Nobody is as powerful as Lucy Pinder posing on top of an old school muscle car . . . But it's important to recognize recent strong showings. To wit . . . CHECK THIS LIST OF KANSAS CITY'S POWER PLAYERS THIS WEEK!!!
POLITICOS
1. Dr. John Covington - The former KCMSD Superintendent put Kansas City in a tizzy to end the week. He walked out of the door and raised a ton of suspicion about the inner-workings of the District. Oh yeah, and he took a rather SWEET pay bump when he dumped Kansas City. All things considered, it could be one of the strongest sendoffs EVAR.
2. School Board Prez Airick L. West - In less than 24 hours, just as I predicted, questions about his involvement in KCMSD contracts have disappeared. Why? Because Dr. Covington asked them and then skipped town. So, if he isn't interested, it's doubtful anybody else cares.
3. School Board Member Arthur Benson - No single dude in this cowtown has done more to shape the Kansas City, Missouri School District into what it is today.
4. Council Dude John Sharp - He is working his influence on the Redistricting process and he has stepped forward as the leader of the City Council.
5. Jackson County Legislators Theresa Garza Ruiz/Crystal Williams - They stood up against "business as usual" at The Courthouse despite the very obvious consequences. More on that later.
NEWSIES
1. Micheal Mahoney - Now armed with an iPhone and all over Kansas City.
2. DeAnn Smith - Serving up some of the best digital content KCTV5 has seen in quite some time.
3. Russ Ptacek - Kansas City's Chief Investigator.
4. Hey Cameraman - Showing us how digital news gathering is done.
5. Sloane Heller - A great reporter. Also very hot.
THE MOST POWERFUL KANSAS CITY HAMBURGER JOINTS!!!
1. Winstead's - This place wins on a strong combination of ambiance, local history, burger quality and overall AWESOME. Parking lot peril on The Plaza has scared a few people away but that only adds to the overall delicious for hipster fake urban explorers. Like it or not, a Winstead's hamburger tastes like Kansas City.
2. Paul's On Blue Ridge - Sort of hidden in South Kansas City where the last remaining working class people enjoy a guilty pleasure. I'm not gonna link it because neither I nor most of the patrons want you to show up. Also, I'm pretty sure nobody who goes there has the Internets.
3. Blanc Burger + bottles - If you're the kind of d-bag who only eats gourmet burgers, this is best place in KC. Even for the poor souls who think veggie burgers qualify as food.
4. Town Topic Downtown - Surprisingly quality burgers in this Kansas City greasy spoon chain. Added bonus, in the KC Crossroads this is where hipsters remember they need to call their grandparents.
5. Sonic - This is the TKC personal favorite because I hate everything and I refuse to cave in to tradition and list The Westport Flea Market like every other local d-bag on Urban Spoon or Yelp. Nope, Sonic is the KC Hamburger standby that you love to hate. They serve up consistently great burgers available without having to endure the company of other people. Added bonus, they're cheaper than any other place in town and that's a powerful reason why they probably STAY WINNING in this contest.
As always, this list has been compiled according to scientific TKC polling and market research data and it's a weekly comprehensive guide to local powerful people.