Justice Horn Responds To Exec LeVota

This is the final update in a courthouse feud that offers a preview of upcoming election season . . . 

First, Justice Horn called out the Exec.

And the, surprisingly, the Exec responded. 

Now . . . 

Here's today's word ahead of campaign season . . .  

Justice Horn Responds to County Executive Phil LeVota’s Remarks 

KANSAS CITY, MO. (December 17, 2025) – Levota: “Jackson County is done with Justice Horn..” “…even a young inexperienced politico like Justice Horn“ “..Young Justice Horn…” “But he is young…and did I mention he's got my cell phone number?” Justice Horn, has issued the following response to public remarks made by County Executive Phil LeVota regarding Horn’s non-reappointment to the Commission.

“I am disappointed—but not surprised—by the County Executive’s decision to resort to personal insults rather than address the real crises facing Jackson County,” Horn said. “The County Executive should be focused on resolving the ongoing property tax crisis and the more than 115,000 property tax bills the county is still sitting on—not engaging in childish political beef.”

Horn clarified several points raised in the County Executive’s statement.

“My service on the County Plan Commission was never about entitlement—it was about responsibility,” Horn said. “I was elected Vice Chair by my fellow commissioners and took that role seriously. I consistently showed up, asked hard questions, and advocated for residents impacted by development decisions and skyrocketing assessments.”

Horn rejected the claim that his concerns amount to misinformation or political grandstanding.

“Disagreement is not misinformation, and accountability is not grandstanding,” Horn said. “Calling criticism ‘reckless’ does not make the underlying problems disappear. Residents are still waiting for relief, answers, and basic competence from their county government.”

Horn also addressed the contradiction in the County Executive’s remarks.

“It is remarkable to claim that I was not politically targeted, while issuing a statement that politically targets me by name, questions my character, and attacks my motives,” Horn said. “That kind of response reads less like responsible county leadership and more like a Trump-style Truth Social post—long on insults, short on solutions.”

Horn emphasized that boards and commissions exist to provide independent oversight.

“Jackson County boards are meant to serve the public, not act as loyalty tests for the County Executive,” Horn said. “If independence and speaking up for residents disqualify someone from service, that is a serious problem.” Despite the rhetoric, Horn reaffirmed his commitment to public service.

“I will remain focused on the people of Jackson County,” Horn concluded. “I will continue to fight for transparency, taxpayer protections, and ethical leadership. The residents of this county deserve leaders who prioritize solving problems—not settling scores.”
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