. Because Legislator Smith plays a role in setting the county budget and overseeing agencies that may be involved in an investigation, the Executive’s letter recommends consideration of appointing a special prosecutor or independent investigator.

The County Executive’s Office is also continuing to review information suggesting that other county officials or staff may have been involved and will pursue all appropriate legal remedies to protect public accountability. A copy of the letter is attached.
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Here's the follow-up . . . 

Jackson County Executive responds to recall petition update: “This Is About Power, Not Policy”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In response to today’s announcement from the Jackson County Board of Elections that recall petitioners have submitted the minimum number of signatures required to advance to the next phase, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is simply a procedural step, not a verdict. Meeting a signature threshold doesn’t decide anything. What it does reveal is how far certain interests are willing to go to punish elected officials who refuse to cave to political pressure and backroom stadium subsidy deals.

“This effort is being led and funded by dark money groups and self-interested insiders who were denied a blank check for a bad stadium deal. They didn’t get what they wanted, and now they’re trying to buy political revenge.

“This recall isn’t about public service; it’s about private gain. It’s being driven by those who want county government to work for them, not the people. But I was elected to serve taxpayers, not special interests and I won’t be bullied into selling out the residents of Jackson County.

“We will shine a light on what’s really behind this undemocratic, partisan push. The public deserves to know who is trying to buy influence, rewrite the truth and weaponize the recall process.”

Law Enforcement Referral Filed Today

As part of that effort, the County Executive has formally referred Legislator Sean Smith to Prosecuting Attorney Melesa Johnson and Sheriff Darryl Forté for investigation. The referral is based on credible allegations that Smith used taxpayer-funded resources, including county staff time and technology, for political activities directly connected to the recall campaign.

One example includes a video presentation created using county resources and originally distributed internally. The video, which advocated for the recall, is now posted on Legislator Smith’s campaign website with added political imagery. After being informed that this use of public resources violated Missouri law, Legislator Smith edited the video to remove the advocacy statements, leaving an abrupt cut at the end, but only after the video had already been viewed more than 4,000 times. It remains publicly accessible at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y5z9cDzqXw

A copy of the referral letter submitted today is attached.

White added:

“This is just the beginning. We ask for the public’s patience and the media’s restraint. The individuals behind this recall have repeatedly misled the public about their progress, about the law and about what’s really at stake. The facts will come to light, they always do.”

“I will continue doing what I was elected to do – stand up for taxpayers, protect public resources and fight for the future of Jackson County. I’m not here to serve donors or developers. I’m here to serve the people.”
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Developing . . .