As part of our mission to produce information and programs for the survival and flourishing of Black people, we are excited to announce the creation of The Kansas City Defender Voter Guide for the 2023 Municipal Election. 

Our Voter Guide is a comprehensive resource for the community, offering information on the candidates running for office, the issues that matter to Black voters, and the impact of certain endorsements.

We encourage voters to consider this information when making their decisions at the ballot box.

Why This Election Matters 

The upcoming municipal election is a crucial moment for our community, as it will determine the leaders who will make decisions that impact our lives for years to come. As Black voters, we have a responsibility to use our power at the ballot box to hold our elected officials accountable and to push for a more just and equitable Kansas City.

Additionally, Kansas City is on the brink of massive development with the upcoming NFL Draft and hosting the World Cup, making this election more critical than ever. The results of this election will determine whether our city prioritizes the needs of the wealthy and continues to perpetuate systems of violence and oppression towards poor and working-class people, or whether we will build a future where all community members can thrive.

We have asked candidates four Yes or No questions and one short-answer question.

The Questions We Asked

1. Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?
2. Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed?
3. Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?
4. Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?
5. If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you?

Our Grading Criteria:

Our voter guide is designed to give you a better understanding of the candidates’ positions on key issues that matter to the community. We believe that redirecting resources away from incarceration, policing, and other forms of violence and instead investing in life-affirming alternatives such as housing, healthcare, education, and mental health resources is crucial to achieving a world where imprisonment, policing, and surveillance of Black, brown and poor people no longer exists.

We understand that selecting candidates can be a complex process, which is why we have developed a grading system that reflects our Abolitionist principles and the concerns of the Black community. We asked questions that we believe are indicative of our values, and graded candidates based on their responses. While their answers to our questions weighed most heavily in the grade, we also took into consideration their previous experience, community engagement and positions on issues.

Our grading system ranges from Grades A through F, with A being the highest possible grade and F being the lowest. Each candidate was graded on a combination of their answers to our questions, their past experiences, and their positions on relevant issues.

While we would have loved to provide more detailed information on the background and research behind our grading criteria for each candidate, as well as information on those who did not respond, our small team and limited capacity prevented us from including these aspects in this voter guide. However, as we continue to grow and expand, we plan to include these important details in future guides to better serve our community.

The Election Scorecard

**AN IMPORTANT NOTE**

As part of our commitment to the liberation of Black people and our opposition to organizations that protect white supremacy and violence against Black communities, The Kansas City Defender has established a criteria for our Voter Guide that any candidate who is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) cannot receive a grade higher than a D.

We believe that the FOP represents a dangerous threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, and we refuse to support any candidate who is aligned with this organization. By adhering to this criteria, we hope to ensure that our Voter Guide provides voters with the information they need to make informed decisions that reflect our shared values and commitment to a just and equitable society.

1st In-District

Nathan Willet (Grade D, FOP Endorsement)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?    

I am committed to securing resources that will make communities safe – including more resources for mental health. If KCPD shows a good use for money over the 25% & has community support, I would also support. I also support incentives for First Responders who are from & live in the communities they serve. 

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

Currently, many people who have been detained are being held in jails a few counties away from KC. Support for building a new jail would be beneficial to all involved in the process. It is not a good practice to hold Kansas Citians in counties far away. 

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

I do not support tax breaks for developers unless the neighborhoods and current residents support the proposal. It would be on a case by case basis that the neighborhood leaders would have to be on board with. 

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants? 

I will support housing options that have a proven track record of reducing the student mobility rate. As a teacher, I have seen student mobility due to lack of affordable housing hurt the education of our kids. 

KC Tenants represents a strong perspective on this issue but doesn’t have a monopoly on the types of proposals to deal with the housing crisis. 

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

I would be the only public school teacher on the council & would make sure City Hall understands the needs of the neighborhoods I represent. Being a third generation Northlander, I will not bow down to bad developments that hurt our neighborhoods. People involved in their communities, not politicians, should be representing us.

2nd At-Large

Jenay Manley (Grade A+)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes, I am committed to limiting the KCPD budget to the minimum 25% required by law. I see our communities thriving when their needs are met. I oppose the current policing and carceral system as a whole. The police department does not exist to reduce harm or crime in our communities but to punish people suffering from systemic injustice.

The city should collaborate with Kansas City residents to find ways to reduce crime in Kansas City and better understand the issues residents are having with holding the police department accountable. Complaints go directly to the police department, but currently, the City cannot access those complaints. We can and should implement a complaints program through the city’s Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO) department. If a resident has an issue with KCPD, we should direct them to CREO for complaints and investigations.

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed?

We should prioritize proactive solutions instead of reactive punishments. $150 Million dollars towards a jail will not reduce crime. We should be using public dollars to invest in public services. Mental health services, childcare, education, and housing. All these resources and more would help our communities become safe and keep families whole. I would push this funding to go into our community and the resources we need instead of being used to create jails.

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

The only way to use TIFs responsibly is to center the voices of those most impacted. In addition, the City should be transparent and consistent in the public engagement process. In my commitment to prioritizing people over profit, I would ensure that every tax incentive the City gives must be assessed and scrutinized by a thorough public engagement process. The public must be allowed to ask questions, and those questions must be answered before moving forward. If there is dissent because of the harm it would do to people, the developer should be responsible for addressing the harm and working with the community to identify solutions.

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Yes. Housing is a human right that no one should profit from. My long-term priority for Kansas City is creating and implementing municipal social housing. My top priority to protect the people’s right to safe, accessible, truly affordable housing for tenants.

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you?

I am running for City Council because I believe in the power of the people. I sincerely believe in co-governance and am committed to practicing it as a councilperson. Co-governance prioritizes making decisions with the people of Kansas City instead of making decisions for them and always centering the needs of the people most impacted. This means that the people, you all, engage directly in the processes we have historically been left out of. It is going to take all of us. Young people, seniors, single parents, and people from all walks of life. Co-governance will be successful when we all come together to dream up solutions that will take us from surviving individually to thriving collectively.

Lindsay French (Grade D-)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed?

No

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

No

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you?

I think co governance means different things to different people. As a Councilwoman, my governing approach will be based on my experience with public and stakeholder engagement. I’ll listen to the diverse perspectives of Kansas Citians and focus on ways to build up the city together. I believe many of the challenges we face as a city have concrete solutions, but they require a willingness to listen, think differently, and get a variety of stakeholders more involved from the beginning. As an active listener, problem solver, and common-sense coalition builder, I’ll use my proven ability to work collectively to achieve goals and develop good public policy.

3rd In-District

Sheri Hall (Grade B-)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.? 

Yes. I am an advocate for preventative measures over the continued expansion of reactionary organizations. We need to combat crime through the provision of resources and opportunities (housing, jobs and job training, infrastructure improvements, blighted remediation, expanded mental health access – both clinical and non-clinical with cultural humility and multiple modaliries of funded wrap around services).

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed?

Yes.

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities? 

Large developers, no, especially without community agreements. Individuals and community members who are small businesses. Who have roots here and care about our communities, yes.

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants? 

While I know what social housing is, I have not seen the proposal of KC Tenants so I would not just blindly back it. I also am honest enough to not just say what you want to hear nut willing to work with the whole community toward equitable solutions that can be continually supported. As I have traveled to other forums I have heard candidates say different things different places.  Also, some of the others running for council outside of Janay Manley also do not support this in background conversations. I would encourage you to speak with them indivodually or go to other forums and hear them.

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you?

Absolutely. This looks like organizing and true Community Engagement Science to bring necessary parties to the table when the decisions are to be made before the money is spent.  It’s about community having meaningful input and not just being asked to waste time as a part of political posturing.  That reinforces the community trauma we have and feelings of a lack of control over our own destiny.

Melissa Robinson (Grade B+)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes, I voted and worked to ensure that we are not increasing spending in an area where we cannot ensure that tax payers have ownership and authority in how law enforcement is implemented in Kansas City.

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed?

I am committed to working with Jackson County to ensure we don’t have two new jails.  I am committed to working to focus tax payer dollars on restorative justice, emotional health/wellbeing and economic empowerment.  My children and I are victims of crime and it is important that people are accountable for their actions as well as receiving services that reduce the chances of recidivism.

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes, with the school district’s support, I do feel it is necessary to incentivize development in distressed and blighted communities.

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

I have began working and will continue to work to ensure the City is at the forefront in investing in municipal supported housing. 

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you?

Yes, I am committed to ensuring we work with people to build policies and not govern in a vacuum.  The majority of the policies I passed and lead were done under a go-governance style model. The municipal supported housing projects, making Juneteenth a City Holiday, the reparations work, operation cut and clean, tax breaks for longtime residents to stay in their homes. and so much more was done with people and not for people.

3rd At-Large

Brandon Ellington (Grade A-)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed?

Yes

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Depending on the development. Short answer yes.

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

I’m open to the concept but I will only commit once I see the language.

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you?

I currently do that. In my  office we created the No More Excuses Coalition. Coalition consists of non-profits, for profits, individuals & businesses we meet annually and construct legislation and also host community events.

Melissa Patterson Hazley (Grade D-, FOP Endorsement)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes, I can commit to honoring the required budget. Other Investments, such as housing, is one of my top priorities. 

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

I have gathered information about the current facility and have been told the conditions are inhumane. I think it is important to have a facility that prioritizes health and safety. Therefore, I need to consider building a new jail (or substantially renovating what we have) for reasons related to health and safety while trying to avoid building an unnecessarily large facility. 

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes. 

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Yes. 

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

Yes. Co governance looks like working with people who have ideas about ways to solve the problems they face – particularly everyday residents who are typically ignored. This can be in the form of facilitating funding for projects that need to happen or enacting a new policy that moves things already in place along.

4th In-District

Eric Bunch (Grade B)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

No. But I will commit to voting against anything that does not include full wrap-around services and is part of a diversion program through our Municipal Court.

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Sometimes. Any project should be measured by its purported community benefits.

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Absolutely

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

I will allow space for honest communication, tension, and collaboration with the community I serve before and after key council votes. In particular, I will work directly with the folks who are closest to our biggest challenges. I will communicate directly with the people who are most affected by any particular legislation all along the way so that there are no surprises, even in cases when we disagree. And I will give credit where credit is due, publicly; I am not an expert on much of anything, I will seek help from those who are experts and ensure they are properly credited for their expertise and work.

Crissy Dastrup (Grade B-)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

No

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes. 

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Yes. 

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

Absolutely. City Council-people have office budgets of $10K. I want to use that money to engage the 4th district via canvassing, community events, and overall to increase communication and collaboration between the community and their representative.

4th At-Large

Justin Short (Grade D, FOP Endorsement)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

As stated, state Law requires 25% of funding. Anything over this needs to be reviewed by the council to ensure we are working towards a reduction in violent crime in our city. Addressing housing is a priority of mine, and considering alternatives is always something I will support. 

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

No. The KCMO Jackson County Facility will likely be voted on before my term begins. While I have significant issues with mass incarceration, I do believe KCMO would benefit from having a facility with county provided wrap around services available. 

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes, tax incentives are a tool used to bring development, and when done properly they can generate investment in communities that have been historically de-invested. We need to use every tool we have to build up these ignored corners of our city. 

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Yes

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? I believe co-governance is being a community driven leader. I believe in bringing the 26th floor of city hall down onto the sidewalks and into our neighborhoods. I cannot hope to represent a community I know nothing about. I am committed to engaging, listening, and showing up. 

5th At-Large

Michael Kelley (Grade A)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

Yes

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

No

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Yes

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

Yes. Co-governance means working proactively alongside the people closest to the problem to find a solution.

Darrell Curls (Grade C)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

No, if its only City Funding/ Yes, if it’s both both City/County funding.

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes, if  African American developers receive the same benefits and the area has undergo gone continours blight.

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Possibly, more research is needed.

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

Yes, To me, co-goverance involves inclusion and participation for all that are impacted. Community voices must have a more equitable voice in the the decision process. 

6th In-District

Johnathan Duncan (Grade A+)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes – we need to invest in our people; specifically, in the health and welfare of our people if we ever hope to heal as a City and stop the violence in our community.

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

Yes – we do not need more jails; we need more resources. 

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

No – the answer is not tax breaks to developers but resources to the community members themselves. 

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Yes – I would support creating a permanent funding source for the City’s housing trust fund, as well as expanding the current housing trust fund to create more opportunities for municipal social housing, cooperatives and community land trusts.  The City should be investing in housing that is not subject to the whims of the market: concerted investment should be made for affordable housing that is off the public market, publicly backed, and democratically controlled by the tenants who live there to ensure the housing is permanently affordable.

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

Yes! Co-governance is grounded in the simple fact that those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions, but historically they are not a part of the discussions when crafting policy solutions. Co-governance means uplifting the voices of those most impacted by the problems when we’re crafting policy solutions. It looks like consulting with those most impacted and strategizing potential solutions with them not for them; speaking up when they are not in the room to call them into the conversation; voting for policies that put those most impacted first; and crediting their time and effort when we pass ordinances they helped create. It looks like a government that is reflective of the people it’s supposed to represent.

Michael Schuckman (Grade D-)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Yes

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

No

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

No

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

I think that term can be misleading. My philosophy is that I want as many folks in the room before I make a decision as possible. I need to hear all the facts, see all the data from every viewpoint, and then make the best judgement call I can for as many Kansas Citians as I can. Co-governance I think lends itself to people thinking my vote is tied to the will of a particular group or organization. I will be an independent thinker and will vote based on facts and evidence.

6th At-Large

Andrea Bough (Grade B)

Would you commit to limiting KCPD’s budget to the minimum 25% required by law and re-investing anything beyond into life-affirming alternatives such as housing, mental health services, etc.?

Absent any unforeseen circumstances, I anticipate that I would do as I did this last budget and vote for a budget that provides the required 25%.  Investing in housing and mental health services is how we actually prevent crime. 

Will you commit to voting no on the construction of any new jails in your new term if they are proposed? 

I will commit to ensuring that we first attempt to provide a means to connect individuals who find themselves violating or ordinances with the resources to address their needs, whether it be substance abuse or mental health issues, job training, access to housing, etc. Incarceration should be the last resort and only reserved for extreme circumstances in limited instances (for municipal violations). There might be instances where this is the only alternative. Before I make any decision, I will continue discussions with DecarcerateKC to ensure that we my decisions are guided by fact and research. 

Do you support tax breaks for developers in blighted communities?

Yes

Will you advocate for municipal social housing as outlined by KC Tenants?

Yes. We just have to find the right project, plan and model as well as the public will. 

If elected, will you commit to practicing co-governance? If so, what does that look like to you? 

Co-governance means asking those who are closest to the problem or issue to help craft the solution or policy. I plan to practice co-governance as I have in my last 4 years, by listening to those who are most impacted by the decisions that we make and engaging those voices as we draft legislation and policy. Co-governance is something we as legislatures do or should do as part of all our decision making. We engage the public’s opinion to help guide us as to what is best for the community.

SUB DISTRICT 4, SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Jay Gray (Grade A+)

Do you support reallocating funds from school resource officers (SROs) to social workers, counselors, and other support staff?

Yes

Do you commit to advocating for culturally responsive teaching, including topics like the 1619 Project, LGBTQ and critical race theory?

Yes

Do you support providing comprehensive sex education that is inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship dynamics?

Yes

Do you commit to advocating for ending the use of suspensions and expulsions as disciplinary measures in schools? 

Yes

In what ways do you see yourself engaging with the community if elected?

As a Schoolboard member I plan to integrate myself fully into the community. I believe in meeting families where they are so instead of expecting them to come to me, I plan to come to them! This means attending sports events, SAC/PTA meetings, Community events/meetings, Talent Shows, etc. 

Monica Curls (Grade A)

Do you support reallocating funds from school resource officers (SROs) to social workers, counselors, and other support staff?

Yes

Do you commit to advocating for culturally responsive teaching, including topics like the 1619 Project, LGBTQ and critical race theory?

Yes

Do you support providing comprehensive sex education that is inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship dynamics?

Yes

Do you commit to advocating for ending the use of suspensions and expulsions as disciplinary measures in schools? 

Yes

In what ways do you see yourself engaging with the community if elected?

Community engagement is very important as we move forward as a district, a lot of people are still stuck in the old narratives about KCPS — it is a broken district, its students aren’t worth saving, the board is dysfunctional. It is important that, as board members, I tell the real story of what is happening at the district.  Honesty and transparency will be how the district will build back trust with the stakeholders. Therefore, I will focus on advocacy within the community and with other stakeholders so that we can lay the foundation of trust as we move forward in our efforts to ensure student achievement. That engagement starts with students and parents. It will be important to meet them where they are so that we are not creating another barrier to engagement by making them go to a board meeting. If I am elected, I will host “Coffee with Curls” events and invite stakeholders to ask me questions about what is going on in the district.  I would host them in community coffee houses and grocery stores to try to engage with parents in particular who are not actively participating in student activities.

The post The Kansas City Defender Voter Guide: Make an Informed Decision in the 2023 Municipal Election appeared first on Kansas City Defender.