Monday, April 1, 2013
Kansas City Week in Review profiles KCK mayor's race
In a separate debate held late last week, both commissioners Mark Holland and Ann Murguia offered up their visions for Wyandotte County in this mayoral debate held by KCPT. Below is the full 27-minute video, meaning that you should have plenty of content to base your vote on.
Final debate highlights: Candidates deny connection in flyers, both oppose HB 2069, ethics reform controversy discussed
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.comIn a 45-minute debate, it's tough to report on every single little detail.
However, I'll try to hit out the additional highlights real quick.
CANDIDATES DENY CONNECTIONS TO FLYERS
Both Mark Holland and Ann Murguia have been attacked by third-party political action committees in recent days after multiple flyers were distributed across Wyandotte County.
On Monday, both Murguia and Holland denied being connected to them.
The anti-Holland flyers point to Holland's votes to increase the mill levy in Wyandotte County. They were paid for by the Americans for Prosperity PAC.
"They have a problem with good government," Holland said.
The flyers targeting Murguia were funded by an organization called the WyCo JOBS PAC. One flyer attempted to connect Murguia to the Kansas Republican Party.However, Murguia said she's been a "lifelong Democrat."
"The flyer itself is humorous," she said. "One side tries to connect me to the GOP and the other basically labels me a tax and spend Democrat," mentioning her votes for a sewer tax.
Holland said he reached out to Murguia after the flyers were mailed out.
"It upsets me when these third-party groups get involved," he said. "They discourage good people from running for office."
Mayoral candidates spar on property taxes in final debate
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
In a campaign that will determine the future of Wyandotte County, two votes in the past highlighted today's final debate between mayoral candidates Mark Holland and Ann Murguia.
Holland's two votes that raised the mill levy and Murguia's two votes against the mill levy increases.
Hosted by Steve Kraske of KCUR and The Kansas City Star, the debate opened up with discussion about the recent flyers that have swamped homes in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan.
One flyer, paid for by the conservative-leaning Americans for Prospect PAC, targeted Holland's votes to raise the mill levy.
However, Holland defended his votes, saying that layoffs in both the police and fire department would have been inevitable if the mill levy was not increased.
"I feel it was the right thing to do," Holland said. "It was the wrong decision to vote against 10 percent of our police force."
Holland, who was elected along with Murguia to the Unified Government's Board of Commissioners in 2007, said the UG has done well in lowering the property tax burden since unification.
"You have to look long-term," Holland said. "If you've looked at our progress, you've seen the consistent decline of property taxes."
As Holland defended his votes in increasing the rates, Murguia defended her votes opposing the property tax increases.
"There were a lot more options instead of laying people off and increasing taxes," she said. "We have a quarter billion dollar budget. We need to determine what our priorities are. The Unified Government is trying to be everything for everyone."
Murguia equated the Unified Government's budget to the budget of a family.
"When you look at how to spend a paycheck, you determine what's best for both of you," she said. "It all comes down to priorities."
Holland countered that 80 percent of the UG budget is dedicated to salaries - and that 50 percent of it is for public safety.
"We didn't have any other options," he said, adding that 120 additional KCK residents would have lost jobs if the mill levy increase did not pass.
Murguia, the only UG commissioner who voted against the two recent property tax increases, again disagreed with the assessment that the property tax increases were the only options.
"There were lots of suggestions made (during the budget sessions)," she said. "More people continued to come forward for funding and additional funding was approved."
Murguia also pointed to her endorsements from the Kansas City, Kan., firefighters union, along with the endorsement from the Kansas City, Kan., police officers union, to counter the argument about public safety layoffs.
Both Murguia and Holland also claimed to be the courageous candidate for their votes.
"I stood alone," Murguia said, of being the only commissioner to vote against the property tax rate increase. "It's difficult going against the political machine."
Holland said the tough votes are needed to be a courageous leader.
"When you dial 911, that's paid for by a property tax," he said. "When (emergency services) arrive in eight minutes, that's paid for by a property tax. We need courageous leadership."
In a campaign that will determine the future of Wyandotte County, two votes in the past highlighted today's final debate between mayoral candidates Mark Holland and Ann Murguia.
Holland's two votes that raised the mill levy and Murguia's two votes against the mill levy increases.
Hosted by Steve Kraske of KCUR and The Kansas City Star, the debate opened up with discussion about the recent flyers that have swamped homes in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan.
One flyer, paid for by the conservative-leaning Americans for Prospect PAC, targeted Holland's votes to raise the mill levy.
However, Holland defended his votes, saying that layoffs in both the police and fire department would have been inevitable if the mill levy was not increased.
"I feel it was the right thing to do," Holland said. "It was the wrong decision to vote against 10 percent of our police force."
Holland, who was elected along with Murguia to the Unified Government's Board of Commissioners in 2007, said the UG has done well in lowering the property tax burden since unification.
"You have to look long-term," Holland said. "If you've looked at our progress, you've seen the consistent decline of property taxes."
As Holland defended his votes in increasing the rates, Murguia defended her votes opposing the property tax increases.
"There were a lot more options instead of laying people off and increasing taxes," she said. "We have a quarter billion dollar budget. We need to determine what our priorities are. The Unified Government is trying to be everything for everyone."
Murguia equated the Unified Government's budget to the budget of a family.
"When you look at how to spend a paycheck, you determine what's best for both of you," she said. "It all comes down to priorities."
Holland countered that 80 percent of the UG budget is dedicated to salaries - and that 50 percent of it is for public safety.
"We didn't have any other options," he said, adding that 120 additional KCK residents would have lost jobs if the mill levy increase did not pass.
Murguia, the only UG commissioner who voted against the two recent property tax increases, again disagreed with the assessment that the property tax increases were the only options.
"There were lots of suggestions made (during the budget sessions)," she said. "More people continued to come forward for funding and additional funding was approved."
Murguia also pointed to her endorsements from the Kansas City, Kan., firefighters union, along with the endorsement from the Kansas City, Kan., police officers union, to counter the argument about public safety layoffs.
Both Murguia and Holland also claimed to be the courageous candidate for their votes.
"I stood alone," Murguia said, of being the only commissioner to vote against the property tax rate increase. "It's difficult going against the political machine."
Holland said the tough votes are needed to be a courageous leader.
"When you dial 911, that's paid for by a property tax," he said. "When (emergency services) arrive in eight minutes, that's paid for by a property tax. We need courageous leadership."
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
MainStream Coalition: Anti-Holland flyer isn't ours
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
The MainStream Coalition organization is denying its involvement in anti-Mark Holland flyer that recently surfaced in Wyandotte County.
The flyer attacks Holland, who's running for Mayor/CEO of Wyandotte County. The flyer had the Mainstream Coalition name on it.
However, the group denies its involvement in the flyer and said it endorses Holland's candidacy for mayor.
Full statement from the group:
According to the group's description, MainStream Coalition is a "membership organization that promotes the separation of church and state and public education, along along with other moderate principles, in the state of Kansas."
The MainStream Coalition organization is denying its involvement in anti-Mark Holland flyer that recently surfaced in Wyandotte County.
The flyer attacks Holland, who's running for Mayor/CEO of Wyandotte County. The flyer had the Mainstream Coalition name on it.
However, the group denies its involvement in the flyer and said it endorses Holland's candidacy for mayor.
Full statement from the group:
It has come to our attention that a mailer attacking Kansas City, Kansas, mayoral candidate Mark Holland was sent out under the Mainstream Coalition name. This IS NOT a mailer that Mainstream created or mailed.
It includes a post office box as a return address that IS NOT ours. In fact, Mainstream Coalition's PAC, MainPAC, has endorsed Holland in the race. Since we just learned about this fraudulant act within the last hour, we have many unanswered questions. We are doing our best right now to answer those questions, including who sent the mailer and from where and have lodged an official complaint with the KS Ethics Commission. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.
According to the group's description, MainStream Coalition is a "membership organization that promotes the separation of church and state and public education, along along with other moderate principles, in the state of Kansas."
Thursday, March 28, 2013
PHOTOS: Mayor's race gets personal in final days
Mayoral candidates Mark Holland and Ann Murguia have not really attacked each other at forums or other public debates.
You can't say the same, however, about political action committees.
Three different flyers went out this week, one targeting Holland and two targeting Murguia.
The anti-Holland flyer is courtesy of the Americans for Prosperity, a conservative-leaning PAC that focuses on economic policy. The flyer criticizes Holland's votes to increase the property taxes in Wyandotte County.
Meanwhile, the anti-Murguia flyers are from an PAC entitled "WyCo Jobs PAC." The flyers accuse Murguia of trying to "bankrupt Wyandotte County."
Photos of Murguia standing with Republican politicians including Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder are also included in the flyer.
You can't say the same, however, about political action committees.
Three different flyers went out this week, one targeting Holland and two targeting Murguia.
The anti-Holland flyer is courtesy of the Americans for Prosperity, a conservative-leaning PAC that focuses on economic policy. The flyer criticizes Holland's votes to increase the property taxes in Wyandotte County.
Meanwhile, the anti-Murguia flyers are from an PAC entitled "WyCo Jobs PAC." The flyers accuse Murguia of trying to "bankrupt Wyandotte County."
Photos of Murguia standing with Republican politicians including Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder are also included in the flyer.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
VIDEO: Mark Holland vs. Ann Murguia
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
Below is the first of several candidate videos from last week's forum at KCKCC.
The first we feature is Mark Holland and Ann Murguia, two current Unified Government Commissioners seeking to become the next mayor and CEO of Wyandotte County.
It's 25 minutes long, but if you're interested in the election and still haven't made up your mind, it's recommended viewing.
It's one of the few forums where there were clear differences between the two mayoral candidates.
Enjoy!
Below is the first of several candidate videos from last week's forum at KCKCC.
The first we feature is Mark Holland and Ann Murguia, two current Unified Government Commissioners seeking to become the next mayor and CEO of Wyandotte County.
It's 25 minutes long, but if you're interested in the election and still haven't made up your mind, it's recommended viewing.
It's one of the few forums where there were clear differences between the two mayoral candidates.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Walker, T.J. Reardon go at it in political forum
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
If there was one thing to take out of Wednesday night's political forum held at Kansas City Kansas Community College, it's this - Unified Government Board of Commissioner At-Large 2 candidates Hal Walker and T.J. Reardon are not fond of each other.
Near the end of their 30-minute session, Walker and Reardon exchanged salvos towards each other.
Reardon spent the majority of his time being critical of the current Unified Government leadership and structure.
"We have people in this city making $200,000," Reardon said. "We owe $3.8 billion in bonds. We have to stop the giveaways. We have to getaway from the giveaways."
In his closing remarks, Walker accused T.J. Reardon of having no plan for the city.
"Rhetoric is one thing," Walker said. "My plan reduces real property taxes. But people want roads and sewers to work. We have to provide basic services as well. This election is about knowledge, experience and character. Those of you who know me know I'll bring more to the table in all three areas than my opponent will."
If there was one thing to take out of Wednesday night's political forum held at Kansas City Kansas Community College, it's this - Unified Government Board of Commissioner At-Large 2 candidates Hal Walker and T.J. Reardon are not fond of each other.
Near the end of their 30-minute session, Walker and Reardon exchanged salvos towards each other.
Reardon spent the majority of his time being critical of the current Unified Government leadership and structure.
"We have people in this city making $200,000," Reardon said. "We owe $3.8 billion in bonds. We have to stop the giveaways. We have to getaway from the giveaways."
In his closing remarks, Walker accused T.J. Reardon of having no plan for the city.
"Rhetoric is one thing," Walker said. "My plan reduces real property taxes. But people want roads and sewers to work. We have to provide basic services as well. This election is about knowledge, experience and character. Those of you who know me know I'll bring more to the table in all three areas than my opponent will."
Mayoral candidates meet again at KCKCC forum
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
Unified Government commissioners Mark Holland and Ann Murguia once again squared off Wednesday night at a political forum held at Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Sponsored by the Kansas City, Kan., Chamber of Commerce, the forum held Wednesday night featured the mayoral candidates and Unified Government Board of Commissioners candidates.
The main event of the evening, of course, featured the two mayoral candidates looking to replace current Unified Government Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon.
Holland, who won 48 percent of the vote in the primary, pointed to his representation of the entire county in his opening comments.
"I've been elected county-wide instead of just focusing on one part of the county," Holland said. "We need to continue the momentum in Wyandotte County."
Murguia, on the other hand, pointed to her work in her district in Argentine and Rosedale as evidence she's ready for the job.
"Redeveloping Western Wyandotte County is different than developing Eastern Wyandotte County," Murguia said, mentioning her work with ANDA and her efforts to help raise funds to build the new Argentine library.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
KCK FOP Lodge #4 announces political endorsements
The Political Action Committee of the Kansas City, Kan., Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 has announced its endorsements for the 2013 Spring Election.
The group has endorsed Ann Murguia's candidacy for Mayor/CEO of Wyandotte County.
Below are the rest of the endorsements:
The group has endorsed Ann Murguia's candidacy for Mayor/CEO of Wyandotte County.
Below are the rest of the endorsements:
- Unified Government At Large District 2: Harold (Hal) Walker
- Unified Government District 1: Winfred Manning
- Unified Government District 5: Mike Kane
- Unified Government District 7: Thomas Cooley
- Unified Government District 8: Butch Ellison
- KCK Board of Education: Tyrone Garner
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Murguia campaign promising "exciting endorsement" for Saturday
A ceremony will be held at the Jack Reardon Center at 500 Minnesota Ave.
The presentation will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9. People interested in attending can get there as soon as 10:30 a.m.
Murguia and fellow UG commissioner Mark Holland were victorious in last week's primary.
For those of you on Facebook, here's a link to the "event page."
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Advanced voting available until noon Monday; election will go on
For those wanting to beat the snowstorm and cast a vote for Tuesday's election early, advanced voting in Wyandotte County will end Monday at noon.
The primary election will go on, due in large part to Kansas state law that does not allow anyone to cancel or postpone an election.
Here are the full plans from the Wyandotte County Election Office:
The primary election will go on, due in large part to Kansas state law that does not allow anyone to cancel or postpone an election.
Here are the full plans from the Wyandotte County Election Office:
Advance voting in Wyandotte County ends at 12 noon, Monday, February 25th.
The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, February 26, regardless of the weather. Under Kansas state law, no one has the authority to postpone or cancel any election.
Our current plan is that all 30 polling places will be open for voting on Tuesday, February 26th, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If emergency measures become necessary, media outlets will be notified. However, the election will not be postponed or cancelled.
Please help us spread this message. Thank you!
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Daniel Serda, UG At Large 2
Publisher's Note: We continue looking at candidates across Wyandotte County. Here's Daniel Serda, who's running for the Unified Government Board of Commissioners.
What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve on the Unified Government Board of Commissioners?
As a KCK native, I've been an advocate for stronger neighborhoods since high school. That passion has motivated my professional career as an educator and city planner, as well as my many commitments to public service over the past decade. My résumé speaks for itself - but my values, passion and commitment to moving the community forward are my primary credentials for this position.
Although I've never sought elected office, I've served on numerous public bodies and steering committees. My record as a Unified Government Planning Commissioner demonstrates my ability to consider all points of view, and to find common ground on frequently contentious issues. I helped the Rosedale Development Association formulate the plan that is bringing new sidewalks, bike lane and natural trails to the Southwest Boulevard corridor.
As a member of Mayor Reardon's Bi-State Innovations Team, I was an outspoken advocate for leveraging Google Fiber to bridge the digital divide and bring economic opportunity within the reach of young people throughout our community.
Throughout these experiences, I've built strong working relationships with Unified Government staff, which I expect to continue and expand as At-Large Commissioner.
As a KCK native, I've been an advocate for stronger neighborhoods since high school. That passion has motivated my professional career as an educator and city planner, as well as my many commitments to public service over the past decade. My résumé speaks for itself - but my values, passion and commitment to moving the community forward are my primary credentials for this position.
Although I've never sought elected office, I've served on numerous public bodies and steering committees. My record as a Unified Government Planning Commissioner demonstrates my ability to consider all points of view, and to find common ground on frequently contentious issues. I helped the Rosedale Development Association formulate the plan that is bringing new sidewalks, bike lane and natural trails to the Southwest Boulevard corridor.
As a member of Mayor Reardon's Bi-State Innovations Team, I was an outspoken advocate for leveraging Google Fiber to bridge the digital divide and bring economic opportunity within the reach of young people throughout our community.
Throughout these experiences, I've built strong working relationships with Unified Government staff, which I expect to continue and expand as At-Large Commissioner.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Election office to open for advance voting at 10 a.m.
The Wyandotte County Election Office will be open Friday beginning at 10 a.m.
Those interested in making the adventurous journey to cast an early ballot for next week's primary can do so beginning at that time.
Along with the election office, the entire Unified Government will not open for business until 10 a.m. on Friday.
Those interested in making the adventurous journey to cast an early ballot for next week's primary can do so beginning at that time.
Along with the election office, the entire Unified Government will not open for business until 10 a.m. on Friday.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Mark Holland, UG Mayor/CEO
We continue our political questionnaires with Mark Holland. Holland, who was recently endorsed by current Unified Government Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon, is currently on the UG Board of Commissioners. 1. What in your background (or what experience) makes you believe you are qualified to serve as mayor of Wyandotte County?
I am fourth generation Wyandotte County and third generation pastor in KCK. I have served the last 6 years on the UG Board of Commissioners, at-large Dist. 1. As an at-large commissioner, I have been elected twice county-wide and I understand the big picture of looking at what is good for the entire community, not just one area.
2. As a candidate, what would be your top three priorities as mayor if you’re elected mayor?
a. Continue economic development that has brought 6,000 new jobs, and ensure that our citizens have training and mentorships for those jobs.
b. Use the STAR bond payoff in 4 years to bring real property tax relief
c. Continue to strategically invest in development throughout the city.
VIDEO: KCPT covers the Wyandotte County mayor's race
Kansas City Week in Review recently did a 28-minute show on the mayor's race in Wyandotte County.
All five candidates are included in this video, so if you have time and you're interested in the mayor's race, check this out.
All five candidates are included in this video, so if you have time and you're interested in the mayor's race, check this out.
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