Future Uncertain For Kansas City Council Lady Lindsey French

An IMPRESSIVE note sent our way this week is apropos #TBT and offers insider word that's only really available on TKC thanks to our KICK-ASS blog community. 

From our vantage . . . 

Council Lady Lindsey French remains a mystery . . . She won against an activist opponent who didn't have much in common with anyone from the Northland and couldn't speak to any issues beyond anti-police rhetoric and free rent advocacy. However, victory for Council Lady French was forged by way of political connections and not any campaigning talent.

Question for perspective . . . 

Has anyone ever heard Lindsey French's voice???

That's a serious question . . . It would be really nice to hear her speak but, even amongst her supporters, the word is that she's painfully shy and mostly serves as a place holder after her far more connected predecessor termed out. 

And so . . . 

Here's INSIDER word about her spot already in jeopardy . . .

First 2027 incumbent targeted

Kansas City Councilwoman Lindsay French positioned herself as a progressive figure of promise and riding the coattails of liberal white ladies, but her term in office had been marred by a year of unfulfilled promises and inconsequential decisions. Critics accuse her of being ineffective and a professional socialite. Now rumors are flying about a too close connection to a prominent lobbyist, casting a shadow over her credibility and accusations of corruption and causing Northland leaders to worry about  KC Tenants taking the seat.

As the 2027 election approached, potential challengers begin to emerge.

Northland power brokers are reaching out and trying to identify someone now to consolidate fundraising and clear the field for an at- large Council run.  Names floated so far are some strong challengers and Dan Fowler.

The wild card bandied around is someone who knows City Hall in and out.   Former water honcho Wes Minder would face an uphill battle with his biting online humor and right leaning views but you can't argue with his solid reputation through his tenure at KCMO.  Love him or hate him and there was a lot of hate, the guy got things done.  Northland folks know he'd be savvy getting coalitions and votes to get things done.  Word on the street is rank and file water employees were starting to finally get the recognition they deserved, minority employees finally were given a shot in management, and he would have a pretty strong shot to get Local 500 backing compared to French.
 
The insiders number one target because he's the strongest candidate is Clay County Commissioner Jon Carpenter.  His tenure in the state legislature, where he earned respect for his legislative acumen, statewide Democrat party ties, and relationships with big labor make him their strongest citywide challenger.   He's easily won multiple races in the KCMO portion of Clay County at the local level and his financial independence will allow him to campaign without relying heavily on donors, positioning him as a candidate free from financial obligations who could push thru a pro business progressive agenda. No one has anywhere near Carpenter's appeal among labor-friendly voters.  He'd mop the floor if he hopped in the race.

Northland powers also are looking at another Clay County politico. Jason Withington somehow has gained a reputation for his grassroots approach, winning his election without having been a part of the Northland power club. His take-no-prisoners attitude and focus on neighborhood advocacy made him a popular figure, especially for his tireless efforts in basic maintenance and sidewalks.  Unlike the incumbent you wouldn't have to worry about him not taking a stand.

Lastly out of desperation people are asking Dan Fowler to move a little further south into French's district.   Fowler would face an uphill battle as French could easily tie him as a pushover for special interests and influential development lawyers. Known for carrying a certain law firm's water on the Council for eight years,  his biggest accomplishment was mortgaging a lot of Northland PIAC money for a $36M sports complex for rich white families to play soccer which would help him in Brookside.  He wouldn't be much of an upgrade from the incumbent with his penchant for socializing at cocktail parties and his reputation for never passing up a free drink but he'd have name ID.

The 2027 campaign is two years away and it's already heating up.  Will French be able to turn it around and do something to stave off a challenge? 

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