All nine candidates responded to our questions about their background, priorities and positions. Here’s what they had to say.
Elections
The Kansas City Beacon provides the latest election news.
Posted inLocal Government
KC curveball: If voters OK sales taxes for a ballpark, Royals will ask the city and state for up to $700 million more
The proposed extension of Jackson County’s sales tax won’t be enough to pay for a new downtown Kansas City Royals stadium.
So the team is in conversation with city officials and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to fill a $700 million funding gap with taxpayer dollars from Kansas City and the state.
Posted inElections, Local Government
The Royals want your tax dollars for a new stadium. What to know before the April 2 vote
Upward of $1.7 billion taxpayer dollars are on the line this April.
After years of planning and negotiations, the Kansas City Royals want to demolish six blocks of the Crossroads district to make way for a shiny new baseball stadium.
But first, they will need voters to agree to tax themselves for four decades to subsidize the Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, Elections
FAQ: What to know about Missouri’s Democratic presidential primary
Missouri Democrats wanting to weigh in on the party’s nominee for president can either go to the polls this spring or mail in their ballots. A 2022 law eliminated Missouri’s state-run presidential primaries, leaving the parties to sort out their own ways to weigh in on the contests. Democrats decided on a presidential primary and […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, Elections
FAQ: Your guide to the 2024 Missouri Republican caucus
This year, the way Missouri Republicans weigh in on the presidential race will be a bit different. Thanks to a 2022 law, Missouri counties are no longer responsible for conducting presidential preference primaries. Instead, that falls to county Republican and Democratic parties across the state. Registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters will have the opportunity to […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Elections, State Government
Constitutional amendments, shielding records from the public: Bills to watch in Missouri 2024
Takeaways: In a state where fees topping four figures effectively put public records out of reach, lawmakers want to put their written discussions about legislation completely out of view. Missouri lawmakers have looked to use the legislature for years to limit access to various democratic processes. They put limits on access to public records, rolled […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Elections, Local Government
An incumbent versus a barbecue business owner in Wyandotte County
Wyandotte County voters will decide Unified Government’s District 1 at-large seat on Nov. 7. The winner will face decisions about how taxpayer dollars are spent and how the county’s chief governing body will address issues like safety, housing and property taxes.
Posted inDIY Democracy, Education, Elections
Blue Valley school board candidates divide themselves into two slates
Calling themselves the A+ Team, newcomer Clay Norkey and incumbents Jan Kessinger, Patrick Hurley and Jodie Dietz emphasize the district’s achievements, such as high rankings as an employer and school district and test scores above the state average.
Posted inDIY Democracy, Elections, Local Government
An open Unified Government seat draws two candidates in southern KCK
Kansans will cast votes in dozens of municipal races across the state on Nov. 7, including in Wyandotte County, where half of the Unified Government’s Board of Commissioners will be up for election.
In District 6, which covers the less densely populated areas in south central Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, incumbent Angela Markley has decided not to seek a fourth term. Instead, the Rev. Steve Neal faces off against small-business owner Philip Lopez.
Posted inDIY Democracy, Education, Elections
Gardner Edgerton election could shift the balance of the school board
This year, it’s possible control of the board could shift with four seats out of seven up for grabs.