Sheriff vs. former sheriff: The Star’s endorsement in Jackson County Democratic primary
In the Democratic primary on Aug. 4, Jackson County voters will choose between an incumbent sheriff who is focused on reform and his predecessor, who resigned from office in disgrace.
Former Sheriff Mike Sharp, who departed under a cloud of scandal, wants his old job back, but he appears to have learned no lessons from his past serious errors in judgment.
Current Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté is a disciplined lawman running on a reform platform. And while both candidates bring a wealth of experience to this campaign, Forté is the clear choice to move the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office forward.
Forté, who was Kansas City’s first Black police chief and is the first Black sheriff in Jackson County, was appointed as interim sheriff in 2018 after Sharp’s resignation, and voters approved keeping him in the job later that year.
Forté has said he inherited a department in disarray, with problems ranging from employees on the payroll who hadn’t been seen in the office in years to lax policies for county firearms. During the last two years, Forté has worked to clean up those messes and has made important progress on some of the issues at the troubled county jail. He also steadied the ship inside the sheriff’s office after Sharp’s three-term era ended in drama fit for reality television.
“I bring integrity,” Forté said. “If we were to have an incident today, who would the community want out there speaking for them that they can believe? That they know is transparent? I’ve been held accountable my entire career. … My record speaks for itself.”
Sharp’s private life became public when details emerged about a romantic and financial relationship with an employee who sued the county and revealed she was involved in an affair with Sharp and his wife. A lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct, misuse of public funds and sexual harassment followed. County taxpayers were on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and settlements.
Only two years later, Sharp wants voters to trust him again. If Sharp is sorry about his shameful behavior in office, he didn’t say so during his interview with The Star Editorial Board.
“I left under, not duress, there were lawsuits pending,” Sharp said. “My former girlfriend dropped the lawsuit. It was blown way out of proportion. I had another job to go to. I was on my way out of the door. I left. I was ready to go. I’d had enough of politics. To be quite honest, over the last two-and-a-half-years I’ve gotten my batteries recharged.”
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.
Forté has, on occasion, fallen short in this job. He was deservedly criticized for subjecting female visitors at the Jackson County jail to sexist screening methods, as some women attorneys and visitors were forced to remove their bras to make it past the metal detectors.
But Forté has taken needed steps to reform a culture he called a “good old boy system.” And Sharp appears eager to pick up where he left off, with an outdated and ethically challenged approach to running the sheriff’s office.
The department has transformed under Forté’s leadership. He has hired seven of the last eight African American deputies and has promoted a female to captain for the first time in the agency’s history.
“I don’t mind challenging people,” Forté said. “I don’t mind going against the status quo. We need an organization that’s respected. I bring credibility to the sheriff’s office.”
He does indeed. And In an unusual matchup between two sheriffs, Forté has earned The Star’s endorsement in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary.
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM.