logo
#

Latest news with #DaRonMcGee

Jackson County likely won't vote on Frank White recall next month. Here's why
Jackson County likely won't vote on Frank White recall next month. Here's why

Yahoo

time12-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Jackson County likely won't vote on Frank White recall next month. Here's why

Jackson County voters are unlikely to cast ballots next month on whether to oust Frank White Jr. from office as their county executive, the chair of the county legislature says. The recall election will likely be moved back. Assuming that White fails to get a court order blocking it, count on an election in September or November, legislator DaRon McGee told an online audience of about 80 people Friday during a special meeting of the Urban Summit, which is led by local civil rights leaders. Citing what he called 'a host of obstacles,' McGee said there is not enough time for the city and county election boards to perform all the work and meet all the statutory deadlines for the vote to occur on Aug. 26 as the county legislature directed in an ordinance that passed unanimously on Monday. For the election to be held then, election boards would need to be mailing out ballots right now to civilian voters who live out of the United States or military personnel and their families stationed at foreign military bases. And local absentee voting would need to start next week. But no ballots have been printed yet, McGee said. The election boards won't act on the ordinance setting the Aug. 26 election date until it becomes final. And that likely won't happen until next Friday, July 18. The legislature has scheduled a meeting that morning to override White's expected veto of the ordinance. County executives have 10 days from the time an ordinance is approved to either sign it, veto it or let it become law by taking no action. McGee said he assumed White will take all the time he is allotted and that he feels certain an override vote would be successful. 'I think there is universal support to put this on the ballot and let the election happen as quickly as possible, without delay,' McGee said. One of White's biggest critics, legislator Manny Abarca mistakenly reported on X Friday that White had already vetoed the recall ordinance by mistaking that veto with the county executive's announcement that he had struck down an entirely unrelated ordinance. A local TV station went with that based on Abarca's tweet, then later altered its headline. County legislators said Monday that it would be improper for White to veto an ordinance that affects his future in office. But Counselor Bryan Covinsky, the chief lawyer for county government, said nothing in the charter precludes White from vetoing it. Complicating matters, at least two election-related lawsuits were filed this week. The one filed on Wednesday by four county residents asks a judge to order that the election go forward on Aug. 26 to comply with the county charter requirement that a vote be held 60 days after the election boards have received enough valid signatures from voters requesting a recall vote. The election boards issued a report on June 30 stating the petitioners had reached that threshold. The other lawsuit was filed Thursday by the Kansas City and Jackson County election boards. They argue that the charter's 60-day time limit conflicts with state and federal election laws and cannot supercede them. For the election to be held on Aug. 26 the county legislature needed to have passed its ordinance setting election back on June 17, the election boards' lawsuit said. Under federal law, overseas ballots would need to be available to those voters by this Saturday, July 12. Missouri law sets the deadline a day earlier, the lawsuit said. 'Plaintiffs seek a court order declaring that the recall election cannot lawfully be held on August 26, 2025, and requiring that it instead be scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the next available general election date in accordance with Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 115,' the lawsuit says. McGee said a court could disagree with the election boards' request for permission to hold the election in November and allow the legislature to schedule a special election in September. One possibility that didn't come up at the meeting: White could file a lawsuit questioning the validity of the signatures on the recall petitions. He's been building the foundation for a legal challenge since the petition drive began two years ago. Legislators recently criticized him for spending tax dollars to obtain copies of the petition signature pages and other documents to prepare for that court fight. 'There are serious legal concerns about whether these petitions comply with Missouri law—including the lack of a required cause and the use of out-of-state signature gatherers,' White said in a text message in response to The Star's request for comment. 'On top of that, the public has been misled—recall organizers have distorted the law, concealed their involvement, and are backed by a dark money group that refuses to disclose its donors. As County Executive, I have a duty to uphold the law and protect taxpayers from funding an unbudgeted election triggered by what may be an unlawful, highly politicized effort. I will use every tool at my disposal to ensure taxpayer dollars aren't wasted on a process that fails both legal and ethical standards.' The former star second baseman for the Kansas City Royals was appointed to fill the unexpired term Mike Sanders in early 2016 and has been elected to the job three times. His current term runs through the end of 2026. He has faced criticism in recent years for his handling of the biennial reassessment process, which led to steep increases in property taxes for many residents and business owners. He has also been at odds with a majority of legislators over budget issues. The Star's Ilana Arougheti contributed reporting.

Jackson County Legislature unanimously approves special election to recall Frank White
Jackson County Legislature unanimously approves special election to recall Frank White

Yahoo

time09-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Jackson County Legislature unanimously approves special election to recall Frank White

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. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri 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. Second person dies in Independence farmhouse fire that killed 13-year-old girl 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.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Jackson County legislator envisions no vote for Chiefs, Royals this year
Jackson County legislator envisions no vote for Chiefs, Royals this year

Yahoo

time10-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Jackson County legislator envisions no vote for Chiefs, Royals this year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Missouri House of Representatives is in Jefferson City again Monday as lawmakers try to pass a stadium package aimed at keeping the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri. At the same time that's taking place, FOX4 is getting county reaction to the chances either team goes back to the voters of Jackson County. Kansas City's Country Club Plaza struggles with closures and empty shops Our biggest question for Democratic Legislative Chairman DaRon McGee was whether he believes the Chiefs are willing to go to a vote of the people in November of this year. 'What I can tell you since I am chairman, I do not envision a vote for the Chiefs or Royals this year,' McGee said. FOX4 asked McGee why doesn't think a vote will happen this year. His response: 'My position is that, it's not about when the vote is, it's that the work has been put in with the community, that feedback from the community is heard and what they're going to do, how things are going to go, how money is going to be spent,' he responded. 'What is their plan and that this plan is not rushed, so if there is to be a vote, whether it's Chiefs only, Royals only, I don't envision a vote until next year.' McGee said the teams could go in April of 2026, the primaries in August or the mid-term elections in November of that year. Meanwhile, one of the opponents to the April 2024 election spoke to us as well. End Zone Extra: Get the top Chiefs news and insider features all season long 'If the Chiefs go back to the voters of Kansas City with a lease agreement, details of what their request is and what it's for, and go through the proper process, I believe that that would be successful at the Truman Sports Complex,' Chairwoman of the Committee Against New Royals Stadium Taxes Becky Nace said in an interview with FOX4 Monday. 'I personally would not be opposed to supporting a Chiefs request for renovations, reasonable renovations over a reasonable timeframe staying at the Truman Sports Complex.' The Chiefs and Royals wouldn't comment on Nace or McGee's remarks Monday. On June 3, Chiefs' lobbyist Rich AuBuchon said the team was looking at a renovation still if they were going to stay in the Show-Me State. That same day, the Royals' lobbyist, Jewell Patek, said the Royals were looking at a new stadium either in Jackson or Clay County if they were going to stay in Missouri. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store