First up is the state Senate race. Claire McCaskill, current state auditor and former Jackson County Prosecutor is challenging our junior senator, Jim Talent for the seat he won in a special election squeaker in 2002. This election is a referendum on President Bush's leadership - Jim Talent has voted with the administration a staggering 94% of the time. He opposes embryonic stem cell research, and consistently votes for the war in Iraq. Essentially, he does what he is told by the bush administration. Neither Talent nor McCaskill face danger of an upset in the primary, instead, they will square off in the general election in November. Currently Claire has a lead that just barely exceeds the margin of error. She recently won an online vote conducted by Barbara Boxers PAC for Change and will be receiving critical support because of her strong showing in that online vote.
McCaskill deserves the support of every registered voter who wants to see sense and sanity returned to the halls of power in Washington DC. She has the endorsement of this website to be the next junior senator from the state of Missouri.
Jackson County Missouri voters will select the Democratic candidate for County Executive on Tuesday. The race pits county prosecutor Mike Sanders against Dr. Charles Wheeler. Richard Tolbert represents token opposition at best, and I predict he will garner less than a thousand votes.
In a previous post, Dr. Wheeler was endorsed by this website and that endorsement stands. But I must offer full disclosure: Charlie Wheeler was once my boss - he is a physician of utmost repute and the highest character, donating his time to a public health clinic, acting as the Chief Pathologist and keeping our lab open and my paychecks coming. When someone says of a former boss that he is the finest man one has ever met in the flesh, the closest thing to Atticus Finch this side of celluloid, that is an endorsement; indeed that is my endorsement of Charlie Wheeler for County Executive. Jackson County faces many challenges, and residents should vote for Wheeler in Tuesdays primary. He is the best person to face those challenges. He can face the machinations of county government. He is a beloved former mayor, removed by term limits, not voters, and most recently he is our state senator. Kansas Citians think so much of Charlie Wheeler that we named our downtown airport after him, and he is still alive to appreciate the honor. A lifetime dedicated to serving Kansas City, as a physician, Mayor, and Senator are deeply appreciated by the constituency, and should be rewarded with easy victory.
As the Republicans are standing no one in the primary, the winner of the primary will win the general by default and take office in January. The right man for the Job is Charlie Wheeler.
In the Missouri 6th, four Republicans are vying for the right to challenge long-time Democratic congressman Ike Skelton. The Republicans vying for the spot of Sacrificial Lamb for the Republican's are four candidates. They are tire store owner Jeff Parnell of Rogersville, farmer and retired educator James A. (Jim) Noland. Noland believes that all judges should be elected, even the nine sitting on SCOTUS. Alan Connor is the owner of a drug-screening business and a supervising nurse specialist with the Department of Homeland Security. Lloyd Sanders is retired from a career in law enforcement and is currently active in prison ministry. Noland is the only one with public service in electoral office, having served in both houses of the state lege.
Jackson County Legislature 1st District at-large: Garry Baker, Theresa Garza, and John Pennell represent the field. This website endorses Theresa Garza.
In the Jackson County 4th incumbent Dan tarwater should be removed and replaced. He faces two opponents, John Tancredi who currently serves on the Center School District school board and acts as treasurer for the Ward Parkway Homes Association. (Seen those Ward Parkway mansions? This is impressive.) He also serves on the Center Planning and Development Council. The third candidate is the former music promoter and owner of the (totally kick-ass) Hurricane Stan Henry. Stan's a good guy, and I know him from my days at the (original) Grand Emporium. But John Tancredi has my endorsement.
State Auditor: Republicans should vote for Colonel Jack Jackson, or really anyone except Sandra Thomas. Democrats should vote for Susan Montee.
Missouri Legislative Races
Voters in the 37th will choose between retired Carpenter Aasim Baheyadeen, Attorney Michael Talboy, and charm school manager Carol Gatlin. Talboy receives my endorsement. He serves on the affiliate board of the ACLU, and our rights are in peril. I want him in the state leg. Fortunately, I get to vote for him. 'Nuff said.
Incumbent John P. Burnett faces upstart John Joseph Rizzo in the Missouri 40th. While I am impressed with Rizzo and expect to watch his star rise, I believe the 25-year-old business consultant and car buyer needs to remain static for a moment. I believe he is gaining valuable insight and political accumen in his current role as a member of the board of Directors of Truman Medical Center (20+ years in healthcare - I know how freakin' political hospitals are!) He is also serving on the board of directors of Old Northeast, Inc. and the City Planning Commission. That is mighty impressive for one so young, and like I said, I look forward to watching that star rise. But not just yet. Voters should retain Burnett, and Rizzo should gain invaluable experience.
Kansas City Ballot Initiatives
Question 1 Would permit the sale of some park land. Specifically, if land near 22nd Street and Gilham Road was sold, the money would have to go to repair a city fountain.
Voters should vote yes on this initiative
Voters should vote yes on this initiative
Question 3 raises the retirement age of municipal judges from 65 to 70.
Voters should vote yes on this initiative
Question 4 would require any effort to throw a council member or mayor out of office in midterm to state a reason for the recall effort.
Voters should vote yes on this initiative
Question 5 would let the mayor vote in the event of a tie when trying to fill a council vacancy.
Voters should vote yes on this initiative
Question 6 would extend term limits to three terms, beyond two terms as it is now. Some people have suggested that is a way for Mayor Kay Barnes to stay in office. "I have no plans to run for a third term for mayor, even if I was given the opportunity," Barnes said. I can see giving good mayors and members of city government four more years...
Voters should vote yes on this initiative.
Question 7 would abolish term limits.
Voters should vote NO resoundingly on this initiative. Term limits can be extended modestly, but the town that spawned Tom Pendergast does not need forever politicians!
If voters reject all the questions, then the current charter, which dates back to 1925, stays in effect.
