On Tuesday, September 30, the voters of Jackson County express their dissatisfaction with Jackson County Executive Frank White and voted him out of office.
In a press release Jackson County Legislative Manny Abarca wrote, “Yesterday, voters definitively defined their disapproval for Frank White’s tenure in office. The dramatic disapproval of Frank White should charge any Legislator formally in alignment with Frank to promptly abandon his style and approach to Jackson County policy.
Frank White said in a statement, “Tonight, I acknowledge the results of the recall election and respect the decision of the voters of Jackson County. I want to thank the people who showed up to vote, and I want to thank my staff, my family, my friends, and especially my wonderful wife Teresa. I would not have made it this far without her support, patience, and motivation. Serving as County Executive has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together to strengthen our community. While questions remain about the process that led to this election, I will move forward guided by gratitude for all this community has given me and by the drive to do what is right. As I move forward, that gratitude and the determination to do what is right will continue to guide me.”
Following the recall of Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr., Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued the following statement: “As the largest city in Jackson County, Kansas City will work closely with the interim county executive, the legislature, and their team as we all work to ensure progress and fairness for the county, the city, and our taxpayers. “Frank White’s life story is a remarkable one for a kid hailing from Kansas City’s East Side to becoming a star in big league ball. He has meant much to this community over the past 50 years. I wish him well on the next phase of his journey.”
Abarca added, “With this recall election behind us, we the legislature, own our clearly defined charter bound duties to decisively choose who our next interim executive will be. Voters clearly also selected us to do a duty as it pertains to decision-making and to protect their interests.
Any abdication or redirection of that responsibility would likely not only violate the County Charter but sends the wrong message to constituents that we aren’t doing our jobs and would bet constituents would consider recalling us too during the upcoming November election.” Any abdication or bypassing of the legislative process is not only lazy but abandons Legislative responsibilities as duly elected leaders Legislator Abarca introduced Resolutions 22049, Setting the Parameters for which the Legislature will select an interim county executive if the duly elected executive is recalled and 22050, Setting the parameters in which executive authority is temporarily limited if the County Executive is recalled.
“I have already requested to the Chairman of the Legislature that at least two special meetings be noticed during this waiting period until election authorities certify the results, as to preempt any potential foolishness or further malfeasance of a departing Executive or their staff. In addition to tomorrow’s joint town hall entitled, Recall? What’s Next? I plan to host several listing tours throughout my district with colleagues and without,” said Abarca.
