Jackson County Exec Offers Compromise After Legislators Boycott

The most important line from this news release shared with www.TonysKansasCity.com and other local media . . .

JACKSON COUNTY NOW CONFRONTS 30-DAY DEADLINE TO DIRECT 70 MILLION BUCKS WORTH OF COVID RELIEF CASH OR IT GOES BACK TO THE FEDS!!! 

Once again . . . For the record . . .

It's very likely this money could be returned if there isn't a REAL compromise

And so . . . In fairness, we want to share the Exec's response to Legislators boycotting a meeting that they called a "charade". . . Check-it:

Jackson County Executive Statement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds:

“Today, the Jackson County Legislature had the chance to take meaningful action on the remaining $70.4 million in ARPA funds—federal dollars that could be transformative for our community. Unfortunately, a majority of legislators chose not to attend, delaying critical decisions and making it harder for us to meet the needs of our residents. With the next meeting not scheduled until December 2, 2024, we will have less than 30 days to complete the required process to put these funds to work. That’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a failure of leadership.

“The needs of Jackson County are real, they are significant, and they are urgent. These once-in-a-lifetime funds could help us improve public health, stabilize housing and upgrade critical infrastructure. They could provide real relief for our community and build a foundation for long-term stability for the County. But if we don’t use every available resource to address these challenges now, how can we expect voters to trust us when we ask for their support to increase taxes to solve the same problems we could have started addressing with these federal funds?

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this kind of political maneuvering. Last year, one legislator created an unauthorized process for agencies to apply for ARPA funding and made promises they had no authority to keep. More recently, a narrow majority of legislators passed an ordinance that our County Counselor’s Office determined was unlawful. After I vetoed it, they failed to override my veto. And now, they’re trying to cover up these past missteps with more political games and misleading statements.

“But let me also say this: not everyone in the Legislature has chosen this path. I want to commend those legislators who have consistently shown up, engaged in good faith and put the needs of our residents above politics. Their commitment to service and integrity is what Jackson County needs right now, and I value their partnership.

“John Wooden once said, ‘Don’t confuse activity with action.’ Political games are not action. They don’t solve problems, they don’t deliver results, and they don’t serve the people of Jackson County. While others play politics, I remain focused on governing—on doing the hard, necessary work to ensure these funds are used wisely, transparently and in the best interests of our residents.

“My team and I have already put forth several plans to guide this process, demonstrating a willingness to compromise and prioritize the county’s broader needs. It is important to note that these proposals do not include everything the administration has advocated for, such as 1300 Washington. This reflects a good-faith effort to find common ground and move forward for the benefit of Jackson County.

“I’m willing to make more compromises, but compromise requires partners. The people of Jackson County deserve leaders who show up, work together and act boldly in the face of challenges. It’s time to stop the games, focus on our responsibilities and deliver the results our community needs.”
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