Jackson County Stadium Committee Confounds Kansas City Royals

This week an important development at the Courthouse was mostly overlooked and it threatens to impact the future of the proposed Kansas City Royals Downtown Stadium. 

As always, trusted insiders help to explain the sitch . . . Here's the big picture headline: 

DEVELOPMENTS SURROUNDING THE JACKSON COUNTY STADIUM COMMITTEE THREATEN TO CHASE KANSAS CITY ROYALS OUT OF DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY!!!

Already . . . The big rumor this week is that the Royals are now seriously looking to jump across the State Line over to Kansas . . . But here's a peek at the politics might inspire that move . . .

Insiders explain that the Exec Frank White getting locked out of the Jackson County Stadium Committee is an EXCEPTIONALLY bad sign and now forces the Royals to negotiate with two different courthouse interests. 

Only one station picked up this debate but it's EXCEPTIONALLY important for locals to note if we want to understand EXACTLY how these talks are quickly unraveling . . . A quick quote revealing the drama: 

During the public portion of Wednesday’s meeting, (Legislator Megan) Marshall asked if County Executive Frank White was invited to the meeting.

“That is not the normal process,” (Chair Manny) Abarca replied.

“Well, I understand that, but I just said, ‘This is not normal,'” Marshall said.

“It’s as normal as the Homelessness and Housing Scenario,” Abarca replied.

“No, I beg to differ Mr. Chair. This deal has implication,” Marshall said back.

“And Vice Chair, that is subject for your opinion,” Abarca said. “So, we’ll move on from here unless you have anything else. I think you’re reiterating the same points.”

“Very well, I think I’ve made my point,” she replied.

About four minutes after that exchange, Abarca called for his group to go into closed session. Their meeting lasted more than an hour and a half.

Now here's the word sent to www.TonysKansasCity.com courtesy of insiders regarding this hot mess in the making . . . 

"There really is a firestorm brewing at the County and it's probably going to send the Royals packing. The Legislature is at an impasse with the Executive and that represents a very real problem for the Royals. The team is now forced to negotiate with two parties that aren't getting along and can't even put their heads together for a committee meeting." 

A warning . . .

"Given these harsh feelings and the current circumstances after the election . . . Don't be surprised if we hear the Royals say that negotiations have fallen apart."

This statement tracks given that we're now hearing about different locations for the downtown stadium around the loop and there seems to be a total lack of excitement for downtown baseball in KCMO in addition to doubts about the ability to renew a Jackson County sales tax.

Of course, there's a lot of blame to pass around here . . .

But given a surprising election defeat and OVERWHELMING NEGATIVE SENTIMENT ABOUT PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS . . . 

In the end . . . 

It might be Jackson County Courthouse dysfunction that is ultimately saddled with responsibility for chasing away the Kansas City Royals. 

Developing . . .