Phil LeVota was appointed Jackson County executive after a nomination process that was criticized by some as “smoke and mirrors.” Once he’s sworn in, he’ll face the daunting task of fixing the assessment process.
Josh Merchant
Josh Merchant is The Beacon's local government reporter in Kansas City. After graduating from Seattle University, Josh earned a master’s degree in investigative journalism from Columbia Journalism School with coursework in data journalism. Josh has contributed reporting to The Seattle Spectator, The South Seattle Emerald and THE CITY in New York. They're a former Beacon intern. At The Beacon, they reported on issues of traffic safety, with a focus on roadway design, as well as tax-incentivized development at a variety of Kansas City agencies. They have lived in Kansas City since 2021.
Posted inLocal Government
Voters have recalled Frank White. Will that hold up in court?
Preliminary election results show 85% of voters supporting the Sept. 30 recall of Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. But legal challenges loom that could get the election results thrown out.
Posted inLocal Government
Some Jackson County officials don’t want you to know who might replace Frank White. We found out anyway
Phil LeVota, DaRon McGee and Dan Tarwater are the three biggest names being quietly discussed to potentially replace Frank White Jr. if he’s recalled. Here’s how the process would work.
Posted inElections
FAQ: All about the Sept. 30 special election to recall Frank White Jr.
Supporters of the recall say they’re ticked off about how Frank White Jr. handled property assessments. Opponents say the construction lobby is trying to clear the path for “sweetheart stadium deals.”
Posted inLocal Government
Why a Raytown alderman was removed from office during a private meeting with the mayor
Latrice Thomas was removed from her position on the Raytown Board of Aldermen after an investigation into her taxes. Two months later, the city still has not publicly addressed her removal.
Posted inElections
Wyandotte County election results: Aug. 5 Unified Government primary
Voters in Wyandotte County cast their ballots for seven different elected positions on Aug. 5. Here’s what happened.
Posted inElections
Property taxes, policing and political culture: Where the mayor candidates stand on key issues in Wyandotte County
The Beacon reached out to all six candidates for mayor in Wyandotte County to help you understand what’s at stake on Aug. 5. All but one responded.
Posted inElections
A crowded race to represent all of Wyandotte County on the Board of Commissioners
Five candidates are in the race to replace Tom Burroughs on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners. This race will appear on all Wyandotte County ballots.
Posted inElections
Five candidates competing to replace Gayle Townsend at the Unified Government
This fall, half of Wyandotte County’s Board of Commissioners are up for election. District 1 is one of three districts without an incumbent in the race.
Posted inElections
Meet Wyandotte County’s District 5 candidates: A doctor, a retired public administrator and an educator
Three candidates are running to replace Mike Kane in Wyandotte County’s District 5. This district covers most of northwestern Kansas City, Kansas.