We recommend Republican Theresa Galvin for Jackson County executive
The next Jackson County executive will face a long list of complicated, important issues: construction of a new jail, an aging downtown courthouse, and a flawed property appraisal system. Oh, and what to do about county-owned stadiums for the Royals and Chiefs.
It’s easily the most important race for county executive in memory. We recommend Theresa Galvin, a Republican, for the post.
Galvin is clearly qualified for the position. She has served on the Jackson County Legislature for eight years, including two years as its chairperson. She is now the chair of the budget committee, providing a deep understanding of the fiscal challenges in the county.
She is running against Frank White Jr., the incumbent. He was appointed to the executive’s job in early 2016, when Mike Sanders resigned. He won a special election in 2016, and was reelected to a full four-year term in 2018.
Most Jackson Countians know White as the longtime second baseman for the Kansas City Royals.
White, a Democrat, demonstrated important leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite criticism from businesses and residents — including, it must be said, Theresa Galvin — White moved quickly to limit the pandemic’s damage, through closures and mask requirements. It was good, important work.
In virtually every other area of county government, on the other hand, White’s record is one of inattention and failure. He has not earned another term as county executive.
The county’s reappraisal process is muddled. In 2019, property values soared, in part because of past undervaluation. Lawsuits followed, and property owners lodged numerous protests. Reappraisals were smoother in 2021, but some problems remained.
White, as the county executive, is responsible for part of the mess. The next county executive must demonstrate a commitment to a fair, open, consistent appraisal process in 2023 and beyond.
White’s stewardship of the county jail has also been suspect. In 2017, amid reports of overworked guards and inmate abuse, White blamed his predecessor — and shrugged.
“It’s a jail,” he said at the time. “Things happen in a jail.” It remains an appalling statement.
The county is building a new jail facility, far too late, at a cost of more than $250 million. And White’s administration remains at an impasse with sharing costs, and facilities, with Kansas City and other surrounding communities that need jail space.
“I can work with all parties” on the jail, Galvin told us, claiming there is still time to add Kansas City and other cities to the design if needed.
The next executive will also be front and center in talks about the Truman Sports Complex, and the Royals’ and Chiefs’ futures as Jackson County tenants. To date, White has promised cooperation with the teams but provided few details of what might come next.
He declined to speak to The Star’s editorial board.
Galvin is skeptical of significant taxpayer involvement in building new stadiums, or any move of the teams at all. That’s a compelling position, at least for now. Jackson County needs a tough negotiator as the talks continue.
She also discussed expensive renovations at the county courthouse at 12th and Oak, and what to do with the old jail once the new one opens. There might be support, she said, for building an entirely new courthouse downtown. It’s an interesting idea that should be explored — but carefully.
She opposed spending $9 million for a county administrative building, with $6 million in renovations to come.
If elected, Galvin must work hard to ensure Jackson County is free of racial intolerance. Unfortunately, she seemed less than committed to inclusivity during our interview. We urge her to work harder on the issue in the months ahead.
Frank White’s record over almost seven years is uneven and too often lackluster. Jackson County can and must do better, and Theresa Galvin is the choice.
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.