|
A public hearing regarding the proposed developments in the Crossroads area, including the proposed relocation of the Kansas City Royals ballpark, will be held Monday, March 11th at the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City. The session will serve as a forum for residents, property owners, business owners and all interested parties to voice their concerns, insights and thoughts regarding the proposal for a new Jackson County sales tax to fund a new downtown stadium.
What: Public Hearing on Proposed Crossroads Developments Date: Monday, March 11, 2024 Time: 3:00 p.m. Location: Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 Legislative Assembly Area, 2nd Floor The Royals’ announcement of their intention to construct a new stadium complex, complete with team offices, a hotel, residential units and entertainment venues, alongside infrastructure improvements, has ignited a mix of excitement and concern among community members. The potential displacement of businesses and residents in the Crossroads Arts District has prompted calls for careful consideration and open discussion of the project's implications. “As Chairperson, I am honored to facilitate this important public hearing, ensuring that every voice is heard regarding the proposed developments in the Crossroads area,” 5th District Legislator Jeanie Lauer said. “It's imperative that we engage in open dialogue and considerate decision-making to address the concerns and aspirations of our community." "As Vice Chair, I am committed to fostering a transparent and inclusive discussion during the upcoming public hearing,” 3rd District At-Large Legislator Megan Marshall said. “Our community's input is invaluable as we navigate the complexities of the proposed developments in the Crossroads area. Together, we can shape a future that reflects the needs and values of Jackson County." Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Chairperson Lauer and Vice Chair Marshall, stating, "Their dedication to fostering an open dialogue on this matter is commendable. I only wish that we had been made aware sooner of the Royals' plans, which involve displacing people and businesses from the Crossroads. It's crucial that we take these concerns into account as we move forward." The public hearing will offer a platform for transparent discussion, enabling the community to share their views, seek clarifications and understand more fully the proposed developments and their impacts. The input gathered during this meeting will be instrumental in guiding the County's actions concerning the stadium project and the associated sales tax proposal.
0 Comments
In-person absentee voting and absentee requests for the April 2, 2024 municipal election began February 20th. All voters can vote in person at the Jackson County Election Board at 110 N Liberty, Independence, MO, stating a reason. Two weeks preceding the election a reason is not required to vote in-person absentee.
Reasons you can vote absentee:
For more information on absentee voting, visit Absentee Voting | Jackson County Missouri Election Board (jcebmo.org) Sample ballot for April 2nd municipal election: 04.02.24-Sample-Ballot.pdf (jcebmo.org) Persons wishing to file a declaration of candidacy for the offices of Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff or County Committeeman/Committeewoman, on opening day of filing, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, may do so at the Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. All filers must use the west entrance located on Oak Street, which will open at 7:00am.
Anyone wishing to file for office will be asked to form a single file line inside the building prior to proceeding through the security checkpoint. An associate from the County Clerk’s Office will distribute numbers to those in line. Filers will then proceed to the second floor and form a line in numerical order outside the glass doors marked LEGISLATIVE OFFICES. The County Clerk’s Office will open at 8:00am to accept declarations. Representatives from each political party will be present to accept filing fees. To expedite this process, each filer should have their current voter I.D. card needed to complete the declaration form. Filers for Prosecuting Attorney and Sheriff should additionally have the Department of Revenue (DOR) Form 5120, Candidate’s Affidavit of Tax Payments (not required for County Committee candidates). Each filer will approach the counter when their number is called, provide their filing fee receipt and complete all required paperwork. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, kindly contact Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of the County Legislature at mspino@jacksongov.org. FAQ: What to know about Missouri’s Democratic presidential primaryby Meg Cunningham, The Beacon Missouri Democrats wanting to weigh in on the party’s nominee for president can either go to the polls this spring or mail in their ballots. A 2022 law eliminated Missouri’s state-run presidential primaries, leaving the parties to sort out their own ways to weigh in on the contests. Democrats decided on a presidential primary and gave voters the option to cast their ballots in person or through the mail. That in-person voting is set for Saturday, March 23. Republicans will host caucuses across the state on March 2, also a Saturday. Voting for other statewide primaries happens Aug. 6. The Beacon compiled a list of what you need to know to participate in the Democratic presidential primary. When is the Missouri Democratic presidential primary? What is the deadline to register to vote to participate? What is the deadline to request a ballot? What is the deadline to return my ballot? Where can I cast my ballot in person? What do I need to cast my ballot? When is the Missouri Democratic presidential primary?Missourians who are registered Democrats or unaffiliated voters can cast their ballots in person on March 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. You can either vote in person at a polling place in your county or request a mail-in ballot and vote from home. When is the deadline to register to vote to participate in the Missouri Democratic presidential primary?The voter registration deadline is Feb. 21. Missourians cancheck whether their voter registration is up to date at the secretary of state’s website. Or they can use the form on the secretary of state’s website to register online from a computer, smartphone or tablet. How do I request a mail-in ballot?Registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters in Missouri can ask for a ballot through this link or by calling 855-433-8683. What is the deadline to request a ballot?The deadline to request a ballot is March 12. Ballots will start getting sent to voters on Feb. 17. What is the deadline to return my ballot?Ballots must be back in the hands of party officials by 10 a.m. on March 23. Where can I vote in-person?The Missouri Democratic Party has not yet released locations for in-person voting. What do I need to bring to vote in person in the Missouri Democratic presidential primary?Voters need to bring a government-issued photo ID to vote in person. Who will be on the ballot?Joseph R. Biden Jr. Dean Phillips Stephen P. Lyons Armando Perez-Serrato Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Write-in candidates are not allowed, per party rules. This article first appeared on The Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. After months of community debate and speculation, the Kansas City Royals announced plans Tuesday to relocate to the Crossroads district in downtown Kansas City. Jackson County voters will decide in April whether to extend the current 3/8 cent tax that supports Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums for the next 40 years. “We are thrilled to announce our plans to contribute community dynamics, an incredible stadium experience, and long-term growth to The Crossroads – a neighborhood ballpark home for the Royals that will stand strong for the next 50 years here in Jackson County," Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman said. “And we’re excited to build that new home without costing taxpayers a penny more.” In a release following the announcement, Jackson County Executive Frank White welcomed the announcement of a site location. "For months, we've stressed the importance of selecting a site to move forward effectively with negotiations and to provide a clear basis for the proposal before it goes to the voters,” White said. “I am pleased that the Royals have taken this significant step. It is a decision that marks progress in our journey towards a resolution that will shape the future of our county." In the release, White underscored the urgency of engaging in an open, transparent and thoroughly honest discussion about the proposal, especially given its imminent placement on the April ballot. "The time for broad overviews has passed,” White said. “As this issue heads to the ballot, it is crucial for all parties involved to commit to a dialogue that leaves no question unanswered, and no detail obscured. This is a monumental decision for Jackson County, involving an investment of over $2 billion by our taxpayers. They deserve to understand every aspect of what this entails." For more information on the proposed stadium and site plan, visit Kansas City Royals Stadium (kcballparkdistrict.com) The Kansas City Royals released renderings of a proposed stadium to be located in the Crossroads district of downtown Kansas City. Voters will decide in April whether to extend the current 3/8 tax to support the relocation. Photo credit: Kansas City Royals
FAQ: Your guide to the 2024 Missouri Republican caucusby Meg Cunningham, The Beacon This year, the way Missouri Republicans weigh in on the presidential race will be a bit different. Thanks to a 2022 law, Missouri counties are no longer responsible for conducting presidential preference primaries. Instead, that falls to county Republican and Democratic parties across the state. Registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters will have the opportunity to caucus to send delegates to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which takes place in mid-July. There, delegates take the official vote to officially select the party’s nominee for president. Democrats will hold limited in-person voting on March 23, with the option for voters to vote using mail-in ballots. Here’s what you need to know about participating in Missouri’s Republican presidential nominating caucuses: When are the 2024 Republican presidential caucuses? Who can participate in the Missouri Republican caucus? What do I need to do to participate in the caucus? Where are the 2024 presidential caucuses? How long will the presidential caucus take? Why is it a caucus this year and not a normal election? When are the 2024 Missouri presidential caucuses?All Missouri Republicans will caucus to elect nominating delegates on March 2, a Saturday. Doors open to the public at 9 a.m. and the caucuses start at 10 a.m. Who can participate in the Missouri Republican caucus?Any unaffiliated voter or registered Republican can participate in the caucus. What do I need to do to participate in the caucus?You need to be a registered voter and come with a government-issued photo ID. The party encourages caucus participants to preregister online at this link. They ask for participants to fill out the form in all capital letters and match the information to your voter registration. When you register, either ahead of time or in-person at the caucus, you’ll be asked to fill out a declaration that you are aligned with the Republican Party and registered to vote in Missouri. Where are the 2024 presidential caucuses?For a full list of caucus locations, follow this link. Counties are required to report their caucus locations to the state party by Feb. 16. In Jackson County, registered Republicans will caucus at East Trails Middle School gymnasium at 1001 S.E. Bailey Road, Lee’s Summit. In Clay County, caucusgoers will meet at Oak Park High School at 825 N.E. 79th Terrace, Kansas City. In Platte County, arrive at the Walden Middle School gym at 4701 N.W. 56th St., Kansas City. In Cass County, caucus at the Harrisonville Community Center at 2400 Jefferson Parkway, Harrisonville. When do I need to register to participate in the Missouri Republican caucuses?The last day to register to vote to participate in the caucus is Feb. 19, according to the state party. How long will the presidential caucus take?The duration of the day hinges on turnout, but the party said it designed Missouri’s caucuses this year to move as quickly as possible. In Jackson County, the county GOP estimates the caucus will end around noon. Who can I caucus for?Three candidates filed to run for president in Missouri. To be considered among caucusgoers, candidates must have met requirements laid out by the Missouri GOP. Remaining candidates who have met those requirements are: Donald J. Trump Nikki Haley David Stuckenberg What is a caucus?Caucuses are meetings of party members run by political parties. Participants align themselves with a candidate to determine the number of delegates sent to a congressional district convention in April, then the statewide convention in May. By then, Missouri will have allocated its votes among the 54 delegates sent to the Republican National Convention. While weighing in on the presidential race, caucusgoers also vote on the state’s party platform. How does a caucus work?Participants divide themselves into groups by the candidate they support, and undecided participants gather together. Those aligned with a candidate make speeches to convince undecided participants of the candidate they support. When you arrive, expect to elect leadership in the room who will help administer the caucus. After the first round of aligning, if a candidate receives less than 15% support in the room, supporters of the candidate are asked to realign with another candidate. If a candidate receives a majority of support in the caucus room, all of the county’s delegates will support that candidate. If there is a plurality of support for one candidate but not a majority, caucus participants and leaders elected in the room will have 30 minutes to debate how the delegates will be divided. If debate isn’t concluded within 30 minutes, it is up to the chair of the caucus how that support will be distributed. Why is it a caucus this year and not a presidential preference primary?The Missouri General Assembly passed a sweeping election bill in 2022 that eliminated the presidential preference primary. Traditionally, Missouri’s presidential primary came late enough in the year that nominees for the major political parties were all but decided. That left administering the presidential election to political parties, who decide which candidates they will have their delegates support. “Doing this will save the state about $10 million,” Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft told Nexstar. “I’m sure that after we’re done with the caucus, we’ll have a discussion about whether or not the legislature should have removed the primary or not, or if we should go back to that,” Ashcroft said. Missouri’s primary for other statewide and local offices will be held Aug. 6. This article first appeared on The Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. As a reminder, the last day to register to vote in the April 2, 2024 municipal election is March 6, 2024. For more information on registering to vote, please visit Registration | Jackson County Missouri Election Board (jcebmo.org).
Grain Valley News will provide ongoing coverage of the candidates and issues on the April ballot in the coming weeks, and we want to know what questions you have for the city and school board candidates, as well as any questions you have related to the issues on the ballot. Send your questions to news@grainvalleynews.com, comment below or join the conversation on social media. Candidate filing has closed for the April 2024 election, with contested elections for both City of Grain Valley and Board of Education seats.
Four candidates have filed for two open seats on the Grain Valley Board of Education. Current board members Jared English and Eddie Saffell have filed for re-election. Aaron Scully and Paul Trusler have also filed. Mayor Mike Todd has filed for re-election, with current alderman Dale Arnold filing to challenge Todd for the position of mayor. In Ward I, former mayor Chuck Johnston has filed for the seat currently occupied by Arnold. Kyle Sole has also filed to run for the Ward I seat. In Ward II, current alderman Rick Knox will run unopposed, as will current Ward III alderman Ryan Skinner. The municipal election will be held April 2, 2024. The deadline to register to vote in the April election is March 6, 2024. For more information on registering to vote, visit Registration | Jackson County Missouri Election Board (jcebmo.org). Filing began this week for the April 2, 2024 municipal election, with at least one candidate filing for each open position.
One alderman seat in each of the three wards is open and the current mayoral term for Mayor Mike Todd expires in April. Todd has filed for re-election as has incumbents Ward II Alderman Rick Knox, and Ward III Alderman Ryan Skinner. In Ward I, current alderman Dale Arnold has not filed for reelection, but new candidate Kyle Sole has thrown his hat in the ring in Ward I. Two seats are up on the Grain Valley School Board this April, and both incumbents for these positions, Jared English and Eddie Saffell, have filed as of December 6th. Filing concludes at 5:00pm on December 26, 2023. The 14.7% of Jackson County voters who managed to make it to the polls on Tuesday, November 7th swiftly voted down a use tax proposed by the county.
As previously reported, the use tax would have applied to online purchases from an out-of-state seller where no other tax is paid. (Unofficial results per the Jackson County Election Board provided in graphic below). |
Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
|
Grain Valley NewsGrain Valley News is a free community news source published weekly online. |
Contact Us |