Sly James’ dismayingly late tax payments enliven sleepy mayor’s race

Look on the bright side: At least the newest developments in Kansas City’s mayoral race have sparked a little interest in a so-far sleepy contest.

Clay Chastain on the right side of an issue for once?

Mayor Sly James a tax delinquent?

The possibility — admittedly very slim — that the general election could feature a guy who doesn’t call Kansas City home (Chastain) vs. a complete unknown (Vincent Lee)?

Intriguing a story line as this is, James should have paid his personal property taxes on time. That’s a basic expectation for someone who gets a salary courtesy of tax dollars while also deciding how to spend $1.4 billion of them a year.

Instead, for three years in a row, James has been late sending payments to Jackson County for two vehicles in his name.

The mayor issued a weak excuse for the most recent case but can’t recall why he was tardy the two other years.

This is dismaying behavior from an otherwise well-qualified candidate who deserves a second term after an effective first four years in office. James easily beat Lee, who finished second, and Chastain in the April 7 primary.

But the tax mess gave Chastain a chance to threaten a lawsuit asking the courts to kick James out of the June 23 general election. Basically, Chastain says James didn’t meet state and/or city laws by falling behind on his taxes. The mayor vehemently disagrees.

Chastain makes a valid point by saying the mayor of Kansas City ought to be current on his taxes at all times. That’s advice Chastain hasn’t always followed; he had to pay some back-owed earnings taxes to get on the ballot.

The “everyone does it” defense doesn’t work for James. Jackson County records show most property taxes are paid on time.

James’ failures have allowed Chastain to at least keep his name in the media. And an unlikely court ruling in Chastain’s favor could lead to a truly bizarre mayoral race.

James might be forced to run a write-in campaign for office. Or others could get in the mix. Short, easily spelled names of at least semi-known local politicians would work best. Paging City Council members Cindy Circo, Jim Glover or Scott Taylor?

We’re probably getting ahead of ourselves. Though a court may eventually rule on whether Chastain’s lawsuit has merits, James still appears destined to romp to a second term.

Presumably he’ll write the personal property tax deadline in bold letters on his calendar.

This story was originally published April 20, 2015 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Sly James’ dismayingly late tax payments enliven sleepy mayor’s race."