Independence City Council Election Results

CITY COUNCIL
PRIMARY RESULTS 

Candidates with a ✪ will advance to the April 2 City Election.

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
✪ John Perkins	329	37.26%
✪Tony Sommers	279	31.60%
Colleen Huff	275	31.14%

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
✪ Heather Wiley	1,027	57.28%
✪ Nick Huff	305	17.01%
Edward Nesbitt	281	15.67%
Kenneth Love	180	10.04

Independence City Council Election February 6

The Independence Gazette invited the candidates for City Council to write about what challenges the city faces, and how they plan to help make Independence a better place to live, work, and do business. We'd like to thank the candidates who took the time to reply:

Kenneth Love (District 3)

John Perkins (District 1)

Tony Sommer (District 1)

We encourage everyone to show up at the polls on Tuesday, February 6 and let YOUR voices be heard when the votes are counted!

Tony Sommer - District 1 Candidate

 

TONY SOMMER

My name is Tony Sommer. I've lived in Independence my whole life, growing up in the Blackburn area and graduating from Truman in 2009. I went to college at Washington University in St. Louis where I majored in Physics before coming back home to get my Masters in Computer Science from UMKC. I bought my house a half mile from the Square ten years ago and have lived here ever since, and plan to live the rest of my life here.

Independence is home to me unlike any other city can be. I would know, I've spent a lot of time in a lot of places around the world. From 3 months in Beijing to 6 weeks in the Netherlands, I've lived like a local all over the world. But every time I'm out of town I'm away from home. 

I am running because I want my home to be great. Not good. Not acceptable. Great. But greatness doesn't just happen. It should go without saying that discriminating against some residents doesn't lead to greatness. Neither does working for the "Good Ol' Boys Club" at the expense of the citizens. That alone makes the decision in District 1 easy.

But that's not enough. 

One of my proudest accomplishments in life is learning to speak Chinese. Not because Chinese is particularly difficult (it's actually easier than you'd think). Learning any language is a long and difficult process, a process I didn't truly appreciate when I took my first Chinese class in college. I was so bad I actually got singled out for extra lessons by the professor! But after a very long and painful process I finally accomplished my goal.

Learning Spanish was much easier, which had little to do with the language itself. Instead learning Chinese taught me what it took to accomplish a difficult goal, lessons I have applied to everything in life. If you want to do something great, you can't just sit around and do the bare minimum. You have to bring 100% of your energy and focus to accomplishing the task. Anything short of that won't get you to where you need to be. That difference in approach is why learning to speak Chinese took me 10 years, while learning Spanish only took 2.

That approach is what I brought to this election. I have knocked on the door of every likely voter twice. That's a lot of time in the rain and the cold and the snow knocking on doors to learn what the citizens want for their city. I also met with the head of every city department to make sure that I had a strong knowledge of the city operations. I did the research and did careful consideration to be the only candidate capable of putting together a plan to end homelessness (https://www.tonysommer.org/homelessness).

That approach is what I'll bring to the city council as well. Too often our leaders think good enough is good enough (or sometimes even bad is good enough). That won't be the case if I'm on the council. I will demand only the highest standard from myself and from the other council members. Every decision, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, deserves serious analytical and detail-oriented consideration. 

This will upset some people. Even before election day I have ruffled some feathers because of my insistence that anybody who seeks to hold public office in my hometown should be held to the highest standard. But this is the way it has to be if we want Independence to be a truly great city.

John Perkins - District 1 Candidate

JOHN PERKINS

Thank you for allowing me to talk about District 1. 

District 1 borders two cities, Kansas City, Sugar Creek, and unincorporated Jackson County.  The 1st District has the most socioeconomic and cultural make-up boasting 4 distinct areas: The Historic Square, Englewood, Maywood, and Fairmount.  We are a cultural melting pot for our community withs Hispanic, Island Pacific, and African American heritages. 

A top priority when elected was to bring economic development and reduce blight.  The city has spent over a half a million dollars for the removal of dangerous commercial and residential structures since that time.  This has helped to revitalize the Englewood area and surrounding neighborhoods.  My focus now is revitalizing old town Fairmount using the 24 Highway Complete Street Program for an economic development.  The 24 Highway Complete Street Program is the largest capital investment in northwest Independence in over 40 years.  Conversations with city leaders, stakeholders and the development community are under way and will continue through the coming months.

Working to protect our neighborhoods and schools, I helped establish the city’s first Street Crime Unit.  The Street Crime Unit is dedicated to strategically fighting crime in our neighborhoods.  I have worked to increase the funding for our police department to give them the tools and technology needed to prevent and respond to crime.

One of the challenges facing Independence and the 1st District is homelessness.  Although there are no easy answers, we have partnered with Community Services League to start the Independence TOGETHER program.  This program employs houseless individuals to clean up our roadways.  The success of this program can be measured two ways.  The first, several people have worked hard and have found permanent housing due to the opportunity to work.  The second is by the amount of trash that has been picked up off our roadways- 250,000 pounds.  Community partners are working together to establish Independence’s first drop-in center.  This center will work to meet the basic needs of those who are homeless such as: showers, laundry facilities, and wrap-around services.  The ARCH program, Alternative Response to Community Health, is a mobile crisis team that works in conjunction with our police department to assure individuals suffering from a mental health crisis can receive proper care.

There is still plenty of work left to do and I know that we as a community are up to the challenge.

Thank you,

John Perkins

Kenneth Love - District 3 Candidate

KENNETH LOVE

I'm Kenneth Love, and I'm running for 3rd District City Council. I've run for both council and mayor in the past. And yes, I keep running because I believe citizens deserve someone who will speak up and be their voice. Something we haven't had for a long time. I'm ready to challenge the status quo.

I'm not a polished, slick politician. Being originally from Louisiana, I'm about as down-to-earth and real as it gets. I'm proud to be a citizen of Independence, but I'm concerned with the direction the city has gone in the last 10 years. I want to be the council member who's truly for the citizens – not myself or some special interest group.

There are so many issues and problems that have been ignored; it's hard to know what to tackle first. But I've been chewing on some things since I decided to run again, and I feel there are a few issues that need addressing sooner than later. Let me lay them out for you so you know where I stand and what I want to do.

First, and probably one of the most important issues, is wasteful spending. It sure seems like the city thinks money grows on trees, but we need to cut the fat. Tighten our purse strings and put your hard-earned dollars where they matter most – like fixing our deteriorating roads.

Our streets are looking rough, and I'm sure citizens' cars have taken a beating because of it. It's time we adopt an entire street maintenance program – not just for a few of the main roads. Potholes the size of moon craters are going to end up costing citizens. Let's smooth things over and make our roads and driving experience better.

When it comes to crime, especially the uptick in violent crimes, we have to stop turning a blind eye. I aim to work hand in hand with our law enforcement to tackle this head-on. Safe streets are happy streets, and I won't back down on this because citizens deserve a safe city.

The homeless crisis is another growing problem we need to start addressing. It's time to roll up our sleeves and find real solutions. I know the struggles the homeless face. Let's not just talk about helping; let's start finding a solution.

We also have a slum landlord problem. Many investors and individual rental property owners have gotten away with violations for too long. We need strict enforcement of licensing, hefty fines for neglecting properties, and making sure the repairs actually get done. It's time for landlords to clean up their act and give renters homes that are clean and safe.

I've been a resident here in Independence for 24 years now, and I'm no stranger to the needs of this city – owning a small rental property business myself has given me a front-row seat to the ongoing problems.

Citizens are the heart and soul of Independence, and it's about time their voices are heard. I'm running for council to be a representative for citizens who'll listen to them, speak up, and fight for real change. Let's make Independence a place we're all proud to call home again.

Vote Kenneth Love on February 6th for 3rd District Council – the no-frills, no slick rhetoric choice for a city that deserves better. Together, we'll make changes happen.

I sincerely appreciate your support.

Independence to Sue Jackson County over Property Tax Assessments

From the City of Independence: 

 The Independence City Council has voted to move forward with filing a lawsuit against Jackson County regarding recent property tax assessments. 

On July 17, the City Council approved a resolution to direct the City Manager to consult with the City Counselor to determine whether the City should join an existing class action lawsuit. The City Council met in an exeutive session on September 14, where, after hearing guidance from legal counsel, they made the final decision to proceed with their own lawsuit.

The City has retained Charles Hatfield with Stinson, LLP, to represent them in this matter and anticipates the lawsuit to be filed in Jackson County within one week.

A joint statement from the Independence City Council reads:

"In the wake of continuous failures by Jackson County officials to correct their inconsistent and unfair processes related to the assessment of real property taxes, the Independence City Council has authorized City staff to retain legal council to initiate a lawsuit against Jackson County.

The Independence City Council did not make this decision lightly, but feels litigation has become necessary in order to stand up for the interests of Indepenence residents and ensure the assessment process is being done in compliance with state law.

It is the City's hope that this unfortunate, but necessary action, will finally force Jackson County to do what is right for the City of Independence and its residents."

 

Loss of Councilmember Karen Deluccie

From the official Facebook page of the City of Independence:

We received the sad news that At-Large Councilmember Karen Deluccie passed this afternoon following a battle with lung cancer.

"Councilmember Deluccie was a staunch advocate for the citizens of Independence and committed to a balanced budget," City Manager Zach Walker said. "She never failed to ask a question and always looked for the answers her citizens demanded. We will miss her sharp wit and dedication. Our thoughts are with her husband, daughter and son in this difficult time. We will share details on services and memorials honoring her service to the community when they are available."

Councilmember Deluccie asked to share this with the public upon her death.

Funeral Services Friday for IPD Chief Fred Mills

On Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, Retired Independence Police Chief Fred Mills (Van Horn Class of 1962) passed away after a hard fought battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).  Chief Mills retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol as the Colonel of the Patrol prior to coming to IPD.  Chief Mills served from 2001-2008 at IPD and continued to serve the citizens of Independence in private roles even after retirement.

Services information is as follows:

Friday, Feb. 11, 2022
First Baptist Church of Blue Springs
4500 S. Little Blue Parkway

Visitation 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Service 1:00 p.m.

Graveside Services at Floral Hills East, 25203 E. 50 Hwy, Lee's Summit, MO immediately after the service.

https://www.speakschapel.com/memorials/frederick-mills/4850525/index.php

Meet the Candidates: Marcie Gragg

INDEPENDENCE CITY COUNCIL RACE: 

MARCIE GRAGG

For those who don't know me, I was privileged to serve previously on the City Council as the First District Council member between 2006 and 2016. I stepped down at the end of that term, which was about a year after my husband passed from cancer. I really enjoyed serving before we accomplished a lot of wonderful things, but at that time three of our four sons were still living at home and needed my full-time attention, so I chose not to run again for Council.

When I served before, we got a LOT of great things done together in the First District (which I represented) and throughout the city. When I served before, we:

• addressed neighborhood blight and created revitalization plans throughout the district.

• addressed serious infrastructure needs and revitalized our historic Truman district.

• championed the development of the city's first inclusive playground and special needs ballfield at McCoy Park (it was named the “Gragg Outpost” in honor of my family’s work on this project.

• corrected obsolete zoning that helped restore single family housing in Englewood, Fairmount, Mt. Washington, and near the Historic Square.

• prioritized undergrounding of electric utilities to improve IPL service and reduce storm outages in our older neighborhoods, especially in the First District.

•  built the arena and expanded economic development around 39th St. 

• partnered with “12 Blocks West,” a redevelopment non-profit corporation, to demo a dangerous apartment building, build new homes, create food distribution networks, provide free job training, and build partnerships with residents, churches, and businesses in western Independence.

Some of these successes can still be seen, and others have been neglected and need our attention again.

Our city is facing a lot of challenges right now, and we have a lot of work to do together to address some problem areas that are detracting from our quality of life. We need solid and well-resourced police, fire, and health services. We need clean, safe neighborhoods with quality housing opportunities for residents of all income levels. We also need to attract job opportunities that raise our median income.  These are my priorities today.

Foremost, public safety must be our first priority.  When I served the council previously, I had a strong record of supporting all aspects of our public safety. Whether it was our police services, our fire services, or our health services, I have always promoted adopting a budget that prioritized these areas. I co-chaired one of the police sales tax campaigns in 2015. If a city is not safe, its citizens can't enjoy quality of life. Ensuring that these public safety departments are well resourced is critical. 

In addition to public safety, we need to give much more serious attention to the increase in the homeless population in our community and to the decline in the quality of housing in many of our aging neighborhoods.  I think we need to take a good hard look and what is driving these two issues, find ways that they are connected, and set priorities for tackling them head on. Regarding quality of housing, I would like to see us focus on ways we can support and resource neighborhoods that are trying to revitalize themselves.

Third, we need to tackle some big issues that are affecting our ability to attract large companies to our city that bring with them high paying jobs.  Wrapped up in this conversation is the issue of our electric utility and the cost of power and how that may be affecting economic development. It’s time that we have some hard conversations in our community about what's been holding us back and what we need to do to break free and move forward.

I hope voters will select candidates who have demonstrated they can hit the ground running and lead effectively with their experience, passion, and integrity.  I believe our Council can do much better than it has in the past several years and I hope to be a part of restoring our citizens’ faith in local government.

For more information visit https://www.graggforindependence.com/

PLEASE VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 8!

MEET THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR: BRICE STEWART -- HOLMES OSBORNE -- KENNETH LOVE -- EILEEN WEIR
CITY COUNCIL: MIKE HUFF -- BILL PRESTON

Meet the Candidates: Billie Ray Preston

INDEPENDENCE CITY COUNCIL RACE: 

BILLIE RAY PRESTON

At the top of any thoughtful list of important concerns for the citizens of Independence, MO, or any town in America, you would expect to find health and welfare, housing, a sufficiently thriving economic and industrial base to ensure every person capable of working earns a livable wage, and a wholesome environment that promotes ethics in government. Health and welfare also includes public safety. Housing and the lack thereof define the civility and compassion of a society. Economics and industry are the foundation and corner stones of every sustainable society. However, it is ethics in government that offer citizens the assurance that public resources are used to promote a fair and just community.

At the core of health and welfare is public safety. On the frontline of public safety is the police officer who responds to the widest range of summons. However, it is this very officer that is most neglected. This officer is paid such a low wage that one of our most sacred and treasured public servants is compelled to routinely work eighty (80) to one hundred (100) or more hours per week to adequately provide for family. We would never permit an airline pilot to fly a plane eighty (80) hours a week. We would never permit an over-the-road truck driver to drive an eighteen wheeler eighty (80) hours a week. There are profound negative unintended consequences. And yet, the police officer is economically compelled to work long hours because we withhold what is rightly due: a fair and just wage. No one works ninety hours a week, month after month and year after year, because "they just love their job". This is a dictate of finance or the lack thereof. It is grossly inadequate to merely say, "I support our police." We must hold adult discussions on fair and equitable compensation for our police. Anything else is mindless babble. A just wage is essential; however, continuing education is fundamental and an eighty (80) hour workweek is a major obstacle.

Affordable and fair housing is essential and indicative of a fair and just society. Adequate housing is the product of thoughtful city planning. We must do better. The Independence School District has approximately one thousand (1,000) homeless children daily, and that does not include data from the other three school districts in Independence. This is a pre-covid-19 statistic. The existing federal, state and local partnerships are the short term approach and only a partial solution. When these financial resources are delivered, we must ensure they are delivered to the intended point of need and not diverted to some pork barrel project. This requires accountability and thoughtful oversight. There also must be a region-wide approach to systemic homelessness as presently we are primarily making our homelessness problem our municipal neighbors' problem. The long term solution is as it has always been: education.

There has been municipal effort to attract a more diversified industrial base. There must be a renewed and concerted effort in that regard. However, we may be overlooking the obvious. Our wages are low because we have an under-trained and under educated population. Kirksville MO, with a population under twenty thousand (20,000), has a medical school, a dental school, a university and an incredibly engaged and cohesive local leadership team. Of course, Kirksville holds rigorous debate, but it is always thoughtful and respectful. If we address our most fundamental need, a well-trained and well-educated labor force, we will produce the clean environmental industry of education.

Ethics in government must be more than some trite campaign slogan dragged out seasonally to excuse the lack thereof. Our beloved Independence has been plagued by a dark shadow for more than forty (40) years. This dark hand has been persistent and consistent. Even before the days of Mayor Barbara Potts and to the present, mayors have pushed back. There must be a full-throated ethical movement that includes the City Council rather than having this matter exacerbated by Council members. I will not besmirch our municipal image in this format to advance. However, I intend to shine the light of justice on any proposal that betrays the oath of our fiduciary responsibility. On this matter I renew the sacred pledge to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic. I intend to use every arrow in the quiver to pierce the heart of any scheme to misdirect public resources. There must be continuing education on ethics in government for our elected officials, city staff and vendors and contractors.

We must address the issues of health and welfare, housing, economics and ethics in government as a thoughtful people. We are fortunate to be the home of some of the most gifted people in America. We are bigger than our challenge, with solutions resting within our concerted and civil debate. No one person is the solution; however, collectively we embody both the answers and the problems. I choose to be part of the answer.

I am a sixty-nine (69) year old black man who came to Independence in 2008. This community embraced me and I have sought to give back. I am retired from federal service after more than twenty (20) years of enforcing federal labor laws and assisting businesses, industry and labor and professional organizations better understand the many applicable federal labor regulations.

Most of my life has been spent interfacing with the public and in public service. I have enjoyed almost every moment of it. My academic preparation with degrees in economics and real estate, along with the coaching of some incredibly talented and generous people, have prepared me well. I remain coachable, as my years in law enforcement taught me to listen carefully. Federal investigating also taught me to begin each investigation with a clean slate and not some previously held position in search of corroborating data.

Public service does not require one to agree with every position put forward. However, one is required to listen and respect input. I have never longed for public office nor have I ever previously sought public office. I embrace this opportunity because of the encouragement of many friends. They trust me and I trust them. I hope you will too.

For more information visit https://www.electbillpreston.com/

PLEASE VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 8!

MEET THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR: BRICE STEWART -- HOLMES OSBORNE -- KENNETH LOVE -- EILEEN WEIR
CITY COUNCIL: MIKE HUFF -- BILL PRESTON-- MARCIE GRAGG

Meet the Candidates: Eileen Weir

INDEPENDENCE MAYORAL RACE: 

EILEEN WEIR

My husband, Tom, and I moved to Independence in 2000 and purchased his grandparent's home on Blue Ridge Blvd.  Tom's parents, Bob and Carolyn Weir, live next door to us, in the home where Tom grew up.  His grandfather, Bill Reich, worked in the family business A. Reich & Sons in Leeds and the West Bottoms of Kansas City before developing the Blue Ridge Mall and Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co in the 1950's.  He and Tom's grandmother, Marcie Reich, were very involved in the business and civic communities throughout their lives.

Over the past 21 years that I have lived in Independence, I have focused on public safety and economic development, particularly in Western Independence.  I was appointed to the Citizens Committee on Public Safety in 2003 and worked with Chief of Police Fred Mills and Fire Chief Larry Hodge to understand the needs of our police and fire departments. The committee recommended two sales taxes for police and fire which were placed on the ballot in August of 2004. I learned a lot from working on those campaigns, and I have put my time, energy, and financial resources into many campaigns since then including the school district boundary change campaign to bring the Western Independence schools into the Independence School District.  I led the 2019 Prop P campaign to implement a local use tax to hire more police officers and support our regional animal shelter.

I currently serve on the "On A Roll Committee" to implement the city's downtown redevelopment plan.  This plan includes the Square, Englewood, Maywood, and Fairmount as well as Noland Road, 23rd Street, and 24 Hwy.  Over the past several months, I have been working with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver to secure federal funding for an emissions-free, fare-free bus rapid transit project on 24 Hwy.  This plan will connect Kansas City, KS, Kansas City, MO and Independence with a state-of-the art bus line and revitalize the 24 Hwy corridor with new infrastructure, businesses and housing. This will add to the investment the city has already made for the complete streets project on 24 Hwy that will begin construction this year.

During my time as mayor, I have enjoyed leading trips to other cities in our area and around the country to learn about downtown redevelopment and get great ideas for our city.  My dad's career was in downtown redevelopment, so it is something I grew up with and have always been inspired by.  Independence has so much to offer, and I have dedicated myself to building relationships across the metro and across the country to bring quality development to our city.  Over the past 8 years, our median income has grown from $41,000 to $53,000 and over 5,000 new jobs have been created.

I appreciate your vote on Tuesday, February 8th to keep Independence growing strong.

PLEASE VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 8!

MEET THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR: BRICE STEWART -- HOLMES OSBORNE -- KENNETH LOVE -- EILEEN WEIR
CITY COUNCIL: MIKE HUFF -- BILL PRESTON-- MARCIE GRAGG

Meet the Candidates: Mike Huff

INDEPENDENCE CITY COUNCIL RACE: 

MIKE HUFF

Greetings. I am Mike Huff and the City of Independence's incumbent Councilmember At-Large elected in April, 2018. I am a life-long resident of Independence, MO. My education has all been within the Independence School District. I graduated from William Chrisman High School and attended a two-year program at Park College. I obtained several work related, industrial, state, federal, and managerial certifications thru my professional career.

I was employed by Armco Steel for several years and then a janitor with Independence Power and Light. I was with the IPL for 34 years as a lineman, superintendent, and electrical distribution manager before my 2017 retirement from the CITY. I managed 50+ employees over those years, assisted in many Missouri and national disaster crews to help other electrical companies during storms and terrible hurricanes like Katrina. I am VERY proud to be a past member of the Steel Workers Union Local 13 (Armco) and IBEW Local 53 (IPL), which both unions continue to strive for worker equalities.

Independence is a wonderful city to raise a family. My wife, Tammy, and I have two successful children who are married with two wonderful grandchildren and one on the way. My parents, who are also life-long Independence citizens, donated time to maintain Independence historical sites and I continue to support these preservation efforts today. This great city is so rich with a diverse history and other unique economical sources that we must promote and capitalize upon to attract new families and businesses to our great city.

I pledge continued efforts for city change to benefit all Independence citizens and to do so with the utmost transparency. I have introduced over 28 ordinances for the betterment of citizens. Many of these have been to save the citizens money through energy rate reductions and refunds, addressing blight in our neighborhoods and business areas, and addressing the need for more police and fire fighters. I also see a great need to address our economic development policies and ideas, create employment opportunities, and increase community services.

PLEASE VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 8!

MEET THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR: BRICE STEWART -- HOLMES OSBORNE -- KENNETH LOVE -- EILEEN WEIR
CITY COUNCIL: MIKE HUFF -- BILL PRESTON-- MARCIE GRAGG

Meet the Candidates: Kenneth Love

INDEPENDENCE MAYORAL RACE: 

KENNETH LOVE

My name is Kenneth Love and I’m running for the office of Mayor because the citizens of Independence deserve a leader who will bring honest and transparent leadership to the people of Independence. A leader who will prioritize the issues plaguing Independence that have only continued to get worse.

The most pressing issues that I feel and citizens have expressed that need immediate and focused attention are:

• The increase in crime (especially violent crime).

• The growing number of homeless within the city.

• Economic decline and the need for growth (beyond just another fast-food joint) to help increase tax revenue and create more jobs.

• Eliminate wasteful spending of your tax dollars on self-interest and unnecessary projects - to help ensure the financial sustainability of the city.

Improving Independence and getting it back to the great suburban city it once was is important to me because every citizen deserves to live in a city that’s not only safe but thriving - and not have to be scared to go out at night or watch their property value decline due to blight, crime, and other factors.

These issues, as well as others the city faces, are complex issues that will require complex solutions. Campaigns are full of empty promises that are never fulfilled. So I won’t make any promises because action speaks louder than words.

But what I will tell you is that I will work for YOU, and, if I’m elected Mayor, I will prioritize these issues by identifying social services already in place that can be better utilized, exploring solutions that other cities have successfully implemented, reviewing financial resources available to fund solutions, and any other resources available.

I know there are many more issues that will need to be addressed and resolved, but we have to start somewhere, and crime, homelessness, economic decline, and wasteful spending are the most pressing issues Independence is dealing with.

I’ve lived in Independence for 24 years and I’m a regular citizen, just like you. I’m not a polished career politician. I’m running for Mayor because I want to improve the lives of the citizens of Independence and help empower them by being their voice. I WILL WORK FOR YOU.

We’ve had eight years of ineffective, self-serving leadership that’s resulted in wasteful spending, unnecessary self-interest projects, and an FBI investigation into city hall over the questionable business dealings of our current leaders.

It’s time you demand a progressive leader who will put the concerns and needs of citizens over their own self-serving interests. We’ve suffered enough injustice from those in power who have ignored the concerns of citizens and have caused tremendous social and economic challenges within our community.

It’s time to stand up and demand change and we do that by electing new leadership that is committed to serving the interests of the citizens. I stand strong in my unwavering commitment to ensuring a better quality of life for every citizen of Independence.

I vow to make sure no one goes unseen or unheard. Your fight is my fight. And I will fight hard for the change we all want and need to see. A change that takes the special interests control OUT of city hall and puts it BACK in the hands of the citizens.

Great things can be achieved through collective action. Your vote is not just about your voice being heard, it’s about making a difference. And our collective action can help bring about the change we ALL want to see. The change everyone deserves. But it won’t happen without your help. I urge you to stand up for change and make a difference - put new leadership in office. A vote for Kenneth Love is a vote for change.

Independence is at a crossroads. A pivotal time when the need for an honest progressive leader that’s NOT tied to special interest groups or PACs has never been more crucial than it is right now. So on February 8th when you place your vote in the ballot box - that’s when democracy works.

Thank you for all your support!

PLEASE VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 8!

MEET THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR: BRICE STEWART -- HOLMES OSBORNE -- KENNETH LOVE -- EILEEN WEIR
CITY COUNCIL: MIKE HUFF -- BILL PRESTON-- MARCIE GRAGG

Meet the Candidates: Holmes Osborne

INDEPENDENCE MAYORAL RACE: 

HOLMES OSBORNE

My name is Holmes Osborne and I'm running for Mayor of Independence.  Ten years of leadership from Mayor Eileen Weir has seen violent crime increase, blight spread, homeless camps, and strange tax deals that favor developers.   I have the experience, education, and training to return Independence to its glory days.

Mayor Weir had an entire decade to make a big difference, but what has she done? Weir has made sweetheart deals with big-money donors that have left most of our citizens behind to benefit only a few. Some examples: The Solar Farm at Rockwood, closing the Health Department, and allowing our police department to dwindle down to the point where it takes hours to respond to calls.  Our police force has around fifty vacancies. Starting pay is barely over $40,000 a year.  Compared to many other professions, a person can find a much easier job paying a lot more money. $60,0000 a year starting pay would help address this problem.  

Why has our current Mayor Eileen Weir failed at this?  Perhaps it’s because the police union does not give substantial amounts of money to political campaigns.  Too many cozy relationships have detracted the money that should go to law enforcement.  At times, there are 12 patrols, covering 78 square miles, stretching from the Sports Complex to Buckner, Missouri. It’s literally an impossible job.

I am currently an elected Trustee of the Metropolitan Community College.  I'm proud to say that the MCC's Blue River Public Safety Institute’s Police Academy is currently training recruits specifically for the Independence Police Department, and the training they are receiving is first rate! But when they graduate, they need to have a good paying job waiting for them in Independence. 

With my financial background and business acumen, we can make this happen. I have a degree in finance from Syracuse University. My alma mater has the best school of government in the country (the second best is at Harvard).  I am one of the few holders of the Financial Analyst designation to run for public office.  I will use my financial background to make budgetary cuts and direct resources towards law enforcement.  I’ve been featured in the Wall Street Journal three times and have written over 600 articles on finance and economics.  I have decades of experience in money management. I will find and eliminate the waste in the City's budget (there is PLENTY of waste!) and I will fund our police department properly WITHOUT raising your taxes.

Visit my website at www.holmesformayor.com

PLEASE VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 8!

MEET THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR: BRICE STEWART -- HOLMES OSBORNE -- KENNETH LOVE -- EILEEN WEIR
CITY COUNCIL: MIKE HUFF -- BILL PRESTON-- MARCIE GRAGG

Meet the Candidates: Brice Stewart

INDEPENDENCE MAYORAL RACE: 

BRICE STEWART

Personally, I am the father of two beautiful daughters Ollie & Emeline. Their mother Misty and I could not be prouder of them.

Professionally, I am currently on the City Council representing the 2nd District. I work fulltime for Jackson County in the Information Technology Department. I also work part-time as a Police Officer and have for many years. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and an Associates Degree in Network Administration.

When elected my first areas of focus will be:

#1. Reduce crime and disorder

#2. Lower Utility Bills

#3. Clean up blight

#4. Homelessness

To reduce crime, we must start with hiring more Police Officers. Currently, it is not an easy task to hire quality Police Officers due to many reasons. Independence is not the only agency struggling with Police Officer recruiting and retention. As Mayor I will ensure we offer the best salary and incentives to come and work for our department. Financial benefits are not the only thing that needs to be done, our city needs to ensure the Police Officers who work here have good morale and that starts with a leadership team that must have the right qualities to lead. Our current Police Officers are truly our best recruitment tool, if they are satisfied with their employment, they will be more likely to recommend our department.

Lowering of utility bills will require more commercial businesses to ease the financial impact on the residents. I will focus on bringing more commercial businesses to Independence without a negative impact on homeowners.

Cleaning up blight and the negative impacts of it will require more budgeted money. I will look for grants and any other funding mechanisms at my disposal if this cannot be paid for out of the General Fund.

Homelessness, we more need funding for services and programs. This will need to be a community response since this problem exists across all cities in the metro. I will work with my counterparts in other cities and solicit funding from the state or federal government to try to alleviate this issue.

PLEASE VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 8!

MEET THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR: BRICE STEWART -- HOLMES OSBORNE -- KENNETH LOVE -- EILEEN WEIR
CITY COUNCIL: MIKE HUFF -- BILL PRESTON-- MARCIE GRAGG

DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR CITY ELECTION JANUARY 12

To vote in the Mayor and City Council races on February 8 you MUST BE REGISTERED BY JANUARY 12. It only takes a few minutes to register online. Please make sure you're registered, and spread the word! Use the online form at the link below:

https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Still No Arrests in November Drive-By Shooting

So far there have been no arrests made nor suspects named in two separate drive-by shooting incidents on 24 Highway in Independence that happened in the early morning hours of November 20. 

The first shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. at a house on a block sandwiched between the Army Reserve center to the west, and a CVS pharmacy to the east. Five shots were fired at that time.

Two and a half hours later the assailant or assailants returned with an AK-47 and fired at least 50 rounds of ammunition into the two houses less than 30 footsteps away from the Army Reserve center. The house on the left sustained the most damage, with more than 40 shots hitting the exterior and interior of the house. Bullet holes riddle the siding, windows, interior and exterior doors, walls, framed pictures, the garage, and the owner's automobile. Shots fired through the front door lodged bullets into the wall at the back of the house. The occupant of this house was in bed during the attack, and was not injured. Police recovered more than 30 shell casings when they arrived at the scene. 

The house to the right was hit with approximately 15 bullets, which also sailed through the windows and were lodged into walls. The family that owns the house had recently moved away. Had they still lived at that residence, their seven children who occupied the rooms that were fired upon could have been in grave danger.

Police who were called to the scene questioned the homeowner whose house sustained the most damage, a 76-year-old man who felt that the officers were skeptical when he insisted that he had no enemies or quarrels that would cause somebody to spray his house with bullets from an automatic weapon. He has contacted detectives several times since the incident but has been told that no further information is available regarding possible suspects.

The resident, along with many others, are having a difficult time understanding how an attack of this magnitude could occur on a city block with such extensive surveillance, yet no clues have been offered nor have the police asked for the public's help in identifying the attackers. 

If anyone does have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Independence Police Department Investigations Unit at (816) 325-7330.

The Loss of Paul Wrabec

'A good person, period': Paul Wrabec, chair of the Jackson County Democrats, has died

Paul J. Wrabec, chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Party, died Wednesday. He was 64. Kansas City Democrats paid tribute to him on social media. "Paul loved his family. Paul loved Sugar Creek and Jackson County. And, even in lean times, Paul loved being a Democrat," Mayor Quinton Lucas wrote.

Atherton Quarry Cancelled -- For the Time Being...

Sugar Creek limestone quarry plan dropped - 'back to the drawing board,' says mayor

Central Plains Cement and its partner companies have pulled back their proposal for a limestone quarry in Sugar Creek, a project that drew much citizen backlash at crowded public hearings. Residents said they were worried about noise, dust and heavy truck traffic.