City manager takes stroll amid success
By STEVE PENN
The Kansas City Star
It was sort of a victory lap and a final inspection all in one.
Along the way, it generated the kind of positive feedback and public adulation that the city manager of Kansas City wanted and needed to hear.
Last week, on the eve of the opening of the Big 12 basketball championship, I toured the Power & Light District with City Manager Wayne Cauthen. And for someone who has been embattled and embroiled in contract disputes, potential appeals and the scope of the city’s budget, the walk-through seemed therapeutic.
Traffic was getting tight as we walked toward the district around 5:30 p.m. Someone growing impatient honked a car horn, a sound Cauthen welcomed. After all, as he pointed out, it’s not every day there’s a traffic jam downtown.
When we arrived in the Kansas City Live area, the sight of several thousand people congregating in front of the giant screen watching games pleased him.
“We call this the living room,” Cauthen said. “Just look at the expressions on the faces. They can’t believe they’re in Kansas City.”
He walked to the upper level of the district, where the Angels Rock Bar and Howl at the Moon bar are situated. There, he paused to look down on the people who were hanging out, drinking and warming themselves before portable heaters.
“They’re going to have concerts here,” Cauthen said. “They’re going to have live entertainment here. Are you in Kansas City?”
Tax increment financing has taken a beating lately because it often has been used unnecessarily. But Cauthen pointed out that the Power & Light District wouldn’t be possible without TIF.
“As you spend money, people pay it back,” Cauthen said.
As he made his way through the crowd, numerous people who had never met Cauthen recognized him.
“Thank you,” Blake Crum of Kansas City told Cauthen. “Thank you very much. I love it. What’s not to love? It’s great. It’s exactly what’s needed.”
Dary McGowan of Kansas City also spoke to the city manager.
“It’s much needed down here,” McGowan said. “When I was a little kid, I used to come downtown. It was fun. Got to bring the fun back. It’s back. Wayne, you’re doing a great job.”
Howard Stovall pulled the city manager aside.
“I think it’s a wonderful step in the right direction,” Stovall said. “It’s just like turning the dead back to life. But I’m also concerned that the momentum doesn’t stop from here. I hope we’re far from over and finished. But I like what I see.”
Jeremy Ragonese, director of marketing for Boulevard Brewing Co., wanted to express his gratitude on behalf of his company.
“Seeing this come downtown is wonderful for the community and wonderful for Boulevard Brewing,” Ragonese said. “Seeing it come together is really a thrill for us. It’s good for everyone’s business.”
As we walked back to the car, Cauthen seemed to beam with pride.
“I think people wanted us to change the dynamics,” Cauthen said. “And we have. There’s something here for everybody.”
When he came to Kansas City, Cauthen vowed to get big-ticket items done, like the Sprint Center and Power & Light District. He delivered. That’s why he’s soaring in popularity. And that’s why he was awarded a new contract.
Now he’s focused on a whole new set of goals. His list includes completing the entertainment district, building a new hotel downtown, addressing the needs of neighborhoods and — my favorite — persuading an NBA team to do its thing here in Kansas City.
To reach Steve Penn, call 816-234-4417 or send e-mail to spenn@kcstar.com.
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