THE TKC POWER RANKINGS!!! LOOK AT KANSAS CITY'S STRONGEST IN 2010!!!

Thanks to a really great suggestion TKC started the POWER RANKINGS earlier this year and it's been a pretty fun time. Jodie Marsh and her attempt to become a bodybuilder seems to be my symbol for strength to which people in Kansas City should aspire. To wit . . .

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR'S TKC RANKING OF KANSAS CITY'S MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN 2010!!!

POLITICOS

1. Mike Sanders - At this moment, he runs EVERYTHING connected to Jackson County and his network of contacts all over town make Sanders the most powerful politico in Kansas City.

2. Victor Callahan - He is the State Senator that NOBODY wants to pick a fight with, maybe one of the most fearsome forces behind the scenes.

3. Emanuel Cleaver - Rep. Cleaver has defeated challenges from every possible angle and continues to gain influence at the national level. Certainly one of KC's strongest.

4. Mike Talboy - Local Democrat leader with a list of contacts to EVERY player in Missouri politics. He withstood the GOP Tea Party storm and helped his friends do likewise.

5. Ryan Silvey - Incoming GOP budget chair from here in KC, watch this local power player increase his influence in the New Year.

NEWSIES

1. Kris Ketz - His Twitter activity is followed by thousands and he seems to understand the nature of new media more than any other local newsie.

2. Michael Mahoney - His blog is always hopping with local news and the local reporting legend has one of the best reputations in all of Kansas City.

3. Chris Hernandez - A force for getting City Hall News first. Just a great reporter.

4. Eric Wesson - One of the hardest working reporters in town who can ALWAYS be counted on to look out for the best interests of his community and KC overall.

5. Russ Ptacek - More than any other reporter his dogged coverage of the GSA toxic story was one of this year's most important news item.

PR FIRMS

1. Will Gregory - Spiderlike web of influencer contacts and operatives translates into high end events and retail/restaurant clients

2. John Landsberg - A PR professional not afraid to report on media - good or bad.

3. O'Neill Communications - For parlaying good old irish boy pats on the back into political clients and for the balls to charge to attend Irish fest. Also, having worked in this town for years he continues to have a solid rep which is more than most pros in this town can hope to achieve.

4. Jane Mobley - Outrageous billing from GSA were quite mighty.

5. Parris Communications - Big money connections to Pletz and an expensive wedding dress made this firm seem rather powerful.


CONSULTANTS AND POLITICAL OPERATIVES

1. Steve Glorioso - He changed the political map in Kansas City this year, was the driving force behind a great many efforts to shake up the City Council and his influence in the politics of this town is greater than that of any other single person.

2. Jeff Roe - A client list that is envied by EVERYONE and connections at the national level make this power broker the strongest GOP force in KC.

3. Patrick Touhey - Quietly, he was the driving force behind Prop C. and Missouri's move to be the first to say no to Obamacare. A strong move with national implications.

4. Pat Gray - Most say his influence is waning but he is still paid tribute by the powers that be . . . And his standing is still strong.

5. Calvin "Cream Puff" Williford - Maybe a local kingmaker but more of a clandestine operative. He is the man behind Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders. Ewwwwwww.


HOPE FOR KANSAS CITY'S POLITICAL FUTURE

1. John Rizzo - He has fought off one attack after the next with infinite patience. Rizzo has built a coalition of support from the most diverse community in Kansas City. Attacks against him wrongly hinge on ethnic stereotypes but Rizzo has emerged victorious and remains committed to serving his District.

2. Brandon Ellington - A new style of leader in Kansas City's 3rd District who is absolutely dedicated to Community participation and involvement. Even The KC Star admires his earnest devotion to his political principles.

3. Tracy Ward - TKC readers know she is not only a fave but also very serious about changing the status quo in Kansas City.

4. Jeremy Ploeger - Agood guy, TKC never got around to writing a post on how he was wronged in his campaign but Ploeger's involvement in the process and recent talk against local crime certainly make him a bright spot in KC's future.

5. Crispin Rea - Only in his mid-twenties Crispin is part of the effort to turn around the Kansas City School District and has increased his involvement in local politics overall. Rea differs from the political status quo in his ability to garner connections and help build consensus.

As always, this year end list is compiled according to scientific TKC polling and market research data . . . Also, for me the most powerful people in all of Kansas City are KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS who have consistently shown a willingness to put this town's political scene in the proper perspective and shed light where there is none.

THANK YOU!!!

Good luck to you in the New Year and God Bless.