Northeast News
June 22, 2016

Missouri primary elections will be held on August 2, 2016. The League of Women Voters has partnered with the Northeast Chamber of Commerce to hold a Candidate Forum for Missouri State Senate District 11 and Missouri State Representative District 19 candidates on Thursday, June 23, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School (535 Garfield). To prepare our readers, the Northeast News sent out a candidate questionnaire ahead of the forum. Below are brief introductions to the candidates:

Senate District 11 Democrat Anthony Banks

Anthony has worked in Independence for the past 20 years in the service industry. Falling in love with the city, he decided to move there from Raytown to call Independence his permanent home 13 years ago. A strong lifelong progressive, Anthony has always been an advocate for workers’ rights, LGBT equality, and a democracy that serves ALL the people. A large focus of his campaign is to bring our state motto “The Welfare of the People Shall Be the Supreme Law” back into the law making process.

Senate District 11 Democrat Mary Catherine DiCarlo

Mary Catherine DiCarlo did not respond to this questionnaire.

Senate District 11 Republican Brent Thurston Lasater

My name is Brent Thurston Lasater, I am 55 years old and currently drive a truck for a living. I have a wife Veta Lasater of 35 years. I have 2 married children and 2 grandsons. I served in the Missouri House Of Representatives in 2010-2012. I have lived in the area of Senate district 11 for 52 years.

Senate District 11 Democrat Jessica Podhola

Jessica Podhola (Jess to her friends) is a labor organizer, longtime Kansas City resident, and proud progressive. Jess currently serves as the Governmental Affairs Director for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, where she fights every day to make sure Missouri workers and their families have a voice in their state Capitol. Jess spent her career as a community organizer and political activist working every day for the causes we believe in: fighting for increased access to healthcare for women and children, a higher minimum wage, and greater accountability in our government and for all our elected officials, no matter their party.

Senate District 11 Democrat John Rizzo

State Representative John Rizzo is a lifelong resident of the area, proudly representing Independence, Sugar Creek, and parts of Kansas City in Jefferson City since 2011. He is a former board member at Truman Medical Centers, who sat on the fiscal responsibility committee. John is also a graduate of Rockhurst University with degrees in political science, and english. He married his wife Lindsay in 2008, and they have a one year old daughter, Sofia, with another on the way in September.

Missouri House District 19 Democrat Manny Abarca IV

My name is Manny Abarca IV and I was raised to give back. I watched as my mom selflessly donate her time to a local Girl Scout troop allowing my sister and other young girls access to valuable life experiences. Simultaneously, I observed the work ethic of both my father and grandfather, Teamster truck drivers who worked the overnight shift, putting in their time to earn their well-deserved pensions. My family modeled for me what it means to be dedicated and hardworking in order to provide a quality life in the future. It is the values they taught me which drive my focus and efforts today. I work in Congressman Emanuel Cleaver’s office, advocating for constituent needs across Missouri’s 5th Congressional District. I actively work to improve policy in areas which affect all demographics, from Medicare and Social Security, accessible health insurance, and ensure all constituents have access to the programs and support they need.

I want to share with the rest of the state what those of us here already know: that the 19th district is worth investing in. I vow that your voices will be heard and I will not stop working until public safety, the schools where our children get their educations, and the jobs in which we work are at the standard that we all know we deserve. Every single person in this district is worth investing in, and I will not stop investing in YOU.

Missouri House District 19 Democrat Ingrid Burnett

Ingrid Burnett is a 35 year resident of and homeowner in Northeast Kansas City. Recently retired from the Independence School District where she was an elementary school counselor at Procter Elementary and Santa Fe Trail, Ingrid dedicated her career to education. She was a classroom teacher at Holy Cross, St. Ann’s, and St. Mary’s High School. She was the principal at Holy Family. Ingrid served 6 years on the KCPS School Board, 4 years on the Missouri School Boards Association Board of Directors, 2 years on the GKC United Way Board of Directors, 4 years on the University of Missouri Extension Council Board of Directors, and 15 years as the Democratic Committeewoman for the 11th Ward. She also volunteers for her church parish, St. Anthony, and has sat on a variety of neighborhood committees to improve neighborhood conditions. She and her husband, John, were married in 1979. Together they have three grown children and four grandsons who range in age from 1 to 17 years old.

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1. If elected, how will you determine which projects your constituents consider a priority?

(SD11-AB):Outside of the usual news sources (newspapers and local television), I will establish an online solution making it easy to contact me directly with concerns. That will include a website, being heavily active with social media, as well as compiling an email list within the district to send out regular surveys on a number of issues concerning the public.

(SD11-BTL):By being accessible, keeping lines of communication open and listening. When I was a Representative, the constituents had my cell phone number and were often surprised that their Representative answered his own phone.

(SD11-JP):By listening to them. The issues I hear about at the door over and over are campaign ethics, Medicaid Expansion and strengthening our communities.

(SD11-JR):Impact projects should be prioritized by the most beneficial to the community to the least. The greater, most immediate impact projects have to the community the sooner they should be done, plain and simple.

(HD19-MA):I live in the 19th District and have been actively working for long term, executable solutions to our issues long before I was a candidate. I have attended countless neighborhood meetings across the district, city council forums, and engaged in numerous community conversations. It was actually during these conversations that I realized I could truly make the biggest difference by running for office. I have spent the past several months going door to door, speaking with constituents and asking about their biggest needs and concerns. We need a representative that not only cares about these issues, but also executes solutions. I know I have the energy, knowledge, and passion to not only care about the issues facing every single constituent but to do something about them. After I am elected, I will continue to take advantage of opportunities to hear directly from residents of the 19th District and work with them to create a community they want to not only live in, but invest in.

(HD19-IB):I have already started a newsletter that can be accessed through my website, www.ingridburnett.com, and have had tremendous feedback. I think the most important work of a State Representative is to stay in touch with her constituents through regular communication avenues such as newsletters and personal appearances. In addition, I believe accessibility to your State Representative by phone, email, and personal mail should be easily available. In all of my leadership roles, career or political, I have always had an open door policy and a listening ear with the objective of finding solutions.

2. What can the state do to help the city enforce regulations against dangerous abandoned and/or fire-destroyed homes in the Northeast?

(SD11-AB):We should look at streamlining and increasing the efficiency of tax foreclosure procedures, effectively ending the sale of tax liens to speculators. That would allow local governments to take control of tax-foreclosed properties. I would personally like to see some of these properties converted to community gardens.

(SD11-BTL):I will stay in close touch with the city and work together to determine what actions are needed to address each unique situation including holding negligent or absent property owners responsible for maintaining their property.

(SD11-JP):One of the easiest things to do would be to change the calendar. Currently there is a sixty day period of time before relief may be sought. Neighborhoods ought not just be forgotten and thrown away. We should also look at expanding the land bank model.

(SD11-JR):As a co-sponsor of Land Bank legislation, the next thing that we could do is to further assist cities to help get these abandon/vacant homes into the hands of those who are willing to redevelop them or if they have fallen into complete disrepair tear them down. Our legislation did just that, it cut the red tape of government to put these homes into the hands of good people who want to help the community.

(HD19-MA):The state can create legislation that protects neighborhoods from out of state and non-present landlords, and arm neighborhood associations with tools that enable them to take back these blighted and abandoned properties. State funding is slim pickings these days, but we must strive for budgetary priorities that address blighted properties. In doing so, we encourage investment back into the communities where we live and work. If we do this, along with investing in the infrastructure of our neighborhoods – the roads and bridges that get us to where we need to go – we will not only increase safety and property values, but create new jobs in our community.

(HD19-IB):City departments need to be held accountable for ensuring the safety and economic investment of our homeowners and residents. As your State Representative, I would lend my support in every way possible to ensure this is done. Unfortunately, there isn’t much the state can do about enforcing city ordinances, nor should it be involved in micro managing city governments.

3. What are your views on the history of Northeast and what will you do to help us keep what is left of our history?

(SD11-AB):While I haven’t lived in the northeast, I have worked there. So I feel like I have a connection to the community and its shared history. It has a wonderful international community and while the buildings are beautiful and should be preserved, the most important part of the city’s history is with the diverse people that have and still do live there. I would happily work with groups like the NEKC Historical Society and the Independence Avenue CID to find new ideas, like landmark placards for example, to preserve history for future generations while still looking towards the future in the regions development.

(SD11-BTL):This area’s history is rich and should not be forgotten. Historical landmarks and buildings must be preserved as this is part of the fabric that makes us who we are. Future generations will benefit from having the opportunity to actually see our history.

(SD11-JP):The Historic Tax Credit Program was designed for neighborhoods like the Northeast. As a small child who grew up on Mersington Ave, I know neighborhood revitalization is a community effort. So is preservation. In many ways the NE is a model for other neighborhoods in the metro.

(SD11-JR):I am very proud of Northeast and the history of it. The Northeast area has some of the richest history in the entire region. The Northeast area is very fortunate to have homes that are amazing, and we have seen people in recent years bring these homes back to the glory they once had. The best way to celebrate the history of Northeast is by continuing to restore the amazing homes in the area.

(HD19-MA):The Historic Northeast neighborhood’s name derives from the value of its historical homes and buildings, and culture. We must value the restoration of historical homes, and be sure to find an appreciation for those that have been abandoned for some time. If we can creatively find solutions to save the ones that have been abandoned (rather than just default to demolition), it would be beneficial. I would consider legislation that would create a minimum requirement for operations and maintenance funds for all public entities that own property funded by public tax dollars that have historical significance. I would additionally see an end to the forced obsolescence through deferring maintenance. Moreover, I would advocate for and protect the historical protection measures, established for significant structures throughout the state, allowing for continued support and protection of this valuable places. I have experience in fighting to save an important part of History in the Northeast. I will continue to fight for historic structures through Kansas City with my service to the Historic KC board.

(HD19-IB):My history in Northeast dates back over 100 years when my husband’s grandmother moved to the Columbus Park neighborhood where she gave birth to my mother-in-law. I was a newcomer when we bought our first house in the Indian Mound neighborhood and started our family 35 years ago. We have seen Northeast go through many ups and downs as we raised our family, and moved to the Independence Plaza neighborhood, and then to the Scarritt Renaissance neighborhood where we live now. I am proud of the rich heritage Northeast offers as the “first suburb” of Kansas City, and the “Judges Row” designation of my neighborhood. I am thrilled to see the improvements as we canvas through the neighborhoods. I plan to stay in Northeast for many more years, and as your State Representative to advocate for state funding for historical preservation.

4. What are your thoughts on gun control in Missouri?

(SD11-AB):First, we need strong regulation keeping the violent and mentally ill from obtaining guns. Second, we need a ban on assault rifles and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Third, funding research on what actually works for curbing gun violence. And the fourth, we need a 24 hour wait period before any gun can be obtained after purchase.

(SD11-BTL):I stand by the United States Constitution in its entirety. Missouri currently has laws to prevent felons from purchasing firearms.

(SD11-JP):I support common sense gun reform like 80-90% of Americans. I would have voted no on SB656.

(SD11-JR):I believe that a person has a right to protect their home and family. I believe in responsible gun laws.

(HD19-MA):I support common sense gun and ammunition reform that would require stricter background checks and longer waiting periods. I would sponsor legislation that would take guns out of the hands of individuals convicted of any form of domestic violence, and I would sponsor legislation that placed a ban on individuals acquiring automatic weapons and high capacity magazines. Having access to these types of weapons is not something that should be approached without caution, responsibility, and a thorough screening process. I can’t imagine many situations in which the need to obtain a gun of any caliber in an extremely short amount of time, would be better without pause and due diligence.

(HD19-IB):I see no reason why we need to allow the sale of assault weapons like the AR15. The second amendment provides for the right to bear arms, and for a “well regulated militia.” One person with an AR15 does not make a well regulated militia. I think our “concealed carry” statutes should include extensive background checks, training, and licensing. I think we need to close the gun show loophole. Beyond that, I think we need to examine how to address in positive and preventative ways the violence we see in our culture.

5. How important is public education funding in the state of Missouri?

(SD11-AB):Public education funding cannot continue the way it has. $422 million short this year alone. Unacceptable. This money must not only be restored to the budget immediately, but used more efficiently in the way of more vocational and technical training programs.

(SD11-BTL):I believe that properly funding our schools is paramount. The funds need to be only used in ways that will benefit the children.

(SD11-JP):Paramount. One of the top priorities for the state.

(SD11-JR):Public education is vital to the growth of our state, our children should receive a first class education and funding is crucial to that.

(HD19-MA):Public education funding in the State of Missouri should be top priority. An investment in Missouri’s future generations can only guarantee the state’s longterm success. This is not only limited to public primary and secondary education, but also public higher education. I stand for fully funding the state’s education formula and ensuring that our public school system is not raided or degraded like our neighbors in Kansas. The legislature is taking direct actions to backstep its funding levels of our public school system, and we cannot afford the destruction of our schools and our kids’ quality of education! In addition to public education funding, we must find a solution for the Kansas City Missouri school system (which has been fundamentally shortchanging our students for decades), while also ensuring our city’s future will not be limited by failing schools. In order for Kansas City to thrive, all elected officials must recognize the failures of the school district, and come together to find creative and viable solutions for our students.

(HD19-IB):I have dedicated my life and career to educating and counseling families in both the private and public school setting. I know firsthand how vitally important support is to our public education systems with funding that is adequate and fairly distributed. It is one of the state’s primary obligations to her citizens.

6. Do you agree that Missouri voters should be required to show a photo ID to vote?

(SD11-AB):No. Just no.

(SD11-BTL):Proving that one is a valid voter protects everyone’s vote and assures every vote counts.

(SD11-JP):No.

(SD11-JR):This will be on the ballot in November and the voters will have the final say on this issue. I hope that people will take the time to really understand it. This change to the Missouri Constitution will disenfranchise voters, especially senior citizens who may not drive anymore and don’t have access to a valid license.

(HD19-MA):I believe that no obstructions should be placed on voters that would otherwise deter them from casting their ballots on election day. This district has a marred past when it comes to the ballot box. The cutbacks in ease of access to Department of Motor Vehicle locations, particularly in the rural areas of the state, will only ensure the disenfranchisement of voters who deserve the right to cast their ballot. If a photo ID law has any ability to disenfranchise an eligible voter in any way, I will stand firmly against it. Let’s not let the specter of fear stand in the way of true democracy and our rights as Americans.

(HD19-IB):No.

7. Where do you stand on HB 1565 and other measures that would make Medicaid more readily available in Missouri?

(SD11-AB):I fully support expanding Medicaid in Missouri. The state has nothing to lose and billions to gain in economic and health benefits.

(SD11-BTL):Times change and so does the economy. Cost of living fluctuations should be taken into account.

(SD11-JP):This is common sense to me, and I wonder if it goes far enough. I strongly support Medicaid Expansion.

(SD11-JR):As a State Representative I voted for HB 1565 and believe that the general assembly needs to come up with more solutions to provide affordable access to health care. People shouldn’t have to choose between refilling their medications or paying their bills.

(HD19-MA):As a legislator, I vow to place PEOPLE over Politics! I would proudly sponsor legislation that would expand Medicaid, ending the donut hole for thousands of needy Missourians across the state. The failure of the Republican-led legislature to find a viable compromise to this need in Missouri only has hurt our most vulnerable residents.

(HD19-IB):I am in favor of measures that would make Medicaid more readily available in Missouri. HB 1565 increases the asset limits for permanent and totally disabled, blind and aged claimants from $1,000 to $2,000 starting in fiscal year 2018. One of my guiding principles are these words of Hubert Humphrey, “ The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”

8. Currently, the KCPD is governed by a state-appointed board of commissioners. Would you favor or oppose transfer to local control?

(SD11-AB):This only happened because of a corrupt politician in 1939. Just another outdated law that was never fixed. Only two cities in the country are controlled by a state governor. KC and St. Louis. With 109 homicides in KC for 2015, and 188 in St. Louis, the current system doesn’t seem to be working very well. I support moving political control of the police department to the city. The move would also save millions in insurance costs.

(SD11-BTL):I favor local control whenever possible, it just makes sense that the community knows its own needs and not an outside entity.

(SD11-JP):I favor local control.

(SD11-JR):I believe that we have a good system in place when it comes to governance of the KCPD.

(HD19-MA):This is a tough question that I can only answer with access to greater resources, and I recognize that there are valid arguments in for both options. With that said, I feel the most important focus right now, should be the implementation of a maximum wait time for 911 dispatch. I would support legislation that would limit the amount of “blackout” times (when there aren’t enough officers to respond to the need of residents) allowed per shift. We need to address this problem immediately. I would support legislation that ensures our men and women who are sworn to serve and protect our communities are provided with the resources they need. Control is not as important to me as access, and the plan which provided constituents with the greatest access to officers, in their time of need, is the one I would support.

(HD19-IB):Oppose. Kansas City is a crossroads for the country, and a major economic engine for the state. Having a state-appointed board of commissioners makes the state a stakeholder in our security, and distances the police department from local politics.

9. What would you do at the state level to further promote economic development in Historic Northeast Kansas City?

(SD11-AB):Raise the minimum wage for starters. Wages that will be immediately and directly spent in that community. I will also work on getting more infrastructure projects off the ground. That will get a lot of people back to work while making our bridges and roads safe again.

(SD11-BTL):I would actively seek out any historic grants that could be had to assist in development.

(SD11-JP):I would fight to preserve the Historic Tax Credit Program, I would also look at ways to incentivize public/private partnerships.

(SD11-JR):I believe that it is only a matter of time before developers discover what those who live and work in Historic Northeast know: it is rich in housing, tradition, and culture. As your State Senator I will be a champion for projects in Historic Northeast.

(HD19-MA):Understanding that the 19th District encompasses much more than just the Northeast, I commit to promoting economic development throughout the entire district. If elected to represent this district, I vow to strengthen our Independence Ave/24 Highway corridor through strategic recruitment of businesses and neighborhood participation. I plan to engage the many chambers of commerce to encourage and promote existing businesses and attract new businesses to place roots in the district.

(HD19-IB):First and foremost I would take every opportunity to showcase the great things that are happening here from the Summer Concert Series to the Independence Ave CID, the increase of restoration and rehab projects to the playground, parks, and trail development projects. Our residents are more invested and more energized thanks to organizations like the NE Chamber of Commerce, the NE Historical Society, and the KC Museum; and individuals at the Neighborhood Association level who have made it their personal mission to address vacant properties and absentee landlords. At the state funding level, the state can invest in infrastructure that supports the outcomes of our efforts which could include increased traffic platforms, technological support, and alternative energy sources.

10. Do you support public subsidies for professional sports teams?

(SD11-AB):Jackson County sports authority owns the stadiums, not the sports teams. That makes us landlords. If a landlord makes major improvements, then rent should go up accordingly. I see that as an investment, not a subsidy. The question should be, is the dollar amount of the improvements that the tax payers are responsible for a fair amount? In the past I would say absolutely not. Businesses in the area definitely benefit from the teams being here, so it is in our best interest to have the most attractive properties for those teams. The burden amount to the tax payers just needs to be re-negotiated so it is fair to all parties, which it has not been in past proposals.

(SD11-BTL):Sports teams make enough money to be self supporting. In short, no I do not.

(SD11-JP):If the public gets to vote on them, I do. I do not favor an endless bank account for billion dollar corporations.

(SD11-JR):In 2006 the voters approved a renovation for the Truman Sports Complex (Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums). This put hundreds of millions of taxpayers dollars into the renovations and created jobs. Jackson County receives funds for maintenance of these stadiums yearly from the state. I think it makes sense to protect the taxpayers investment by doing proper maintenance of the stadiums.

(HD19-MA):Profits at the expense of the taxpaying middle class should not be made the priority. I think that all public subsidies should be voted on during presidential election “general” election years, by the general public and not just voted on behind closed doors by a handful of elected officials. Tax incentive programs should be maintained as a tool for development, not a crutch for wealthy developers to manipulate the public trust by development schemes to drain a city’s taxpayer resources, only to abandon it later for a better and greater tax incentive.

(HD19-IB):No.