Kander endorses Sly James for KCMO Mayor

Another Jackson County Democrat has weighed in on the upcoming elections for Kansas City, this time endorsing a close friend for mayor.

Democrat Jason Kander of the 44th House District issued support for Sly James' bid to become mayor of Kansas City. In an e-mail to supporters, Kander wrote that although James has long been a family friend of his and mentor during his legal career, the endorsement is more than personal friendship.

"Sly’s been a go-to leader in our city’s non-profit sector helping to steer organizations like United Way and Operation Breakthrough. His volunteer service has always been about improving life in Kansas City," Kander wrote. "Moreover, Sly is a small business owner and a professional mediator, experienced in bringing people together and building consensus in tough settings.

"A husband, a father, and a great friend, Sly is one of the best people I know."

Kander added that although he has worked personally with nearly every other candidate that has announced their candidacy for mayor of Missouri's largest city, he believes James is best fit to generate consensus at City Hall.

"In Sly, Kansas City has a rare opportunity to elect a gifted leader who can end the gridlock, produce results and get us back on track," Kander wrote.

The representative, recently elected to his second term in the Missouri House, will appear on behalf of James at a reception in Waldo on Dec. 7.

James is one of at least six candidates who will challenge incumbent Mark Funkhouser for the four-year position. Filing began yesterday and will continue until Jan. 25 in Kansas City as well as in Platte and Clay counties, whose election boards serve the city north of the river.

The primaries for mayor and all 12 city council seats will take place on Feb. 22. The top two vote-getters from each race, regardless of whether one candidate has an outright majority, will advance to the general election on March 22. The March 22 ballot is also expected to ask voters to renew the one percent earnings tax, as promulgated by the passage of Proposition A last week.