The Star endorses an effective advocate for Kansas City in this Missouri Senate race
Voters in Missouri’s Senate District 9 will decide between an effective lawmaker who’s not afraid to reach across the aisle and an opponent who’s light on experience.
In the Nov. 3 general election, Democratic state Rep. Barbara Anne Washington and Republican David Martin are vying for the Missouri Senate seat vacated earlier this year by Kiki Curls.
Curls was a strong representative for District 9, and the next person to hold this seat must also be a strategic advocate for the metro area’s interests in a legislature that far too often treats Kansas City as an afterthought.
Washington, an experienced legislator adept at navigating the political landscape in Jefferson City, is The Star’s choice to represent a heavily Democratic district covering a large swath of southeastern Kansas City and Raytown.
Martin, a truck driver and a former member of the Teamsters Union, declined to interview with The Star Editorial Board. The single father of one has never held public office.
On his website, Martin pledges to be an advocate for school choice, decriminalizing marijuana, reforming the criminal justice system, defending the Second Amendment and protecting the unborn.
The District 9 Senate race is actually a rematch for Washington and Martin. They faced off in the 2018 Missouri House District 23 race and in a special election in 2017 for the same seat. Washington easily prevailed, winning 88% of the vote in each of those contests.
Washington, a personal injury lawyer, is passionate about criminal justice reform and has established a reputation for working collaboratively on key issues, a necessity in a Republican-controlled Missouri General Assembly.
Washington’s priorities include working with Second Amendment advocates to reduce gun violence in Missouri. Though it’s only October, Kansas City has already set a new record for homicides this year.
“I think we can work on gun violence to come up with solutions to reduce homicides in our state.” Washington told The Star Editorial Board.
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.
Washington is opposed to tax breaks for wealthy companies that ultimately hurt the businesses and residents in the East Side neighborhoods that she represents. The disproportionate use of tax increment financing, or TIF, in wealthier areas has diverted much-needed revenue from public education in Kansas City and has stymied economic redevelopment in the urban core, she said.
“We need to redefine the word blight,” she said. “It’s (TIF) killing our schools … and the East Side of our city.”
Education and mental health are other areas of focus for Washington. And she’s a proponent of local control of the Kansas City Police Department as well. It’s long past time to change the state law giving a board appointed by the governor oversight of this important Kansas City responsibility.
“We need community solutions to stop police brutality,” Washington said of a department that has seen three of its officers indicted for assault this year.
Washington served as secretary for the House Minority Caucus and gained valuable experience on several key House committees. She is well-prepared to move to the state Senate to represent the citizens of District 9, and she’s earned The Star’s endorsement.
This story was originally published October 19, 2020 at 5:00 AM.