We had written a 1,000 word "think piece" about this topic but decided to scrap it so that our readers might be spared so much backstory.
And so we'll start with an essential question that no elected official at 12th & Oak is wiling to answer.
WHY IS CALVIN STILL HANGING OUT AT THE COURTHOUSE?!?!?
Go ahead and ask ANY politico currently working in Kansas City and you won't get an answer.
For context and apropos for #TBT we take a quick trip down memory lane . . . Here's a quick compilation and AI quote . . .
"Calvin Williford, former chief of staff to Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders in Missouri, pleaded guilty and was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2018. He admitted to participating in a kickback scheme that stole campaign funds for personal use. The stolen money was used to finance lavish trips (including gambling trips to Las Vegas), pay for political "dirty tricks," and pay for political opposition yard signs to be torn down. In September 2018, he was sentenced to six months in federal prison and ordered to pay $36,000 in forfeiture."
And yet . . .
To be fair to Mr. Williford, upon to his return to work at the courthouse not only does he have several elected officials willing to stand up for him (off-the-record) but also some activists welcomed his comeback to the political world.
Moreover . . .
We will stipulate that Mr. Williford has a right to earn a living and has re-payed his debt to society. Of course we believe that everybody deserves a second chance.
Nevertheless . . .
In the tense domain of local politics, we're also forced to be realistic and believe that many voters MIGHT ask about Mr. Williford's participation in Jackson County affairs in the coming election season.
Developing . . .