Jackson County Frank White Recall Guide: Who Will Win Or Lose?!?

Jackson County Executive Frank White's recall has been more fun than we anticipated because most people DON'T WANT TO KNOW any of the deets and are satisfied with the assorted cover stories offered by local media. 

We don't want to rock the boat too much because the stakes are pretty low even if we're talking about a decision that will impact HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS worth of taxpayer cash. I guess we use the term "low stakes" inasmuch as the cast of characters ranks about one notch above a school board election in the grand scheme of things . . .

However . . . Let's not spoil the fun . . . Today's offering . . . 

CHECK TKC'S SNEAK PREVIEW OF WINNERS & LOSERS AMID THE JACKSON COUNTY EXEC RECALL EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

Per ushe, our www.TonysKansasCity.com coverage isn't the least bit comprehensive . . . It's just more honest than most and a good place for voters to start their research aside from some many blogs funded by dark money . . .  

Accordingly . . . 

We encourage readers to add their own submissions but for now here's a quick peek at who stands to gain/lose amid the outcome of this week's vote . . . 

Jackson County Legislator Megan Smith

More than anyone else . . . Megan Smith is putting herself out on a limb for Exec Frank White. 

In a scathing editorial, the Legislator called out unions, construction interests, developers and local political organizations. 

There's not much that the Exec can offer her in return and so . . . If the recall succeeds, she might not have much of a future in KC politics. 

Jackson County Legislature Chairman DaRon McGee

Okay . . . 

Everybody knows Mr. McGee is the odds on favorite for new Jackson County Exec, right?

Sadly . . . This fun-fact has been excluded for most local coverage and a hack prog blog feigned shock over rules about the process CLEARLY written into the charter . . . Yes, he can vote for himself, just like anybody else can. 

However . . . 

If the recall proves successful, already we're getting word that progressive Democratic Party leaders are quickly moving to challenge him with a female candidate who will likely leverage his former controversies.  

Jackson County Assessor Candidate Preston Smith

Let's admit our bias: TKC likes Preston!!! We think he'd make a great elected Assessor at the courthouse and he has shared more info about the process than anyone else in the metro. 

The downside: If the recall is not successful, this will be a setback for the tax fighter and so many grassroots supporters who have contributed countless hours toward the cause over the years.  

Activist Stacy Lake

She nearly beat Exec Frank White in a primary . . . BUT . . . She never followed up with any of the hard work that makes a local political career. We can't blame her, she's a successful lawyer and business woman who might not see the value in so much seemingly pointless chatter that accompanies a life in politics. Ms. Lake claims she's a local political fundraiser but local Democratic Party leaders don't know of any significant donations . . . We respect her public appearances as a gadfly against the current administration and she seems to work social media to her advantage . . . But Stacy Lake is a long shot for the next Exec . . . We wish her luck.

Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca

More than anybody else, Legislator Abarca has sparred REPEATEDLY with Exec Frank White and outlasting him in office would be an important victory for the often embattled political leader. 

Moreover . . . 

A defeat of the Exec in the recall might help to confirm Mr. Abarca's assertion that so many attacks against him were politically motivated.

At the very least, a recent "investigation" wouldn't have much incentive to continue without Exec White in charge.   

Jackson County Assessment Director Gail McCann Beatty

Basically . . . 

She's probably out of a job if the recall wins. 

The real test of "change" following the vote will be the length of time she's allowed to remain in office. 

Kansas City Royals Owner John Sherman

Allow us a truism . . . 

Billionaires are bigger than elections, sorry. 

But . . . 

Watching the Exec go down in flames will UNDOUBTEDLY make life even easier for Royals owner John Sherman who will stand taller following the political demise of one of the few people in this cowtown who told him NO. 

Heavy Constructors Honcho Bridgette Williams

Credit where it's due . . .

If the recall is successful . . . Ms. Williams deserves acknowledgement for skillfully shifting the politics of the effort and funding of the recall away from grassroots leaders and toward big biz & union interests. 

She helped to propel a small time movement into a municipal cause . . . Moreover, If the Exec defeats this recall effort, there's not a lot of downside and blame will be shifted back onto tax fighters. 

More than any one else in this debacle . . . This is a win/win for Ms. Williams. 

Jackson County Exec Chief Of Staff Caleb Clifford

He's one of the most controversial people at the courthouse but most people don't know Caleb Clifford. 

TKC has met him once about a decade ago and Caleb seemed like a pretty nice guy with a comprehensive understanding of Missouri politics. 

For those who want to learn more . . . Mr. Clifford recently did a great interview with a local community news source that offers more perspective on his support of the Exec. 

He'll follow the Exec out if the recall is successful and we'll likely see him again at the state level given the young power player's vast array of connections that aren't exactly understood by his many foes.

KCATA president and CEO Frank White III

Almost forgot . . . The Jackson County Exec's son should probably pack his bags if the recall wins. His selection to the top bus job in town was always controversial but without the political muscle of the Exec's office . . . He might not be able to remain in his job for very long . . . Again, the length of his tenure in the aftermath of the vote will be a good gauge for voters to determine how much has really changed. 

Again . . .

Our hope is that this www.TonysKansasCity.com list will help readers & voters understand what's REALLY at stake ahead of this low-turnout recall that will be historic either way. 

As always, we welcome feedback or more insight into POTENTIAL winners & losers.

Developing . . .