The Kansas City Star’s roundup of endorsements for WyCo, KCK primary | Opinion

Editor’s note: Read the races The Star Editorial Board will endorse and why we’re focusing on Wyandotte County’s future.

Voters in Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County have several important choices to make in Tuesday’s primary. The top two finishers in these races will compete in the November general election.

Here are The Star’s endorsements for several contested Unified Government races. This list can be clipped or printed and taken to the polls. To read more about the candidates, see the links to all the endorsements here.

Mayor/CEO: Rose Mulvany Henry and Christal Watson

Wyandotte County/KCK could be on the verge of important progress, including plans for data centers that could provide revenue and jobs, and a new Chiefs stadium.

But stubborn problems — high taxes, erratic services, a lack of housing — remain. They’re made worse by a series of one-term mayors unable to build momentum in the community.

Rose Mulvany Henry and Christal Watson could change that record. Mulvany Henry is currently on the Board of Public Utilities and has demonstrated a sharp understanding of the county’s challenges. Watson has experience at City Hall, and promises an inclusive administration.

We were impressed with a third candidate, Gwendolyn Thomas, but she did not earn our endorsement. Candidate Tom Burroughs has a good resume but his policy blueprint is too vague.

Two other candidates, Janice Witt and Mark Gilstrap, are also on the ballot.

UG Commission, District 1: Korri Hall and Jermaine “Jae” Howard

Korri Hall was an educator for more than three decades. She wants to bring public investment to the district, one of the poorest in the region. She said if elected, one of her goals is to introduce creative ways to generate new tax revenue. She also said she wants to address youth resources, affordable housing and public safety.

Jermaine “Jae” Howard is a businessman and helped start a nonprofit that mentors youth. He has received endorsements from major unions in KCK and wants to help entrepreneurs get started in small business. He said he is committed to transparency and accountability if he’s elected.

Three other candidates — Darnell Busch, Victor Harris and Lisa Walker Yeager — are on the ballot.

UG Commission, Dist. 2 at large: Andrew Kump and Kalla McLaughlin

There are five candidates seeking this open seat, although one — Luis “Captain Lou” Madrigal – appears to have not actively campaigned for some time.

Andrew Kump is an attorney and a cancer survivor. He is endorsed by several local unions and believes Wyandotte County is at a pivotal moment in its history with discussions surrounding investment in the community and the tax burden. He said he wants to be in the room if the Chiefs seek a new stadium in the county, which will be important if the team moves there.

Kalla McLaughlin blames “decades of mismanagement” for the county’s fiscal woes. She’s correct. Her proposed solutions include debt restructuring and more transparency to residents. She also believes the county should support small businesses.

Also on the ballot are Philip Lopez and J. Michael Tiner Mackey. Questionable language and personal behavior have disqualified them from our endorsement.

UG Commission, Dist. 5: Carlos Pacheco III and LaVert Murray

LaVert Murray has four decades of experience with Wyandotte County government. While the commission clearly needs new blood, Murray has offered concrete plans for limiting taxes and spending in the UG.

Carlos Pacheco III is a family doctor and supports a regional sales tax for public transit. He has secured the endorsements of several union groups. He favors investment in the district.

Alma Hall is also a candidate for the seat.

UG Commission, Dist. 8: Andrew Davis and Jacob Handy

Andrew Davis is the incumbent in this race. He defends a recent vote to exceed the so-called “revenue neutral” budget, claiming cuts at the federal level have impacted local services. He said he wants to explore growing the economy through any revenue that is not just property taxes, including better management of the land bank properties.

Jacob Handy is a newcomer who calls for improvements to the county’s infrastructure. A former college football coach and high school teacher, he is committed to youth programs to stop generational curses of poverty and violence.

Also running: Nanette Tucker and Madella Henderson.

Board of Public Utilities, Dist. 1 at large: Gary Bradley-Lopez and Michael Paulson

BPU races can be traditional affairs, but this year the agency sits in the middle of important public policy debates, including new data centers discussed for the county.

Both Gary Bradley-Lopez and Michael Paulson have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the challenges of new development, and the need to keep residential water and electric rates low.

Alex Sanchez has not visibly campaigned, and Lisa Walker Yeager is also running for a commission seat.