TKC Exclusive: Meet Kansas City Mayoral Front-Runners Already

Yes, it's early but for many reasons (Hint: Mostly Prez-Elect Trump) local power players, funding sources and insiders are looking for new leadership as Mayor Q makes his surprisingly quick transition into a lame duck. 

To wit . . . 

FIRST ON TKC!!! CHECK FRONT RUNNERS FOR THE NEXT MAYOR OF KANSAS CITY!!!

Before we start, it's important to note that TKC DOESN'T CARE about the next city hall honcho and it won't help us much no matter who takes over. What inspired us to write this post is that there are already factions lining up to support their favorites despite MORE THAN A YEAR until any campaign can reasonably begin. 

Nevertheless . . .

These are the early faves . . .

Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw

She was formerly the FIRST in line for succession but then people had a chance to listen to her speak and that changed QUICKLY. Despite what many believe to be a sketchy relationship with Public Works, Council Member Parks-Shaw seems like a good idea ON PAPER. However . . . No matter how much help she might earn from Mayor Q, her support is starting to fade and there is doubt that she can convince voters outside of her increasingly small circle of influence. 

Councilman Crispin Rea (4th District at Large)

This one is surprising but most locals notice that the one-term councilman is stepping up his profile and seems to be the new favorite of Mayor Q. There's also a theory that he could garner leverage from the diehard Northland voters who actually bother to show up during municipal elections. 

However . . . We notice Mr. Rea working on his on-air persona . . . In person he has the tendency to put audiences to sleep with a slew of details and knowledge that's thrilling to policy nerds but evokes groans for neighborhood leaders. 

And then . . .

Councilmember Melissa Patterson Hazley (3rd District at Large)

Council lady Patterson Hazley is the new favorite amongst insiders. She would become the FIRST Black female Mayor and her longstanding connections to East side families gives her institutional credibility. Fun fact . . . She's basically Congressman Cleaver's de facto grand-niece.

A DWI charge didn't stop her from earning a place on council and it likely won't prevent her ascendancy to the 29th floor at city hall.  

Even better . . . 

A doctorate and years of working with KC's non-profit elite circles have given her apt training for cowtown social niceties. Translation: Most of the rich, white, influential ladies of KCMO ALREADY love her. 

The downside . . . Sure, she has many smart people in her camp but they can't run in her place. Council lady Patterson Hazley is VISIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN CHALLENGED IN THE SLIGHTEST . . . She's unaccustomed to any push back. She shies away from debate and seemingly can't quickly fire back when pressed with numbers or policy . . . In fact, department heads have been told in advance to politely acquiesce to the council lady during presentations because any correction or clarification from a subordinate sparks her indignation . . . To be fair, all of this puts her in good company with just about every American in a position of authority from political leaders to fast food managers.

And so . . . 

This list isn't comprehensive but offers a preview of the direction Kansas City leadership is going in the outset of the MAGA era. There seems to be hope that more professional, polished & moderate progressives will lead this "blue city" into the future.

Developing . . .