New Jackson County COMBAT Honcho Once Threatened To Beat Down Manny Abarca

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In fairness, let's start with the good news and a ringing endorsement from the Jackson County Prosecutor about the new boss presiding over BIG BUCKS at the courthouse . . .

"Murray Woodard has been chosen as Executive Director of COMBAT, the agency responsible for strategically allocating more than $30 million annually to support violence prevention efforts, treatment services, and law enforcement initiatives throughout Jackson County. 

"Mr. Woodard is the kind of leader COMBAT needs to maximize our impact on public safety. His extensive background in philanthropy, track record of managing grant portfolios, and ability to building meaningful partnerships with community organizations will ensure our tax dollars work effectively to support the organizations and programs that make our neighborhoods safer."

That's really nice but it doesn't exactly tell the whole story about Mr. Woodward's political history. 

Let's dig a bit deeper, shall we?!?!? 

First and foremost . . .

Several Legislators feel like this decision was "shoved down their throats" and there really wasn't much discussion. 

Secondly . . . 

Mr. Woodward bills himself as the CEO at BLAQUE Promise Project amongst other things. His predecessor was Vince Ortega who served as a Deputy Chief for KCPD and, obviously, has a background that was more skilled if only in terms of managerial experience with law enforcement dollars -- Which just happens to be the job. 

But this is TKC and readers visit for fun times . . . So here's a bit of KCMO School Board history wherein Mr. Woodward made his debut . . . 

After Murray’s wife complained about (then school board member Manny Abarca) objecting to Cokithea Hill’s involvement in the school board races with Tanesha Ford. 

Murray, defending his wife, said, “if I ever see Manny in the streets, I am going to beat his ass”. 

Now, like it or not, he is a leader in Kansas City anti-crime efforts and funding. 

That quote is solid and we're not afraid to run it because www.TonysKansasCity.com readers might remember it was only one of the many ridiculous things said during that school board contest. 

Two things . . . 

He wouldn't be the only person who threatened Manny out of frustration.  

TKC likes Manny, but TKC likes EVERYBODY . . . We realize that mileage often varies. 

Also . . . 

We can only hope that his words in defense of his wife were merely "political rhetoric" and don't represent how he'll handle the very formidable task which he now confronts. 

In fairness to voters . . . It's MORE THAN OKAY to question him about his NOT-SO-LONG-AGO choice of words and tactics in coming to power and now presiding over MILLIONS worth of taxpayer cash.  

Developing . . .