Jackson County Legislature unanimously approves special election to recall Frank White

Yahoo

09-07-2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County legislators voted Monday afternoon to have residents consider whether to recall Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr.
The Jackson County Legislature voted 9-0 to schedule a special election following the certification of more than 42,900 signatures seeking to recall White.
Jackson County elected officials said they've heard frustrated input from residents who are angry about big hikes in Jackson County property tax assessments.
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In some cases, those assessments tripled, and some home owners were forced to give up their property.
Others have been upset with White's positioning on future stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.
One county legislator reminded the public that Monday's vote merely places this item on the ballot, and it's not an immediate decision on White position.
Democratic Legislative Chairman DaRon McGee released the following statement:
'The people of Jackson County have spoken, and we must listen. Today's action by the Legislature ensures that voters will have the opportunity to decide this matter directly, as outlined in our Charter and laws. We've heard from many residents—retirees, small business owners, families—who are facing real financial pressure and uncertainty. This petition reflects that a significant number of people felt compelled to act, and as public servants, it's our job to honor that. Our responsibility is to carry out this process with fairness, transparency, and integrity. We are not here to prejudge the outcome or take sides. We are here to ensure that the rule of law is followed and that voters have confidence in how this process unfolds. We understand that many are angry, others are uncertain, and most simply want relief. I remain committed to ensuring this election is carried out responsibly and with the respect our community deserves.'
The special election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
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Before the vote on Monday, White released the following statement:
'I understand the immense political pressure and difficult position that our legislators are being placed in. I've stood with them in moments like this before, most notably when this Legislature was pressured to place a stadium sales tax on the ballot. That proposal would have obligated taxpayers to pay billions of dollars over the next four decades, required no firm commitment from either team and was overwhelmingly unpopular with the public.
'Now, that same kind of pressure is back. But this time, it's about punishing an elected official who stood up for taxpayers and said no to a bad deal.
'This recall effort is being funded, staffed and driven by many of the same political forces that backed the failed stadium tax campaign. After spending upwards of $10 million trying to convince voters to approve a blank check for new stadiums – and losing – they've now turned their attention to forcing a costly recall election. Much of the funding for this recall has come through a dark money political action committee that shields the identities of its donors from public view. That PAC has paid out-of-state contractors to gather signatures, making this anything but a grassroots effort.
'Now, the Legislature is considering a resolution and ordinance to place the recall on the ballot, even though doing so would directly violate Ordinance 5782, which this very body passed less than two years ago. That ordinance clearly states: 'If no legal election date is available within sixty days, the election will occur at the next available election after certification of the Petition.'
'Disregarding that ordinance today would not only be legally questionable but would also be a betrayal of their own law and set a dangerous precedent. The County Charter gives the Legislature authority to call elections, but only 'in conformity with the Constitution' and 'applicable law.'
'Even more concerning is the financial impact. This special election will cost Jackson County taxpayers an estimated $2 million, money that is neither budgeted nor available. It would mark the third time since this Legislature took office that an unbudgeted, unnecessary election has been placed on the ballot.
'In their first year, the Legislature placed a tax increase before voters over my objection – an initiative that was defeated 59% to 41%. Then came the stadium tax, which voters rejected 58% to 42%. And now, this recall – another attempt to override the will of the people through a rushed, costly and legally dubious process.
'Despite the complexities of this issue, the many legal and procedural questions still unanswered, and the immense cost to our taxpayers, not one legislator has requested a formal legal opinion on these or other issues from their own legal counsel, even though they have both the right and the duty to do so.
'This isn't about one vote or one official. It's about whether we respect the rule of law and the taxpayers we serve. If the law doesn't apply when it's inconvenient, then it doesn't really apply at all.
'No matter what happens next, I will continue to serve the people of Jackson County with integrity, transparency and an unwavering commitment to using their resources wisely – for housing, healthcare, public safety and opportunity – not for political theater.'
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