The Star endorses House veteran Greg Razer to fill vital Missouri Senate seat
There’s a gaping hole where Kansas City’s District 7 state senator should be. Greg Razer is uniquely capable of filling it.
Seeking to replace former state Sen. Jason Holsman, who left midstream in January to take an appointment to the state Public Service Commission, Razer has a solid legislative record and a first-rate reputation as a two-term member of the Missouri House of Representatives.
Razer’s Aug. 4 Democratic primary opponent, former four-term state Rep. Michael Brown, currently vice president of the Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees, is a very fine candidate in his own right. But Razer, while being just as affable as Brown, is a more dynamic and proactive leader.
That’s particularly important at this moment, given the dire need for the legislature to end Kansas City’s inglorious reign as the only city in Missouri and one of few large cities in the U.S. not to have control over its police department. And what a hideous time not to be in control of one’s police department. A relic of 1930s anti-corruption efforts, the ruling police board appointed by the governor is more than an anachronism that is standing in the way of urgently needed police reforms.
Post-coronavirus, the state also will be facing massive deficits and onerous budget decisions. But amid the budget muck, Razer says it’s crucial that lawmakers also see where to invest: in decaying roads and bridges; obsolete state computer infrastructure, such as that which has obstructed unemployment benefits for thousands; and education from kindergarten on up.
“We’re going to have major problems with UMKC, with the entire UM system and all of our four-year institutions,” Razer told The Star Editorial Board. “They’re in bad shape right now.
“Missouri is failing on the most basic, fundamental parts that even old-school Republicans would agree is the government’s responsibility.”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the endorsements?
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is comprised of seasoned opinion journalists and is separate from The Star’s newsroom. The board’s members are editorial writers Toriano Porter and Mara’ Rose Williams — all veteran journalists with decades of experience. Editors Derek Donovan is also a member, and editor David Tarrant, while not a member of the board, reads and often improves each editorial we publish. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Star Editorial Board invites candidates in each race to meet with the board in an on-the-record discussion, the purpose of which is more fully understand what distinguishes one candidate from another. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates. The editorial board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous..
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We do weigh heavily their stances on issues we consider basic tests of judgment and candor, such as whether they even acknowledge climate change as real, or if they continue to deny the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. We weigh these factors against many others, and state clearly what our conclusions are. Primarily, we evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats, making recommendations about who the best-qualified candidate for each job is.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of The Star’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
On gun violence, Razer has repeatedly led efforts to close the state’s background-check loophole in person-to-person gun sales. And he’s introduced a commonsense red flag law to temporarily keep guns out of the hands of people when their loved ones, and a judge, believe they are a danger.
For a Democrat consorting with a supermajority of Republicans in the Missouri General Assembly, Razer’s kind of cachet and ability to work across the aisle are essential to getting things done in Jefferson City. It’s another of Razer’s edges.
Republican state Rep. Phil Christofanelli of St. Peters praises Razer’s invaluable help on two bills in particular — one allowing HIV prevention drugs to be dispensed over the counter by pharmacists and another exempting COVID-19 stimulus payments from state income taxes.
“I really enjoyed working with him,” Christofanelli told The Star. “I look forward to working with him on the other side of the building. I think he will be a great addition to the Senate.”
“Greg is a very, very good man,” says Republican state Rep. Mike Stephens of Bolivar. “He’s honest, and he works hard for his party and his causes. He does it with integrity and passion. He’s just a top-notch guy.”
That’s reflected in the fact that, even as a member of the minority party — and one of just four openly gay members of the legislature — Razer has made himself into one of the state’s premier leaders on nondiscrimination issues. He’s repeatedly sponsored the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of individuals protected from employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination.
And Razer began work in the House, and would continue in the Senate, on capping year-to-year rises in assessments for property taxes, which was a calamitous mess in Jackson County the past year. He’s also eager to help implement an expansion of Medicaid should Missouri voters approve it Aug. 4.
Razer’s experience and ideas have earned him The Star’s endorsement, and Democratic voters in District 7 should seize the opportunity to nominate him for the state Senate.
This story was originally published July 28, 2020 at 5:00 AM.