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Emily Wheeler
Editorial Assistant
Kansas City, Mo– The Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce hosted a successful candidates forum Tuesday, Oct. 29 at its location 2657 Independence Ave. Candidates for Missouri Senate Districts 7, 9, 11 and Missouri House District 19 as well as Jackson County Prosecutor were in attendance.
Audience members in person and via Zoom were invited to ask candidates questions, moderated by Paseo West Neighborhood Association President, Evie Craig.
Candidates in attendance included:
- Patty Lewis (D): Senate District 7
- Joey LaSalle (R): Senate District 7
- Barbara Anne Washington (D): Senate District 9
- Robert Sauls (D): Senate District 11
- Wick Thomas (D): House District 19
- Melesa Johnson (D): Jackson County Prosecutor
Candidates not in attendance included:
- Derron Black (R): Senate District 9
- Joe Nicola (R): Senate District 11
- Karen Spalding (R): House District 19
- Michael Johnson (D): House District 23
- Daniel Contreras (R): House District 23
- Tracy Chappell (R): Jackson County Prosecutor
The forum Tuesday evening addressed several pressing issues, which are central to voters in the Nov. 5 election. Candidates for state legislature participated in the forum’s first session as the county prosecutor forum followed.
Candidates were asked to describe their political personality in one word. Thomas claimed their word as “unique,” emphasizing their approach to campaigning with youth rock concerts to support voter registration and drag queen storytime.
Sauls described his political personality as “compassionate,” “I ran for office because I care,” he said, Tuesday. He said he plans to stay active within the community through surveys and promises to work with both Democrats and Republicans to improve the community.
“Dedication” was the term Lewis used to describe her political personality. Currently the only registered nurse in the Missouri Legislature, Lewis said she will work just as hard in the Senate as she has in the House of Representatives.
LaSalle used the term “representative,” to describe his political personality. “I am here to represent you,” he said. He said he hopes to use his voice in the legislature to improve Kansas City as a whole.
Crime, more specifically property crime, was another topic on the minds of voters. When asked of plans regarding crime, Lewis said she would support law enforcement. She also emphasized the importance of investing in programming that supports those with addiction and mental health issues.
LaSalle said his approach is “more.” He advocates for more police and prosecution and said programming should be a focus after crime rates decrease.
Washington said it’s about programming and finding things for young people to do. “It is proven you cannot prosecute yourself to safety,” she said.
Melesa Johnson faced questions about her experience in prosecution and as a director of public safety. Johnson emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the county prosecutor’s office and the Kansas City Police Department, stating it’s about collaboration and respect. Her three-step plan to decrease violent crimes in Kansas City includes investing in cell phone analytics, increasing victim and witness protection and focusing on crime deterrents.
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