Crystal Williams faces Shere Alam in re-election bid for Jackson County Legislature

Four years ago, newcomer Crystal Williams knocked off incumbent Henry Rizzo in a tough Democratic primary race for the 2nd District at-large seat on the Jackson County Legislature.

This time around should be a breeze as Williams seeks re-election.

Her opponent in the Democratic primary, Shere Alam, is a virtual unknown who, other than paying his filing fee, has shown no outward signs of mounting a campaign. And Democrats have had a lock on the legislature’s at-large seats since that governing body was formed more than 40 years ago.

Still, Williams is taking no chances as she also prepares for this fall’s general election campaign against Libertarian Cisse Spragins and former Democratic legislator Robert Stringfield, who is running as a Republican this time.

She has raised money, has spiffed up her website and has a list of accomplishments she can tout in hopes of getting voter support.

Among the achievements she cites: passing an ordinance that makes the budgeting process more transparent, co-sponsoring another one that prevents payday lenders from clustering in one area and driving down property values, and passing measures that strengthened anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation.

As this year’s chair of the budget committee, she said she is working to make sure county tax funds are spent in a “purposeful” way.

Alam, a native of Bangladesh, migrated to the United States in 2003 and became active in the Democratic Party. Two years ago, he ran unsuccessfully for a Missouri House seat as a Democrat in a heavily Republican district.

Despite The Star’s repeated attempts to arrange an interview, Alam did not make himself available to comment on his campaign or the issues that concern him.

This story was originally published July 26, 2014 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Crystal Williams faces Shere Alam in re-election bid for Jackson County Legislature."