Frank White recall won’t magically fix Jackson County’s problems | Opinion
What now?
Tuesday, Jackson County voters overwhelmingly decided to recall County Executive Frank White. The historic verdict was clear: 85% to recall, 15% to keep him in office. Once the vote is certified (in, perhaps, a week to 10 days) White’s controversial tenure will end, barring any unexpected, last-minute judicial intervention.
It’s also possible, perhaps likely, that White will resign immediately. He should think about doing so.
We said White’s performance in the county’s top job had been poor, but he had not done anything that merited the extreme sanction of recall and removal. We stand by that judgment.
At the same time, Tuesday’s outcome was not a surprise, to us or to anyone who follows Jackson County’s government.
The county’s mangled property appraisal process justifiably angered thousands of homeowners and businesses, likely triggering the recall petition drive. Some voters undoubtedly blamed White for the tangled stadium negotiations with the Chiefs and Royals as well.
His ongoing feud with some members of the Legislature, and his piqued refusal to seek common ground on budgetary matters, likely upset recall voters too.
The unprecedented effort to remove White from office was well-financed, and undisclosed dark money expenditures were involved. That’s regrettable. But let’s be clear: Ultimately, White must accept the lion’s share of the blame for his fate.
Which serves as a cautionary tale for the next county executive, whoever he or she might be.
The margin of the vote against White cannot not be underestimated. Gwen Grant, CEO, Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said the people of Jackson County have spoken with a “landslide recall.”
“Their message could not be clearer. Leadership matters. Accountability matters, and Frank White failed on both counts. This is an unprecedented repudiation. Democracy worked exactly as it should, and now Jackson County has the opportunity to move forward with leadership worthy of its people.”
The current chairman of the County Legislature, DaRon McGee, will pick a Democrat to replace White on an interim basis, for up to 30 days. During that time, the Legislature will pick someone (also a Democrat) to serve the remainder of White’s term, through the end of 2026.
If they fail to pick someone, a county judge will become involved. Voters will pick the next permanent county executive in November next year.
We don’t know who will take this seat. But we do know he or she faces an extraordinary set of challenges that cannot be solved overnight, or as quickly as angry recall voters might like.
Property taxes, stadium deal remain
The property tax mess in Jackson County is complicated. Replacing current appraisal staff, or electing the appraiser (as voters will be asked to do this November) won’t automatically lower property taxes, or bring mass reappraisals that would further lower tax bills this year.
It will take the new county executive many months, working with state lawmakers and the County Legislature, to reform the system in time for the next round of assessments. That’s a worthwhile goal, but voters will need to be patient.
Voters might also want to pay at least some attention to taxing jurisdictions like schools and cities, which are partly to blame for high property tax bills.
The timeline for negotiations with the Chiefs, and perhaps the Royals, is even more difficult. It’s possible a new county executive won’t take office until November, while the teams are expected to decide on Kansas alternatives by the end of this year. That means a new county executive might have just a few weeks to assemble a financing package for the teams, let alone reach new lease agreements with the clubs.
It was just that kind of rush job that sabotaged the county’s 2024 stadium vote. And do we want a new, unelected county executive making a 50-year decision for the teams, or the county? We may soon find out.
The new county executive must tackle these problems head-on, and communicate early and often with taxpayers and lawmakers. White’ biggest problem was his stubborn refusal to make his case to the public or the Legislature until the very end of the recall campaign. It didn’t work.
A certain arrogance may be helpful for athletes and entertainers, but it’s usually disastrous for politicians, who need voters’ engagement and support. That will be especially true for the next occupant of the county executive’s chair.
We wish him or her luck. We call on the Legislature to put aside petty politics and choose someone for the seat who is ready on Day 1, and someone who is not immediately running for the seat next year.
We urge the next executive to meet regularly with lawmakers and the public, and to answer questions from reporters when asked. Transparency and good faith will be essential.
Frank White never understood that imperative, and he was crushed Tuesday. Jackson County can’t afford another failed executive.
This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 10:31 PM.