Jackson County Executive Frank White vetoes recall election ordinance
In a statement from the County Executive's Office, White claims that Ordinance 5993 is a 'clear' violation of state and federal election laws and believes it disregards election authorities' guidance and serves as an unnecessary waste of nearly $2 million in taxpayer money.
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'This ordinance is not just unlawful, but it's also fiscally reckless and a dangerous misuse of the democratic process,' said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. 'It forces our local election boards to break the law, waste taxpayer dollars and invites chaos into how recalls are conducted in Jackson County. The people deserve better.'
On , Jackson County legislators unanimously decided to have residents vote on whether to recall White's position.
A special election was scheduled after legislators received more than 42,900 signatures for the recall.
According to county officials, the recall largely comes from residents who have suffered from price hikes in property tax assessments throughout Jackson County. In some areas, taxes tripled, forcing residents out of their homes.
However, in a , he claimed that the primary reason for the backlash is that he was on the 'Vote No' side of the April 2024 election, where the Chiefs and the Royals looked to continue receiving sales tax money from shoppers in the county to support their projects.
'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,' part of White's statement read.
Now, White has officially vetoed the ordinance, claiming it is unethical and that it discredits the democratic voting process.
He claims that the election date is unlawful, the petitions are deficient, it wastes taxpayer dollars, and it sets a dangerous precedent.
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'It's never too late to do the right thing. The Legislature can move the recall to the November 2025 ballot, which would comply with the law, protect the will of the people and save taxpayers millions,' said White. 'Jackson County residents deserve leaders who stand up for the law and protect taxpayer dollars, not political stunts that cost more and deliver less.'
According to , despite White's veto, Democratic Legislative Chairman DaRon McGee seems to have a veto-proof majority on the issue. As a result, he only needs five other legislators to support the ordinance.
Additionally, in preparation for Thursday's announcement, the Jackson County legislature had already set a , in case they needed to override White's veto.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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