The Star endorses a leader who is smart on crime for Jackson County prosecutor
In the race for Jackson County prosecutor, Democratic incumbent Jean Peters Baker and Republican challenger Tracey Chappell offer voters very different visions for the job.
Baker, who has served as prosecutor since 2011, has taken a progressive approach to crime-fighting and criminal justice reform and has earned a reputation as an effective advocate for crime victims.
As prosecutor, Baker has been the one consistent check on police brutality and misconduct, holding law enforcement officials who run afoul of the law accountable.
By contrast, Chappell touts the fact that she has been endorsed by the local Fraternal Order of Police, a local police union that has been unwilling to hold its own officers to account and has dismissed calls for independent oversight of the Kansas City Police Department. While the union endorsement is not necessarily disqualifying, Chappell has been less than convincing in making the case that she will enforce the law when officers use excessive force or are guilty of other misdeeds.
“It is not right for a prosecutor to be in an endorsed role by the FOP,” Baker told The Star Editorial Board.
Baker and Chappell have sparred in recent months on an array of issues, including the question of who is better prepared to lead criminal justice reform efforts in Jackson County. Chappell has tried to tarnish Baker’s tenure but has failed to back up broad claims of ineffectiveness with compelling evidence.
Baker’s track record in this office is solid, and she is The Star’s choice for Jackson County prosecutor.
Chappell, the first African American woman prosecutor in Blue Springs, wants to more aggressively focus on smaller crimes that eventually lead to more egregious offenses. But is a broken-windows approach to crime-fighting really the best strategy in a county with a high rate of gun violence and limited jail space?
“You have to start somewhere,” Chappell told The Star Editorial Board. “You start with prosecuting (property crime) cases and low-level crimes.”
Chappell has been inconsistent on some issues, saying at one point in this campaign that she would prosecute low-level marijuana possession cases, and then backtracking when questioned by the editorial board. In 2018, Baker announced that her office would stop prosecuting most marijuana possession cases, a move that was praised by Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté as “bold and progressive.”
“I did what I thought was the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do,” Baker said.
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.
Of course, the prosecutor’s role entails much more than seeking justice for petty crimes or police brutality. Baker has been a tireless advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and she brings years of experience and leadership to this office.
While both candidates are committed to using conviction integrity units to review prosecutorial misconduct or other violations in past cases, Baker is best equipped to execute on those plans.
In recent months, Baker has drawn the ire of the police union and its president, Brad Lemon, but she has been unwavering in her commitment to enforcing the law when police misconduct occurs. This year, Baker used a grand jury to indict four Kansas City police officers accused of excessive force, assault and other serious crimes during arrests.
Until recently, Baker also served as chair of the Missouri Democractic Party, a curious dual role that could have raised questions about the politicization of the prosecutor’s office. In July, Baker wisely stepped down from that position.
Chappell, a former senior assistant county counselor for Jackson County, is a viable candidate who could have a future in politics. But she is outmatched in this race.
Baker’s experience and smart-on-crime approach have earned her The Star’s endorsement. And voters should re-elect her as Jackson County prosecutor in the Nov. 3 election.
This story was originally published October 26, 2020 at 5:00 AM.