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Phil Wilson

HISTORY 101

|Office |Democrat |Republican |

| | | |

|Recorder of Deeds |Mary E. Moberly* |Sherry J. Meaders |

| |Collette Ruth King | |

| |Phil Wilson | |

| | | |

|Treasurer |Meredith Banks |Debra Hurlbert |

| |Ray Heath | |

| |Carol McCaslin | |

| |Rusty Saighman | |

| |Phil Wilson | |

| | | |

|Recorder of Deeds |Ruth Emery |Charles Adams |

| |Shirley J. Quick |David W. Short |

| |Robert Sevier | |

| |Jewell Ray Walton | |

| |Phil Wilson | |

| | | |

|Assessor |Tom Brandom |Don Jobe |

| |Cathy Rinehart* |Phil Wilson |

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Kansas City Star, The (MO)

2012-04-10

Section: News

Candidates file for countywide seats on Clay, Platte ballots

GLENN E. RICE, The Kansas City Star

A mix of political veterans and newcomers have emerged as candidates for open countywide seats in Clay and Platte counties.

The Aug. 7 primary will narrow most races to one candidate in each political party ahead of the November general election.

Clay County

Democrats are hoping to rebound after their incumbents were swept by Republicans in all contested county races last November. It was one of the hardest-fought campaign seasons in recent years.

Political observers expect this summer’s battle to be at least as intense, with a number of heavyweights on the ballot.

Eastern commissioner: Missouri Sen. Luann Ridgeway is challenging incumbent Katee Porter in the Republican race for eastern commissioner. Ridgeway had served in the Senate since 2005 but is barred by term limits from seeking the office again. She had previously served in the Missouri House.

Ridgeway’s decision to seek county office surprised many who had expected her to run for lieutenant governor.

Porter is seeking her second term. Four years ago, she soundly defeated Democratic rival Ken Fousek. Porter replaced her husband, Craig Porter, who did not seek re-election.

The primary winner will face Sherry Duffett, who is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Duffett, a longtime county employee, works in the assessor’s office and previously worked for the county clerk. Two years ago, Duffett was defeated by Tom Brandom in the primary race for county clerk.

Western commissioner: Incumbent Larry Larson faces two challengers in the Democratic primary — David R. Peironnet and former Western Commissioner Gene Owen. Peironnet ran for county clerk in 2006 but was defeated in the Democratic primary by Brandom, who was a former presiding commissioner.

Larson, who was first elected in 2004, is seeking his third term as a commissioner. Owen lost to Larson in Democratic primary in 2008. He had served as commissioner for six years. The winner will be unopposed in the general election.

Assessor: Brandom will try to unseat county assessor Cathy Rinehart, who took office in 1997, in the Democratic primary. The winner will face either Phil Wilson or Donald Jobe, candidates in the Republican primary.

Wilson unsuccessfully ran for county treasurer and recorder of deeds. He worked seven years as an a criminal investigator for the county prosecutor and is now retired.

Jobe had previously worked in the county assessor’s office.

Auditor: Michael Till and Charles Adams are candidates in the Republican primary for county auditor.

Till is a corporate accountant and has worked finance positions. Attempts to reach Adams were unsuccessful.

The winner will face Sheila Ernzen, who is unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Sheriff: County Sheriff Bob Boydston faces Bob Neal and Daryl L. Justis in the Democratic primary. Boydston regained the sheriff’s office when he defeated incumbent Paul Vescovo in 2008. He had previously served two terms as county sheriff.

Neal worked for the Clay County Sheriff’s Department from 2000-2009, where he served as commander for the fields operations and the detention divisions. He previously spent 12 years as the police chief for Claycomo and is now retired.

Justis works as a greeter for WalMart in Excelsior Springs and is a former Sedalia police officer.

The Democratic candidate will face Vescovo, who is running unopposed as the Republican primary.

Treasurer: Jesse Leimkuehler and Ted Graves are candidates for the Republican primary for county treasurer. Leimkuehler is CEO of Belvoir Winery in Liberty. Graves is a school teacher.

The winner will face incumbent Carol McCaslin, who has no opposition it the Democratic primary. McCaslin had previously served as presiding commissioner and was elected county treasurer in 2008.

16th House District: In the 16th District, Vic Hurlbert, former county auditor, will face Noel Shull in the Republican primary.

Hulbert had previously served several years as Clay County auditor.

Shull is a retired UMB Bank executive vice president from the commercial lending division.

The winner will face Jim Sweere, who is unopposed in the Democratic race.

Platte County

County Commission: Incumbent Kathy A. Dusenbery is being challenged by Beverlee J. Roper in the Republican primary to represent District One.

Dusenberry was elected in 2008. She previously served two terms as Parkville’s mayor.

Roper is an attorney who was elected in 2008 as a municipal judge in Weatherby Lake.

Treasurer: Rob Willard and Nancy Armstrong will compete in the Republican primary for county treasurer.

Willard is an attorney and former assistant Platte County prosecutor.

Armstrong is a vice president of the Patriots Bank branch in Parkville.

The winner replaces longtime county treasurer Bonnie Brown, who plans to retire at the end of her term.

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The Kansas City Star

1998-08-05

Section: METROPOLITAN

Election results

Following are complete, unofficial returns for contested races and ballot issues in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Ray, Cass and Lafayette counties in Missouri and Johnson, Wyandotte, Miami and Leavenworth counties. Winners are marked by an asterisk (*). MISSOURI MULTI-COUNTY RESULTS U.S. House 6th District, Republican Jackson County Jeff Bailey 607 Charles Roth 518 Clay County Jeff Bailey 3,160 Charles Roth 2,400 Platte County Jeff Bailey 1,141 Charles Roth 868 Ray County Jeff Bailey 114 Charles Roth 118 Total (includes outstate counties) *Jeff Bailey 12,203 Charles Roth 10,165 KANSAS CITY Question 1 Change city charter to grant the mayor veto power and a stronger hand in hiring city managers and shaping the budget.

(Simple majority) Jackson County Yes 22,306 No 12,461 Clay County Yes 4,742 No 3,750 Platte County Yes 1,656 No 1,103 Cass County Yes 5 No 1 Total *Yes 28,709 No 17,315 Question 2 Impose half-cent sales tax to restore Liberty Memorial (Simple majority) Jackson County Yes 26,777 No 9,690 Clay County Yes 5,769 No 3,051 Platte County Yes 2,102 No 865 Cass County Yes 2 No 2 Total *Yes 34,650 No 13,608 Question 3 Change city charter to expand options for the city to invest short-term cash holdings (Simple majority) Jackson County Yes 20,466 No 11,851 Clay County Yes 4,823 No 3,585 Platte County Yes 1,800 No 975 Cass County Yes 3 No 1 Total *Yes 27,092 No 16,410 Question 4 New fees to finance storm-water projects (Simple majority) Jackson County Yes 17,062 No 16,709 Clay County Yes 3,170 No 5,467 Platte County Yes 1,193 No 1,639 Cass County Yes 2 No 2 Total Yes 21,427 *No 23,817 JACKSON COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat James Askew 9,299 Bob Buck 1,550 Daniel Dodson3,053 Jay Nixon 26,074 Andrew Ostrowski 1,269 Republican John Alsup 307 Kit Bond 16,866 Joseph France 372 Douglas Jones 305 Joyce Lea 587 Joseph Schwan 324 Libertarian Martin Lindstedt 155 Tamara Millay 276 U.S. House 5th District, Democrat Karen McCarthy 33,653 Walter Wright 8,900 State Auditor Democrat Stephen Conway 7,079 Claire McCaskill 36,242 Timothy Walters 2,290 Republican Zev Fredman 3,425 Charles Pierce 12,854 Missouri House 41st District, Democrat *Fletcher Daniels 1,148 Mark Hawthorne 575 43rd District, Democrat *Mary Bland 2,035 Thomas Neely 343 52nd District, Democrat Sharon Kelley 1,101 *Paul LeVota 2,078 County Executive Democrat *Katheryn Shields 32,313 Dale Baumgardner 13,641 County Legislature 1st District, Democrat John Burnett 2,491 *Scott Burnett 3,208 Frank Palermo 1,272 2nd Dist. at Large, Democrat Jerome Bolin 10,824 *Lisa Hardwick 22,399 Ellen Holmes 7,322 2nd District, Democrat Carl Bussey 3,691 *Ronald Finley 3,746 3rd District, Democrat David Harris 1,781 *Dennis Waits 5,140 6th District, Republican John Graham 2,127 *Bob Spence 2,147 Independence Sales tax Approve half-cent sales tax for streets, bridges and parks (Simple majority) *Yes 11,460 No 4,923 Grandview Sales tax Approve half-cent sales tax increase for capital improvements (Simple majority) *Yes 1,232 No 754 Grain Valley Question 1 Issue $250,000 in general obligation bonds for parks (Four-sevenths majority) *Yes 270 No 103 Question 2 Issue $300,000 in general obligation bonds for water system (Four-sevenths majority) *Yes 313 No 61 Question 3 Issue $1.45 million in general obligation bonds for a city hall (Four-sevenths majority) *Yes 258 No 116 Question 4 Issue $2 million in general obligation bonds for streets, sidewalks and storm sewers (Four-sevenths majority) *Yes 325 No 52 LAFAYETTE COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat James Askew 202 Bob Buck 38 Daniel Dodson 77 Jay Nixon 547 Andrew Ostrowski 22 Republican John R. Alsup 21 Kit Bond 1,592 Joseph France 30 Douglas Jones 23 Joyce Lea 85 Joseph Schwan 31 Libertarian Martin Lindstedt 2 Tamara A. Millay 1 State Auditor Democrat Stephen Conway 176 Cla ire McCaskill 635 Timothy Walters 86 Republican Zev Fredman 318 Charles Pierce 1,189 County Clerk Republican Jennie Deardorff 728 *Linda Niendick 1,157 CASS COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat James Askew 1,144 Bob Buck 184 Daniel Dodson 267 Jay Nixon 2,360 Andrew Ostrowski 92 Republican John Alsup 40 Kit Bond 1,673 Joseph France 16 Douglas Jones 29 Joyce Lea 54 Joseph Schwan 33 Libertarian Martin Lindstedt 5 Tamarames Barnard Sr. 424 *Kent Mickelson 1,946 Recorder of Deeds Democrat *Sandy Gregory 2,012 John Kohler Jr. 1,973 N. Carl Nannen 270 Cass County Use Tax Impose three-fourths-cent local use tax (Simple majority) Yes 2,037 *No 4,053 Pleasant Hill School District Bond issue Issue $3.2 million in bonds to build and improve schools (Four-sevenths majority) Yes 553 *No 449 Harrisonville Water issue Allow city to buy water from Tri-County Water Authority (Simple majority) *Yes 480 No 266 Central Cass County Fire Protection District Tax levy 35-cent levy increase to support district (Simple majority) Yes 311 *No 432 CLAY COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat James Askew 1,680 Bob Buck 539 Daniel Dodson 927 Jay Nixon 7,104 Andrew Ostrowski 408 Republican John Alsup 116 Kit Bond 5,892 Joseph France 99 Douglas Jones 101 Joyce Lea 224 Joseph Schwan 104 Libertarian Martin Lindstedt 34 Tamara Millay 47 State Auditor Democrat Stephen Conway 2,084 Claire McCaskill 8,120 Timothy Walters 859 Republican Zev Fredman 1,161 Charles Pierce 4,501 Missouri House 33rd District, Republ ican Harold Hueser 89 *Roger Norris 825 Martin Randle 445 Presiding Commissioner Democrat *Tom Brandom 5,757 Jean McCaslin 5,421 Circuit Court Clerk Democrat *Rita Fuller 7,618 Myra Medlin 3,133 Republican *Debra McFadin 3,318 Tina Tucker 2,585 Recorder of Deeds Democrat Ruth Emery 1,840 Shirley Quick 3,540 *Robert Sevier 3,930 Jewell Walton 299 Phil Wilson 1,484 Republican Charles Adams 2,744 *David Short 3,062Reneeo 20 cents per $100 assessed valuation to repair roads and bridges within it (Simple majority) Yes 392 *No 1,116 Excelsior Springs Sales tax Retain half-cent sales tax for two years for street repairs (Simple majority) *Yes 449 No 187 PLATTE COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat James Askew 399 Bob Buck 98 Daniel Dodson 157 Jay Nixon 1,520 Andrew Ostrowski 79 Republican John Alsup 30 Kit Bond 2,182 Joseph France 28 Douglas Jones 30 Joyce Lea78 Joseph Schwan 29 Libertarian Martin Lindstedt 9 Tamara Millay 15 State Auditor Democrat Stephen Conway 341 Claire McCaskill 1,811 Timothy Walters 148 Republican Zev Fredman 402 Charles Pierce 1,629 Plad improve public buildings (Four-sevenths vote required) *Yes 144 No 101 Question 3 Issue $1 million in revenue bonds to improve sewer system (Simple majority) *Yes 182 No 59 West Platte Fire Protection District Question 1 Levy additional tax of up to 10 cents per $100 assessed valuation to support district (Simple majority) *Yes 139 No 93 Question 2 Levy additional tax of up to 10 cents per $100 assessed valuation to support ambulance service (Simple majority) *Yes 147 No 84 RAY COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat James Askew 714 Bob Buck 139 Daniel Dodson 198 Jay Nixon 1,411 Andrew Ostrowski 90 Republican John Alsup 3 Kit Bond 235 Joseph France 2 Douglas Jones 8 Joyce Lea 10 Joseph Schwan 2 Libertarian Martin Lindstedt 0 Tamara Millay 1 State Auditor Democrat Stephen Conway 553 Claire McCaskill 1,836 Timothy Walters 221 Republican Zev Fredman 62 CharlesDemocrat to fund3 Wyandotte County Dan Dana 3,153 Dennis Moore 7,696 Miami County Dan Dana 266 Dennis Moore 954 Total Dan Dana 6,327 *Dennis Moore 18,290 2nd District, Democrat Leavenworth County Jim Clark 1,627 Wes Miller 1,178 Total (includes 25 counties) *Jim Clark 19,086 Wes Miller 9,724 2nd District, Republican Leavenworth County Tom Little 721 Jim Ryun 4,106 Total(includes 25 counties) Tom Little 14,698 *Jim Ryun 52,805 State1,329 Miami County John Bacon 236 Dan Neuenswander 169 Total (includes Douglas, Osage and Shawnee counties) *John Bacon 13,315 Dan Neuenswander 10,297 9th District, Republican Miami County Val DeFever 582 Mandy Specht 719(includeLeavenworth County Ray Cox 526 Jim Jordan 202 Total *Ray Cox 1,818 Jim Jordan 1,189 JOHNSON COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat Todd Covault 3,594 Paul Feleciano Jr. 5,106 Governor/Lieutenant Governor Democrat Phelps and Ibrahim 1,546 Sawyer and Baker 7,847 Republican Graves and Sherrer 38,427 Miller and Henkle 15,727 Attorney General Democrat Dan Lykins 6,919 Fred Phelps Jr. 2,341 Commissioner of Insurance Republican Dan Martinez 16,008Bryan Riley 22,603 Kansas House of Representatives 21st District Republican *Barbara Allen 2,379 Doug Ramsburg 688 29th District Republican *Patricia Lightner 1,440 Tom Schrader 1,204 County Commissioner 1st District, Democrat Frank Hirons 1,140 *Ron Patton 1,146 1st District, Republican *Gary Anderson 9,102 Kevin Case 4,414 5th District, Republican Bruce Craig 3,943 *Douglas Wood 4,175 Roeland Park City Council, Ward 1 Unexpired term *Renee Addington-Carey 100 Terry Carr 21 Mica Garretson 41 Jeffrey Peterson 21 MIAMI COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat Todd Covault 651 Paul Feleciano Jr. 502 Governor/Lieutenant Governor Democrat Phelps and Ibrahim 230 Sawyer and Baker 965 Republican Graves and Sherrer 1,567 Miller and Henkle 1,021 Attorney General Democrat Dan Lykins 842 Fred Phelps Jr. 332 Commissioner of Insurance Republican Dan Martinez 611 Bryan Riley 1,338 WYANDOTTE COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat Todd Covault 4,316 Paul Feleciano Jr. 5,354 Governor/Lieutenant Governor Democrat Phelps and Ibrahim 2,690 Sawyer and Baker 7,670 Republican Graves and Sherrer3,769 Miller and Henkle 1,745 Attorney General Democrat Dan Lykins 5,978 Fred Phelps Jr. 4,226 Commissioner of Insurance Republican Dan Martinez 1,445 Bryan Riley 2,508 Kansas House of Representatives 32nd DWooton 614 Republican Bill Beall 115 *Eve Kemple 493 Brad Ratliff 482 James Reitemeier 380 District Judge, 29th District Division 10, Democrat William Hutton 3,374 *Jan Way 7,509 LEAVENWORTH COUNTY U.S. Senate Democrat Todd Covault 1,396 Paul Feleciano Jr. 1,383 Governor/Lieutenant Governor Democrat Phelps and Ibrahim 683 Sawyer and Baker 2,200 Republican Graves and Sherrer 3,615 Miller and Henkle 1,471 Attorney General Democrat Dan Lykins 1,998 Fred Phelps Jr. 895 Commissioner of Insurance Republican Dan Martinez 1,536 Bryan Riley 2,414 County Commission 1st District, Democrat *Donald Navinsky 597 Jack Rogers 223 Jo Spangler 247 Leavenworth County Charter resolution Exempt county commission from state mandated tax lid for road maintenance and improvements (simple majority required) Yes 2,814 *No 5,406 Sherman Township Recall vote Should Stuart W. S weeney be recalled from the office of Sherman Township trustee?

(simple majority required) Yes 229 *No 240

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The Kansas City Star

1998-07-30

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Two Republicans, five Democrats seek recorder post

SHAWNA A. HAMEL Staff Writer

Two Republicans and five Democrats are striving to take over the office of Clay County Recorder of Deeds after incumbent Mary E. Moberly chose not to seek re-election for health reasons. The winning Republican and Democratic candidates later will face off in the Nov. 3 election. The Republican candidates include David W. Short, a self-employed cultural resources investigator, and Charles Adams, a land trustee for Clay County.

Making up the Democratic ticket is Ruth Emery, who has been deputy recorder for the last six years; Bob Sevier, a local business owner who has had 22 years of experience in the land title business; Shirley J. Quick, former county assessor who now is retired; Jewell Ray Walton, a retiree who held an administrative position with the Kansas City Post Office; and Phil Wilson, a criminal investigator who ran for this position four years ago.

Candidates have similar concerns: improving technology and updating office records to ensure faster and more efficient business; bettering customer service and relations within the office; and making records public.

Recorder of Deeds Ruth Emery Party: Democrat Age: 39 Occupation: Deputy Recorder Shirley J. Quick Party: Democrat Age: 62 Occupation: Retired Robert Sevier Party: Democrat Age: 58 Occupation: Liberty business owner Jewell Ray Walton Party: Democrat Age: 65 Occupation: Retired Phil Wilson Party: Democrat Age: 49 Occupation: Criminal investigator Charles Adams Party: Republican Age: 51 Occupation: Clay County land trustee David W. Short Party: Republican Age: 44 Occupation: Self-employed cultural resources investigator

CAPTION: Emery; Sevier; Walton; Wilson; Adams; Short

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The Kansas City Star

1998-07-30

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Six jump into prosecutor race after Reardon bows out

BENITA Y. WILLIAMS Staff Writer

For the first time in 12 years, Clay County voters will see an election season without Clay County Prosecutor Mike Reardon. The long-term prosecutor was seeking a fourth term when he withdrew from the race in June. Reardon said he could not run an effective campaign, manage the prosecutors office and fight a pending lawsuit seeking to oust him from office before his term ends in December.

When Reardon pulled out of the race, four Democrats - Brian Klopfenstein, Greg Canuteson, Don Norris and Ronda Reems - stepped forward. So did two Republican candidates, Duke McDonald and David Chamberlain.

Each candidate pledges to be tough on crime and claims to have more trial or administrative experience than his opponents. But proposed reforms aimed at criticizing aspects of Reardon's administration have loomed large.

Of the six candidates, four said restoring integrity to the prosecutor's office would be job one.

Democrats Canuteson and Norris, and Republicans McDonald and Chamberlain, all said the most important issue for the next prosecutor was to restore credibility to the office. Democrats Klopfenstein and Reems also called restoring credibility a high priority.

All of the candidates except McDonald said they would prohibit full-time prosecutors from having outside law practices, an occurrence Reardon was criticized for allowing.

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Democrats Greg Canuteson Age: 31 Address: 931 Persimmon, Liberty Occupation: Lawyer Public service: Missouri House, 4 years Affiliations: St. Mark's Lutheran Church; Board of Director's American Lung Association of Western Missouri Endorsements: Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO Labor Council Stances: - Thinks the three most important crime issues facing the Clay County Prosecutor are making sure the county has safe schools and neighborhoods, stopping the methamphetamine epidemic and advocating for victim's rights.

- Wants to restore credibility to the office by immediately reviewing the budget and staff of the prosecutor's office.

- Considers all prosecutor office records public unless considerations of an ethical, legal or investigative nature prevent the immediate release of information.

- Doesn't think it's proper for a candidate for prosecuting attorney to take contributions from the same criminal defense lawyers who will represent criminals that the office should prosecute.

Brian Klopfenstein Age: 39 Address: 719 White Oak Lane, Gladstone Occupation: Lawyer Public service: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney 12 years, Developmental Disabilities Resource Board member 1992 to 1996, former Liberty Historic District Committee member.

Affiliations: North Cross United Methodist Church, Northland Christmas Store Endorsements: No official endorsements Stances: - Wants to bring local law enforcement, advocates for the elderly and prosecutors together to target criminals who victimize the elderly.

- Believes in a ``victim-friendly'' prosecutor's office and would consider opening the office in the evening and on weekends. The prosecutor should be more visible in the community.

- Looks to restore credibility to the office by putting people in prison with longer and tougher sentences and establishing a code of ethics for assistant prosecutors and staff.

- Thinks Clay County deserves a prosecutor with experience.

Donald T. Norris Age: 51 Address: 605 Wood Court, Liberty Occupation: Lawyer Public service: Current municipal judge Pleasant Valley and Liberty city prosecutor. Former North Kansas City municipal judge and Pleasant Valley Prosecutor. Former county Deputy Sheriff, county assistant prosecutor and assistant public defender. U. S. Air Force.

Affiliations: Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans Association Endorsements: Gladstone Democratic Club.

Stances: - Wants Clay County to be respected by citizens and feared by criminals as being tough on crime. Would work closer with law enforcement agencies to battle Clay County's drug problem.

- Wants to restore prosecutor's office to a position of trust in the minds of the people.

- Feels it takes someone with administrative experience as well as trial experience to run the prosecutor's office.

- Believes in the prosecutor having more contact with the community.

Ronda R. Reems Age: 43 Address: 4512 N. Mulberry Drive, Kansas City Occupation: Lawyer Public service: Assistant county counselor, former assistant U.S. attorney, Clay County Health Department Board of Trustee, Clay County Jail Expansion Committee.

Affiliations: Children's Advocacy Council, Habitat for Humanity.

Endorsements: No official endorsements.

Stances: - Would use a task force-approach to prosecution that would pair full-time assistant prosecutors with law enforcement agencies at the early stages of drug investigations. No part-time prosecutors.

- Wants stiffer penalties for persons convicted of drunken driving.

- Thinks the prosecutor should be a an experienced trial attorney who has experience handling investigations and prosecuting the complex cases.

- Feels adult abuse cases aren't taken seriously enough. Wants to work closer with adult abuse victims to make them better witness.

Republicans David P. Chamberlain Age: 35 Address: 1608 Ridgeway Drive, Liberty Occupation: Lawyer Public service: Only public office sought.

Affiliations: Liberty Sertoma service organization, United Methodist Church.

Endorsements: Clay County Republican Conservative Club, Missouri Republican Assembly.

Stances: - Wants to restore confidence and integrity to the prosecutors office. ``If there's one person who should be above reproach, it's the chief law enforcement officer of the county. '' - Will fight the county's methamphetamine problem with tough prosecution. If we make it tough for drug dealers to do business, they will go elsewhere.

- Wants the county to establish a reputation so people who want to commit a crime avoid Clay County.

- Feels all funds will be open for audit. Is against secret funds.

Duke McDonald Age: 37 Address: 314 Monterey, Liberty Occupation: Lawyer Public service: Missouri Bar fee dispute investigator and mediator, Former member of the Clay County Central Committee, former Franklin County Assistant Prosecutor Affiliations: Prairie Home Baptist Church Endorsements: No official endorsements Stances: - Wants to restore the rule of law to Clay County. Prosecutors should never seize property used in a crime without filing a civil lawsuit and putting the matter before a judge. Would eliminate the prosecutor's drug enforcement fund.

- Will prosecute the closer cases and ask for stiffer penalties.

- Wants to intimidate the methamphetamine dealers enough where they'll say, ``Whatever you do, don't take me to Clay County. '' - Wants to computerize the prosecutors office to maximize the amount of information that is available to the public.

What's on the ballot Primary election Aug. 4, contested races only U.S. Senate Democrat James J. Askew Bob Buck Daniel Dodson Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon Andrew Ostrowski Republican John R. Alsup Christopher (Kit) Bond Joseph (Joe) France Douglas E. Jones Joyce P. Lea Joseph A. Schwan Libertarian Martin Lindstedt Tamara A. Millay U.S. House, 6th District Republican Jeff Bailey Charles Roth State Auditor Democrat Stephen J. Conway Claire C. McCaskill Timothy Marshall Walters Republican Charles A. (Chuck) Pierce Zev David Fredman Mo. House, 33RD District Republican Martin E. Randle Harold Hueser Roger Norris CLAY COUNTY PRESIDING COMMISSIONER Democrat Tom Brandom Jean McCaslin CLAY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CLERK Democrat Rita Fuller Myra Medlin Republican Debra McFadin Tina Tucker CLAY COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS Democrat Ruth A. Emery Shirley J. Quick Robert (Bob) Sevier Jewell Ray Walton Phil Wilson Republican Charles Adams David W. Short CLAY COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Democrat Greg Canuteson Brian Klopfenstein Donald T. Norris Ronda R. Reems Republican David P. Chamberlain Duke McDonald CLAY COUNTY COLLECTOR OF REVENUE Democrat Renee Flippin Sandra Lee Reeves Republican George Jeffrey Don Parker CLAY COUNTY AUDITOR Democrat Lou DeMarco Jack L. Roberts CLAY COUNTY Question: Create a road district and levy up to 20

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS Question: Retain half-cent sales tax for two years for street repairs?

Kansas City ballot issues Question 1: Change City Charter to grant the mayor veto power and a stronger hand in hiring city managers and shaping the budget.

Question 2: Impose an 18-month, half-cent sales tax to help restore and expand the Liberty Memorial.

Question 3: Change the charter to expand options for the city to invest short-term cash holdings.

Question 4: Endorse a new fee system to finance storm-waterprojects.

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The Kansas City Star

1998-07-30

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Clay County endorsements

YAEL T. ABOUHALKAH

Primaries will be waged Tuesday for a host of Clay County offices. Here are The Star's endorsements for those contests, as well as for one issue on the county ballot. Auditor: Republican Lou DeMarco has sound ideas on how to make sure county funds are wisely spent. His opponent is Jack Roberts.

Clerk of Circuit Court: Democrat Rita Fuller is an incumbent who has used technology to improve the office. Her opponent is Myra Medlin.

In the Republican primary, Tina Tucker offers political and financial experience. Her opponent is Debra McFadin.

Collector of Revenue: Democrat Sandra L. Reeves, the incumbent, has aggressively pursued delinquent tax bills. Her opponent is Renee Flippin.

Republican Don Parker, who is the current county auditor, installed several computerized systems to keep track of county money and equipment. His opponent in the GOP primary is George Jeffrey.

Recorder of Deeds: Democrat Robert Sevier offers an experienced guiding hand for this office. His opponents are Ruth Emery, Shirley Quick, Jewell Ray Walton and Phil Wilson.

Republican David W. Short has some thoughtful ideas on how to improve use of public records for the office. His opponent is Charles Adams.

The Star already has endorsed candidates in three other county primaries. They are incumbent Tom Brandom for the Democratic nomination for presiding commissioner; Greg Canuteson for the Democratic nomination for prosecutor, and David Chamberlain for the Republican nomination for prosecutor.

Finally, voters in the county's unincorporated areas should approve Proposition A. It would boost the property tax in those parts of the county by 20 cents, raising about $250,000 annually for repair of roads and bridges.

By choosing wisely Tuesday, Clay County voters can make sure the best candidates are involved in the November general elections.

Editorials are written by members of the Editorial Board of The Star.

Correction: Clay County auditor candidates Lou DeMarco and Jack Roberts are Democrats, not Republicans, as The Star stated in some editions Thursday.

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The Kansas City Star

1998-07-30

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

What's on the ballot

Primary election Aug. 4, contested races only U.S. Senate Democrat James J. Askew Bob Buck Daniel Dodson Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon Andrew Ostrowski Republican John R. Alsup Christopher (Kit) Bond Joseph (Joe) France Douglas E. Jones Joyce P. Lea Joseph A. Schwan Libertarian Martin Lindstedt Tamara A. Millay U.S. House, 6th District Republican Jeff Bailey Charles Roth State Auditor Democrat Stephen J. Conway Claire C. McCaskill Timothy Marshall Walters Republican Charles A. (Chuck) Pierce Zev David Fredman CLAY COUNTY PRESIDING COMMISSIONER Democrat Tom Brandom Jean McCaslinCLAY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CLERK Democrat Rita Fuller Myra Medlin Republican Debra McFadin Tina Tucker CLAY COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS Democrat Ruth A. Emery Shirley J. Quick Robert (Bob) Sevier Jewell Ray Walton Phil Wilson Republican Charles Adams David W. Short CLAY COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Democrat GregCanuteson Brian Klopfenstein Donald T. Norris Ronda R. Reems Republican David P. Chamberlain Duke McDonald CLAY COUNTY COLLECTOR OF REVENUE Democrat Renee Flippin Sandra Lee Reeves Republican George Jeffrey Don Parker CLAY COUNTY AUDITOR Democrat Lou DeMarco Jack L. Roberts CLAY COUNTY Question: Create a road district and levy up to 20 cents per $100 assessed valuation to repair roads and bridges within the district? RAY COUNTY PRESIDING COMMISSIONER Democrat William Edgar JoAndrea Hilburn Dan Keller Curtis Proffitt Norma Wood Republican Mark Benton Larry Eastley RAY COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Democrat George Lehnen III Stanley Thompson RAY COUNTY CLERK Democrat James Jacobs Lynn Rogers RAY COUNTY COMMON ROAD DISTRICT LEVY EXTENSION Question: Approve extension for four years of additional 24 cent levy to fund district?

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The Kansas City Star

1998-07-09

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Seven file in recorder of deed's race

SHAWNA A. HAMEL Staff Writer

Seven candidates are vying for the Clay County recorder of deeds seat held by incumbent Mary Moberly, who said she will not seek re-election. The candidates include the deputy recorder, a former county assessor who is now retired, a candidate who ran for recorder four years ago and several new faces to the race.

The Democratic candidates include: Ruth Emery, 39, has held the position of deputy recorder for the last six years. She said she is qualified to take over Moberly's job because she has experienced the inner workings of the office on a daily basis, as well as having worked with several title companies.

Emery said her goals would be to upgrade the computer system, obtain imaging and scanning equipment and extend office hours during the beginning and end of each month. She also would take steps to cross train her staff and have etiquette training for better customer service, she said.

Bob Sevier, 58, is a first-time candidate for political office.

He has had 22 years of experience in the land title business and has been a Liberty business owner for 25 years. He has searched the records and recorded deeds in several metropolitan counties as well, he said.

His priorities include ensuring good customer service and making the office more user-friendly. An area would be designated for individuals to look up records and other documents without having to wait in line behind business customers, he said.

And, he said, ``the rapid growth in Clay County makes an upgrade in technology a top priority. '' Shirley J. Quick, 62, previously held the post of county assessor, but is now retired. However, she said her experience during her 18 years in county government makes her a qualified candidate.

She said she is familiar with the budget process and has supervised more about 30 employees on a daily basis.

Quick said newer technology would be ``a bigger benefit to the general public,'' but she is not sure the budget would allow for it.

She said she would make sure employees in her office followed a code of strong customer service skills.

Jewell Ray Walton, 65, held an administrative position with the Kansas City Post Office before retiring at 62. He also served in supervisory positions during his 20 years in the military. The average person needs to be more involved in government, he said, which is why he is running for this position.

Walton said he would need to familiarize himself with the office before deciding whether the office needs new equipment.

He wants to be sure that ``employees would be courteous and do a good job. '' Phil Wilson, 49, who ran for the position four years ago, is running again. He has 27 years of experience in the paralegal business and has visited every recorder's office in the Kansas City metropolitan area, he said.

His goals include making the office more ``customer-service oriented. '' He said his staff would do a better job of assisting customers, and employees would need to be ``as friendly and outgoing as possible. '' He also said he would like to make sure all records were made public and a complete computer updating would be done.

Republican candidates: David W. Short, 44, a self-employed cultural resources investigator, recently was elected to a third term on the Clay County Republican Central Committee for Gallatin Township. He has held various business positions in Clay County, from teaching to law enforcement.

Short said his idea of the ``virtual courtroom'' would include upgrading existing computer systems an implementing a site on the Internet where people could locate and retrieve information. He also said he would like to integrate the Clay County Archives as a satellite office.

Charles Adams, a licensed real estate broker in Missouri and land trustee for Clay County, said he would like to bring in more computer terminals and update the county's records. He also would like using imaging and scanning equipment for fast and accurate recording, he said.

``The technology really needs to be there,'' he said. ``That will be the major change. '' He said his real estate background makes him a viable candidate for the positions which he sees ``as a job, not a stepping stone. ''

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The Kansas City Star

1998-06-25

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Gladstone Democratic Club makes endorsements

BENITA Y. WILLIAMS Staff Writer

After two tie votes, the Gladstone Democratic Club endorsed Don Norris in the August primary for Clay County prosecutor. Norris was an assistant Clay County prosecutor under former prosecutor Bill Brandom. He is currently the municipal judge in Pleasant Valley, the Liberty city prosecutor and has a private law practice in Liberty.

He told Gladstone Democrats that Clay County needed a prosecutor who can administer the office's $1.8 million budget, manage its 49-member staff as well as be a skilled trial lawyer.

``I emphasized that I had run a private practice that annually grossed over a half million dollars easily and my experience as a prosecutor and a judge,'' Norris said.

Norris tied with former state legislator Greg Canuteson during two rounds of voting for the club's endorsement.

Canuteson, a Liberty attorney, told the Democrats he would work to restore credibility to the prosecutor's office and to Clay County government, then go about the business of fighting crime.

The remaining Democratic prosecutor candidates, assistant prosecutor Brian Klopfenstein and assistant counselor Ronda Reems, emphasized their backgrounds as trial attorneys.

The four candidates filed to run for prosecutor earlier this month after current county prosecutor Democrat Mike Reardon withdrew from the race. Reardon said he withdrew because he could not run a campaign, manage his office and fight a pending lawsuit seeking to remove him from office.

The lawsuit alleges that the 11-year prosecutor misspent public funds, neglected his duties and prosecuted the county presiding commissioner without cause.

The Gladstone Democratic Club has about 60 members and was founded in 1953. It is the largest Democratic club in Clay County and is the only Democratic club in the county making endorsements this season.

Others receiving endorsements: Incumbent Rita Fuller in the race for Circuit County clerk.

Fuller will face challenger Myra Medlin in the primary.

Lou DeMarco in the county auditor's race. He will run against Jack L. Roberts in the primary.

Incumbent collector Sandra Reeves who will face challenger Renee Flippin to retain her seat.

In the race for Presiding Commissioner, challenger Jean McCaslin.

She will run against incumbent Thomas Brandom in August.

Phil Wilson in the race for recorder of deeds. Wilson will face opponents Robert Sevier, Ruth Emery, Shirley J. Quick and Jewell Ray Walton, the only Democratic candidate for county office who was not present at the meeting.

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The Kansas City Star

1998-04-09

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Candidates file for August primary in Clay County

BENITA Y. WILLIAMS Staff Writer

As filings for the August primary elections came to a close last week, 26 candidates had filed for seven Clay County offices. Dozens more had filed for spots on the county's Democratic and Republican central committees. County offices up for election include prosecuting attorney, presiding commissioner, Circuit Court clerk, county clerk, collector of revenue, recorder of deeds and auditor.

Clay County Prosecutor Michael E. Reardon, the subject of a public corruption investigation, does not face any opposition in the Democratic primary. But two Republican candidates, Duke McDonald and David Chamberlain, will face off in the primary to eventually challenge Reardon.

Both Republicans have issued statements against Reardon, a 12-year incumbent.

The special county grand jury, which began Jan. 16, is looking into whether Reardon unjustly enriched his office by keeping more than $100,000 in cash that should have been given to school districts, improperly confiscated vehicles and inappropriately paid money to businesses.

``There is a feeling among Clay Countians that our current prosecutor has not exactly played by the rules,'' McDonald said.

Reardon said it was too early to comment on potential challengers' statements. He also said it would be unethical for him to comment on the investigation, which could ultimately lead to a criminal grand jury indictment or removal from office.

A three-year wrangle between Reardon and Presiding Commissioner Thomas Brandom, also running for re-election, led to the investigation of both officials. Last month the grand jury cleared Brandom of stealing allegations that Reardon made against him.

Brandom said the investigation had put his campaign on hold.

Democratic challenger Jean McCaslin said she would not make the investigation an issue but did criticize Brandom for clashes between the commission and some county elected officials. Republican Richard C. Fletcher also is running for presiding commissioner.

County Auditor Don Parker, a Republican, decided not to seek re-election and instead filed for collector of revenue.

``I really planned to limit myself to two terms by retiring at the end of this year,'' Parker said. ``Republican Party leaders convinced me that 59 was too young to retire from public life. They felt my candidacy would strengthen the entire 1998 Republican ticket. '' Parker will face George Jeffrey in the primary. Democrats Renee Flippin and Sandra Reeves, the incumbent, also are seeking the position.

The recorder of deeds race drew the most interest. Five Democrats and two Republicans are seeking the office being vacated by Democrat Mary E. Moberly, who has been ill and is the only incumbent not seeking re-election. Democrats Robert Sevier, Ruth Emery, Jewell Ray Walton, Shirley J. Quick and Phil Wilson as well as Republicans David W. Short and Charles Adams are vying for the position.

Democratic incumbent Rita Fuller, Democratic challenger Myra Medlin and Republicans Debra McFadin and Tina Tucker are running for circuit clerk. Jack L. Roberts will face Lou DeMarco in the Democratic primary race for auditor.

County Clerk Pamela A. Mason, a Republican, is seeking re-election. Evelyn Miller has also filed for the position.

County Republican Party Chairman Ron Muck will face challenger Norman Blevins to retain his seat on the Republican Central Committee. County Democratic Party Chairwoman Etha Eaton will face Charli Seitz for her Democratic Central Committee seat.

With the exception of the circuit clerk, who is a state employee, winners of the November general election also will win a pay raise of at least 28 percent.

The 12 elected officials on the county's salary commission voted 6-5, with one abstention, in October for the raises to take effect after the general election. Of the incumbents running for re-election only Brandom and Mason voted against the raises. Fuller is not a member of the committee.

Republican auditor candidate Vic Hurlbert has criticized the raises. Hurlbert issued a notarized statement asking to be removed from office if he ever votes himself a pay raise.

Parker, who voted for the raises, said the current officeholders did not vote themselves raises because the Missouri Constitution bars the salary commission from changing the pay of sitting elected officials.

``If the incumbents lose, they won't see a dime of that money,'' Parker said.

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The Kansas City Star

1998-04-01

Section: METROPOLITAN

Candidates set for August primaries

Dale Baumgardner files to challenge Katheryn Shields.

From The Star's Staff

Dale Baumgardner, who lost by just 159 votes in the 1994 primary, will once again challenge Katheryn Shields for the Democratic nomination for Jackson County executive. Baumgardner filed Tuesday afternoon, the deadline for filing for the August primary. The Blue Springs man served four years as county executive before being defeated by Bill Waris in 1982. In recent years, Baumgardner has been a developer.

Democratic Committeeman Jack Hackley of Oak Grove also is running for the Democratic nomination. Reed Chambers of Independence and Richard Tolbert of Kansas City are running unopposed for the Republican and Reform parties respectively.

In the primary races for County Legislature, only incumbents Fred Arbanas and Dixie Flynn are running unopposed in their primaries.

Other races are: 1st District At Large Democratic primary: Incumbent Victor Callahan of Independence, Heinz Reschke of Independence and Constance Beeler of Kansas City.

1st District Democratic primary: John Patrick Burnett, Scott Burnett and Frank Palermo, all of Kansas City.

2nd District At Large Democratic primary: Incumbent Lisa White Hardwick, Ellen Holmes and Jerome Bolin, all of Kansas City.

2nd District Democratic primary: Incumbent Carl Bussey and Kansas City Councilman Ron Finley, both of Kansas City.

3rd District Democratic primary: Incumbent Dennis Waits of Independence and David Harris of Kansas City.

4th District Democratic primary: Incumbent Dan Tarwater and Jim Rowland, both of Kansas City.

6th District Republican primary: Incumbent John Graham and Bob Spence, both of Lee's Summit.

Democratic primary: Debbie Englert of Lone Jack, Chris Perry of Raytown and Bob ``Warpaint'' Johnson of Raytown.

Clay County In Clay County, Prosecutor Michael E. Reardon, the 12-year incumbent, will be unopposed in the Democratic primary. He will enter the election as the subject of a county grand jury public corruption investigation, which began in January.

Two Republican candidates, Duke McDonald and David Chamberlain, have filed for the position.

Other Clay County races are: Presiding Commissioner Democratic primary: Incumbent Thomas M. Brandom and Jean McCaslin.

Circuit Court Clerk Democratic primary: Incumbent Rita Fuller and Myra Medlin.

Republican primary: Debra McFadin and Tina Tucker.

Collector of Revenue Democratic primary: Renee Flippin and incumbent Sandra Reeves.

Republican primary: George Jeffrey and Don Parker.

Recorder of Deeds Democratic primary: Robert Sevier, Ruth Emery, Jewell Ray Walton, Shirley J. Quick and Phil Wilson Republican primary: David W. Short and Charles Adams.

Auditor Democratic primary: Jack L. Roberts and Lou DeMarco.

Platte County Platte County races: Presiding Commissioner Republican primary: Incumbent Betty Knight and Steve Folck.

Ray County Ray County races: Presiding Commissioner Democratic primary: Incumbent William E. Edgar, Jo Andrea Hilburn, Norma Louise Wood, Curtis R. Proffitt and Dan Keller.

Republican primary: Mack Benton and Larry Eastley.

Prosecuting Attorney Democratic primary: Incumbent George Lehnen and Stanley Thompson.

County Clerk Democratic primary: Incumbent Lynn Rogers and James Jacobs.

Cass County Filing for the August primary closed Tuesday with contests in the Democratic races for presiding commissioner and recorder of deeds.

No Republicans face competition in the primary, and some offices have no Republican running.

There will be battles between Democrats and Republicans for presiding commissioner, Circuit Court clerk, recorder of deeds and county auditor.

The Cass County candidates: Associate Circuit Judge, Division III: Incumbent Bill Collins, Democrat.

Probate Judge: Incumbent Thomas M. Campbell, Democrat.

Presiding Commissioner: Beverly J. Aksamit, James W. Barnard Sr. and Kent Mickelson, all Democrats; and incumbent Gene A. Molendorp, Republican Circuit Clerk: Incumbent Ada Lee King, Democrat, and Margaret ``Maggie'' Morris, Republican.

County Clerk: Incumbent Gary L. Mallory, Democrat.

Recorder: Incumbent John H. Kohler Jr., N. Carl Nannen and Sandy Gregory, all Democrats; and Herschel L. Young, Republican.

Prosecutor: Incumbent Chris Koster, Republican.

County Auditor: Incumbent Julie McClain Cooper, Democrat, and J. David Martin, Republican.

Collector of Revenue: Incumbent Benny C. Odom, Democrat.

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The Kansas City Star

1996-08-06

Section: OPINION

The Star's election choices

KANSAS REPUBLICAN PRIMARY U.S. Senate: (Regular term)-Pat Roberts (Unexpired term)-Sam Brownback U.S. House of Representatives 2nd District: Douglas S. Wright 3rd District: Ed Eilert State Board of Education, 2nd District: William ``Bill'' Meek Kansas Senate 5th District: Debra Bates-Lamborn 8th District: Dick Bond 9th District: Rich Becker 11th District: Keith Schraad 23rd District: Steve Hougland Kansas House of Representatives 14th District: Rick D. Vesper 30th District: David Huff 38th District: Ed Fields JOHNSON COUNTY County Commissioner 2nd District: Jeffrey L. Teefey County Clerk: Beverly L. Baker County Treasurer: Wm. E. ``Bill'' O'Brien Sheriff: Fred Allenbrand LEAVENWORTH COUNTY Count y Commissioner 2nd District: Louis A. Klemp Jr. 3rd District: George L. Sprague Jr. DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY U.S. Senate: (unexpired term)-Jill Docking U.S. House of Representatives 3rd District: Judy Hancock Kansas Senate 5th District: Mark S. Gilstrap 6th District: Pat Huggins Pettey Kansas House of Representatives 31st District: Bonnie J. Sharp 32nd District: Herman G. Dillon 33rd District: Richard J. ``Dick'' Edlund 34th District: David Haley WYANDOTTE COUNTY District Court Judge 9th Division: David Mikesic 13th Division: Michael Grosko 15th Division: Ernie Johnson County Commissioner 1st District: Loretta Colombel 3rd District: Jim Yoakum County Treasurer: Tom Lally LEAVENWORTH COUNTY County Commissioner 3rd District: Kevin E. Reardon Register of Deeds: Dora I. (Susie) Parmer KANSAS CITY, KAN. QUESTION No. 1: Shall slot machines and games of chance be allowed at The Woodlands? NO MISSOURI DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY Governor: Mel Carnahan Secretary of State: Rebecca McDowell (Bekki) Cook Congress 6th District: Larry E. Kinnamon, Jr. Missouri House of Representatives 30th District: Meg Harding 50th District: Carol Jean Mays 51st District: Lee Williams 53rd District: Richard (Dick) Franklin 54th District: Karen Payne 56th District: Steve Nixon JACKSON COUNTY Sheriff: James D. (Jim) Anderson CLAY COUNTY County Commissioner, Eastern District: Barbara Womack County Treasurer: Phil Wilson Public Administrator: Beverly Sue Ryan County Assessor: Cathy Rinehart Jobe Sheriff: Bob Boydston PLATTE COUNTY Assessor: Kamille Kisker Sedlock Sheriff: William Taylor REPUBLICAN PRIMARY Governor: Margaret Kelly U.S. House of Representatives 4th District: Bill Phelps 6th District: Jeff Bailey Missouri Senate 17th District: Glenna Y. Todd 21st District: Dave Oetting Missouri House of Representatives 36th District: Jim Patton 44th District: Howard Higgins 49th District: Ralph L. Martin 52nd District: Chris Stroud CLAY COUNTY Sheriff: Mark Hidy PLATTE COUNTY Assessor: Christine Stephens Sheriff: Gregory Crader LIBERTARIAN PRIMARY Governor: J. Mark Oglesby Lieutenant Governor: Jeanne Bojarski U.S. House of Representatives 5th District: Richard Charles Tolbert MISSOURI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT No. 2: Should school districts, with voter approval, be allowed to increase their bonding capacity from 10 to 15 percent of to tal assessed valuation? YES KANSAS CITY QUESTIONS No. 1: Should Kansas City issue and sell revenue bonds worth up to $150 million to extend and improve the city's water system? YES No. 2: Should the city impose an annual registration fee for w aste tire sites and waste tire handlers to fund an environmentally sound management program for waste tires? YES No. 3: Should the city impose an annual permit fee of $100 for salvage yard operators and transfer regulation of salvage yards to the Fire Department? YES No. 4: Should the city issue $10.8 million in general obligation bonds for its share of a $37 million project to replace the Chouteau Bridge? YES No. 5: Should the zoning ordinance adding an overlay CX adult entertainment zoning district at 1717 Main Street be approved? YES

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The Kansas City Star

1996-08-03

Section: OPINION

Clay County Choices

YAEL T. ABOUHALKAH

Voters have a number of Democratic primary races to thin out on Tuesday, while Republicans are looking at only one primary race. For the Democrats, The Star's choice for the Eastern District County Commissioner slot is Barbara Womack. She provided leadership in helping to earn voter approval for the county's new children's justice center, which opened this year. Womack also has worked on a number of other issue-oriented campaigns as a consultant.

County Assessor Shirley Quick has had her problems in recent years, centering on a brusque style that offends some residents. We prefer Cathy Rinehart Jobe, who pledges to run an office that is more open to taxpayers. That's especially important in an office where visitors generally come to complain about their taxes.

In the county treasurer's race, incumbent Beverly Corum is leaving office. Phil Wilson has the right attitude about how to improve the office: Keep up the consistently good work done by Corum but look for innovative ways to improve how the county invests its money.

Two Democratic incumbents deserve to advance to the general election in November.

Because Sheriff Bob Boydston had some unfortunate confrontations with other officeholders, we were looking for alternatives. But Boydston is the most qualified candidate in his primary. He has increased the amount of state and federal grants received by his office, and he has pursued worthwhile programs such as added DUI enforcement to reduce traffic-related problems.

We are troubled by the four cases of sexual discrimination filed against the Sheriff's Department in the last year. Boydston has been dismissed from two suits, and it appears the bulk of complaints occurred before he took office in 1992. However, the lawsuits raise the perception that the attitude toward women and their abilities needs to be improved at the department, and if he should be re-elected, correcting that impression should be a high priority for Boydston.

Public Administrator Beverly Sue Ryan, first elected in 1974, is almost universally praised for her strong, caring work in office. She has taken steps to improve how the county provides mental or medical treatment for persons with diminished capacities.

The only Republican primary is in the sheriff's race. Mark Hidy, a former employee of the sheriff's department, has pledged to reinforce its merit system and make the agency more efficient.

All other Clay County primaries are uncontested.

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The Kansas City Star

1996-08-01

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

5 Democrats seek Clay County treasurer job

REGINA AKERS Staff Writer

There's no shortage of Democrats eager to replace the retiring Clay County treasurer. Five hopefuls are competing in the primary election Tuesday for the position held since 1982 by Democratic incumbent Beverly Corum.

Debra Hurlbert, a Republican committeewoman for Clay County, is unopposed.

Here's what the contenders say: Phil Wilson, a first-time office seeker, wants to use for the public good what he calls the management expertise he's developed by running a business for 25 years.

Wilson, who said his work experience includes pension planning and investments, took business and accounting courses at Park College and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

As a court-appointed guardian in Jackson County, Wilson said, he helps a disabled woman survive on $456 a month by managing her budget. And, Wilson said, as county treasurer he would also invest county money wisely.

``I'm real interested in sound fiscal management of the tax dollars, but at the same time developing a strategy for county employees across the board to be treated fairly and equitably,'' Wilson said. ``That takes someone with superior management skills. '' Rusty Saighman, a first-time office seeker, says he would give the working woman and man a voice in county government.

``As a union steward and business agent, I think I have within me the views and concerns of most working class people,'' said Saighman of Service Employees International Union Local 96. ``I can bring the people's voice to the county. '' Saighman attended Maple Woods Community and William Jewel colleges. The former owner of a lawn care service and a convenience store, Saighman said he has the skills to serve as treasurer. He also said he would use negotiating skills he learned in the u nion to help county officials reach consensus.

``It seems there's a lot of bickering and disagreements among the county officials,'' Saighman said. ``I can help people work together instead of against one another. '' Meredith Banks said she is most qualified to serve as treasurer because she has been a deputy county treasurer for eight years.

Banks, who has had courses in business and accounting, said she would run the treasurer's office in compliance with state laws.

``I've had the experience of working in the office and that's my selling point,'' Banks said. ``I've done all the jobs. Since I've been in the office so long, I feel I could run it better than someone new who comes in. '' Banks, a first-time office seeker, said that if she won the election it would be on her merits, not on a highly financed political campaign.

``So much of the time someone gets into office because of their name or because they have a lot of money,'' she said, ``but that doesn't mean the person is really qualified. '' Ray Heath is campaigning on his 21 years of experience in running an accounting business. Heath also served a term as Clay County auditor from 1987-1990.

Heath said incumbent Beverly Corum's retirement as treasurer is what prompted him to file for the opening. Heath said he worked closely with the treasurer's office when he was the county auditor.

``I looked at the people who had filed for her (Corum's) position and I thought none of them were qualified; so I thought I would jump in there with them,'' Heath said. ``I thought somebody qualified should be running for the office. '' Heath holds an associate's degree in accounting from Central Missouri State University. Heath said he also has continuing education hours in accounting and taxes. He is a former district manager for H&R Block Inc. Carol McCaslin said she wanted to use her administrative skills to run the treasurer's office.

``With no incumbent I felt this was a time to begin a new generation,'' McCaslin said. ``I feel my skills fit the position. '' McCaslin is a partner in her family-owned business. She holds an associate's degree, with emphasis areas in accounting and computers, from Maple Woods Community College.

``I manage our business well and I manage our personal finances very well,'' McCaslin said of her skills. ``My goal would be to do a good job for the county. '' McCaslin said there are changes that she would like to see. But she said some things she could do little about.

For example, state law currently allows Clay County officeholders to approve their own raises. That bothers McCaslin, who said she would protest in her own way.

``If elected I will not vote for a raise for county officeholders,'' McCaslin said.

Clay County Treasurer Democrat Meredith Banks Age: 63 Address: 7516 N. Lydia Ave., Gladstone Occupation: Clay County deputy treasurer Public service: Eight years as deputy treasurer Affiliations: Sweet Adelines International, Northland chapter member; St. Charles Church Endorsements: None Ray Heath Age: 60 Address: 5122 N. Flora.

Occupation: Self-employed accountant Public service: Clay County auditor, 1987-90; ran unsuccessfully for Clay County commissioner in 1992 Affiliations: North Kansas City Business Association, member Endorsements: None Carol McCaslin Age: 40 Address: 2300 N.E. Barry Road Occupation: Partner, McCaslin Waterproofing Inc. Public Service: None Affiliations: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leader and current pack registrar for Cub Scout Troop 180; various parent committees at St. Charles School Endorsements: None Rusty Saighman Age: 59 Address: 330 S. Fairview Ave., Liberty Occupation: Business agent, Service Employees International Union Local 96, Kansas City Public service: None Affili ations: Court Appointed Special Advocate/Clay County Juvenile Court Endorsements: AFL-CIO; Gladstone Democratic Club Phil Wilson Age: 47 Address: 7401 N. Oakland Ave. Occupation: President and chairman, Lawyers Assist Corp. Public Serv ice: Court-appointed guardian, Jackson County Probate Court Affiliations: Democratic Party of Missouri; Gladstone Democrat Club; Northland Octoberfest 1996, planning committee member; St. James School Foundation, board member Endorsements: North Kansas City Democrat Club Public administrator Democrat Kelley Dye Age: 41 Address: 1007 N.E. 108th St. Occupation: Full-time sales associate, Keebler Co.; part-time real estate agent Public service: None Affiliations: Boy Scouts of A merica, volunteer Endorsements: None Beverly Sue Ryan (I) Age: 61 Address: 232 W. Kansas St., Liberty Occupation: Public administrator Public service: 22 years as public administrator Affiliations: Clay County Archives, past pres ident; Clay County Historical Society, past secretary; Clay County Women's Democratic Club, past president; First Christian Church of North Kansas City; Missouri Association of Public Administrators, president; Northland Professionals on Aging, board mem ber; Northland Services Coalition, board member; Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic, past board member; Tri County Mental Health Services Inc., board member Endorsements: None Vinnie Vaccaro Age: 49 Address: 1708 Tudor Lane, Libe rty Occupation: Dealer, Harrah's North Kansas City Casino Public Service: None Affiliations: Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City, president; KCI/Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, former executive director Endorsements: Gladstone Democratic Club and North Kansas City Democratic Club Assessor Democrat Cathy Rinehart Jobe Age: 43 Address: 6700 N. Park Occupation: Unemployed Public service: Four years ago ran for assessor and two years ago ran for Clay County clerk.

Affiliations: Clay County Women's Democratic Club; Clay County Central Committee for Democrats; Gladstone Democrat Club; Gamma Phi Beta alumnus group; Primitivo Garcia School, booster club member Endorsements: None Shirley J. Quick (I) Age: 59 Address: 5107 N. Highland Ave. Occupation: Clay County assessor Public Service: 16 years as assessor Affiliations: Clay County Women's Democratic Club; Gladstone Democratic Club; International Association of Assessing Officers; Missouri Assessors Association, past president; Missouri Association of Counties, board member and past education director; National Association for Review Appraisers and Mortgage Underwriters, senior member and certified CRA; North Central Reg ional Association of Assessing Officers, board member Endorsements: Gladstone Democratic Club

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The Kansas City Star

1996-04-18

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Clay County races firm up for August

KELLY GARBUS Staff Writer

The August primary election in Clay County will feature some familiar names on the Democratic ticket. Former Western Commissioner Gene Owen is seeking re-election to the seat he lost two years ago to Republican Freddie Nichols. And former sheriff Jack Corum has resurfaced after a four-year hiatus from law enforcement. This time he's seeking the seat for Eastern Commissioner, currently held by Jay Lawson.

Both Corum and Owen, however, must face fellow Democratic challengers in the August primaries. The winners advance to the November general election, where they face Republican and Libertarian challengers.

Democratic primaries will be held this year for all Clay County offices up for re-election.

The races and the Democrats: Eastern District, County Commission: Barbara Womack, 2229 E. Route H, Liberty, and Jack Corum, 1609 Tudor Lane, Liberty.

Western District, County Commission: Gene Owen, 1913 E. 29th Ave., North Kansas City; Pat Allen, 623 N.E. 44th St., Kansas City; and Jack F. West, 1505 N.W. 63rd Terrace, Kansas City.

County treasurer: Incumbent Beverly Corum is retiring. Candidates seeking to fill her seat are Phil Wilson, 7401 N. Oakland Ave., Kansas City; Rusty Saighman, 330 S. Fairview, Liberty; Meredith Banks, 7516 N. Lydia Ave., Gladstone; Ray Heath, 5122 N. Flora Ave., Kansas City; and Carol McCaslin, 2300 N.E. Barry Road, Kansas City.

Public administrator: Incumbent Beverly Sue Ryan, 232 W. Kansas St., Liberty; Vinnie Vaccaro, 1708 Tudor Lane, Liberty, and Kelley Ray Dye, Jr., 1007 N.E. 108th St., Kansas City.

County assessor: Incumbent Shirley Quick, 5107 N. Highland Ave., Kansas City, and Cathy Jobe, 6700 N. Park Ave., Gladstone.

Sheriff: Incumbent Bob Boydston, 7818 N. Garfield Ave., Kansas City, and Alvin Shoop, 209 N. LaFrenz, Liberty.

On the Republican side, the only contested primary will be in the sheriff's race. Those candidates are Raymond C. Thompson, 16811 Nation Road, Holt, and Mark Hidy, 13609 Raleigh Lane, Holt.

Unopposed in the primary will be Eastern Commissioner incumbent Jay Lawson, 15609 Salem Road, Excelsior Springs; Western Commissioner incumbent Freddie M. Nichols, 5233 Old Pike Road, Gladstone; treasurer Debra Hurlbert, 9701 N. Kenwood Court, Kansas City; assessor Tina Tucker, 9625 N.E. Cherry Court, Kansas City; public administrator George Jeffrey, 6919 N. Hickory, Kansas City.

On the Libertarian ticket, Thomas J. Chapman, 1728 Wynbrick Drive, Liberty, is running for public administrator. He is unopposed in the primary.

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The Kansas City Star

1994-07-28

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Clay County posts draw a total of 18 candidates

KELLY GARBUS Staff Writer

Clay County is experiencing no shortage of candidates in the primary election on Tuesday. Eighteen persons have filed for county clerk, recorder of deeds, collector and auditor. A roundup of candidates and issues: County clerk Democratic incumbent Ella Bowles will defend her $42,500-a-year post against challengers Oscar L. Lewis, William Stanley and Cathy Rinehart Jobe.

On the Republican ballot, Pam Mason is unopposed in the primary after Teresa Loar withdrew from the race.

Lewis, 62, and Stanley, 54, have accused Bowles of incompetence, including allegedly losing recordings of County Commission meetings.

Bowles, 62, rigorously defends her first four-year term in office. She said her office has been cited by the secretary of state as having the best records-retention center in the state and is a model for other counties to follow.

The controversy over the tapes involves garbled recordings of some commission meetings.

Bowles said one tape involved the firing of a county official.

Another tape contained commission deliberations on the appointment of Norma Thomas to a county health board. Former Presiding Commissioner Peggy Shull was later forced out of office because of nepotism for her vote on that appointment.

Bowles said she doesn't know how the tapes became garbled or who is responsible. She said that she had no incentive to protect Shull because they are not political allies.

Two years ago, Bowles left the Republican Party and returned to the Democratic Party, to which she belonged through 1960. Bowles said she wanted to distance herself from Republican politics.

Lewis, a retired firefighter, said Bowles almost failed to file papers with the state auditor's office to begin collection of the one-quarter cent sales tax for the juvenile justice center.

"I campaigned hard on that tax, so it hit me personally," Lewis said.

Bowles acknowledged that a small delay occurred because of uncertainty over which office should file the papers, but she insisted the county lost no money.

Stanley of Kansas City is a retired over-the-road truck driver and former Teamsters steward for Local 41. Stanley said Bowles didn't adequately guard county records. He said Bowles is responsible for missing records, whether she lost them or they were stolen.

Meanwhile, Jobe, 41, said she is trying to run a clean campaign.

Jobe said her college major in finance and economics and 20 years of experience in business management make her an obvious choice for clerk.

Recorder of deeds Phil Wilson of Kansas City an Collette Ruth King of Excelsior Springs are challenging two-term incumbent Mary E. Moberly in the Democratic primary.

Republican Sherry J. Meaders is unopposed.

Moberly, 75, said experience makes her the best choice for the $41,000-a- year recorder of deeds post. Before her election, Moberly worked in the office 28 years, including eight years as chief deputy.

King, a former businesswoman, now works as a substitute speech and theater teacher in the Kansas City School District and as a part-time sales agent for American West Airlines.

King, 39, has a degree in communications and education from William Jewell College and has completed a paralegal training program there. She said she is committed to being on the job 40 hours a week and will give "110 percent. " Phil Wilson, 45, of Kansas City is president and chairman of Lawyer's Assist Corp., a paralegal organization that he founded.

Wilson has degree in business administration from Park College.

He said if elected he would make the recorder's office more "user friendly" and extend the hours that deeds could be recorded to 5 p.m. daily.

"I have a wide range of experience in management skills and motivating employees," Wilson said.

Collector Three Democrats and one Republican are seeking the seat vacated by longtime incumbent Jean McCaslin, who is running for presiding county commissioner.

Sandra Youmans, W. Tom Craig and Lee Bussinger are vying for the Democratic nomination. A fourth candidate, Sandra Lee Reeves, has withdrawn.

Republican Victor G. Barra Jr. is unopposed.

Bussinger, 61, of Gladstone is a retired district sales manager for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad.

He also is a former Gladstone mayor and board member of the Clay County Economic Development Commission and has served as chairman of the committee to replace the Clay County Juvenile Justice Center.

Bussinger said he has experience that would be beneficial to the office.

Craig, 52, of Liberty is a corporate controller and network supervisor for Gercken Construction Services. He has a degree in business administration and is making his first bid for public office.

"I feel the current muddle in county government has been caused by professional politicians trying to perform duties for which they are completely unqualified," Craig said.

Youmans, 48, of Kansas City is a child support investigator in the Clay County prosecutor's office.

Youmans is making her first bid for public office. She said previous accounting experience in banks provided her qualifications for collector.

Auditor Democratic candidates Ray Heath of Kansas City and Jack L. Roberts of Gladstone are squaring off in the auditor's race. Brad K. Cantwell has withdrawn.

Heath, 58, is an accountant who owns and operates Business Related Services in North Kansas City. He is seeking to regain the seat he lost to Auditor Don Parker four years ago.

While in office from 1987 to 1990, Heath said he inventoried all county assets. He was in the process of switching from written to computerized records when he was defeated.

Efforts to reach Roberts for comment were unsuccessful.

Incumbent Parker is unopposed in the Republican primary.

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The Kansas City Star

1994-04-07

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

August elections firm up 66 candidates file for 18 county offices.

ANNE LAMOY, BILL GRAHAM Staff Writers

Northland political observers are predicting an exciting August primary after 66 candidates filed for 18 countywide seats in Clay and Platte counties. Republicans this year fielded candidates for most seats in the two traditionally Democratic counties.

In most races, the Aug. 2 primary will narrow the slate to one candidate for each political party in November's general election: Clay County In Clay County, a handful of political heavy hitters filed for office, including former state Rep. Sandra Lee Reeves, ousted Presiding Commissioner Peggy Shull and Kansas City Councilman Chuck Weber.

In the presiding commissioner's race, Shull's ouster for nepotism earlier this year left her former seat open. Although Gov. Mel Carnahan appointed Bill Brandom to fill her post, Brandom didn't file for election.

In all, seven candidates filed for presiding commissioner, including Republicans Shull, Robert Lutz and Gladstone Mayor Roger Norris, and Democrats Weber, Collector Jean McCaslin, Brandom's nephew Tom Brandom, and Barbara Womack.

The Eastern District commission race finds five candidates seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Jay Lawson, who also filed for re-election.

On the Democratic side, former state Representative Wendell D. Rosenbaugh faces James Yates in the primary. Republicans Carolyn Raasch and Jerry E. Clemons will challenge Lawson in the primary.

Libertarian Thomas J. Chapman is unopposed in the primary.

The Western District commission race pits incumbent Democrat Gene Owen against Michael Sosa in the primary. North Kansas City school board president Freddie M. Nichols will face Doris E. McMichael in the Republican primary. Libertarian Karl H. Wetzel also filed.

The prosecutor's race finds Liberty City Councilman Steve Hemphill, David Chamberlain and Kevin L. Jamison vying for the Republican nomination. The winner will face incumbent Democratic Prosecutor Mike Reardon, who is unopposed in the primary.

The clerk's race boasts four Democrats, including incumbent Ella Bowles, Cathy Rinehart Jobe, Oscar L. Lewis and William Stanley. North Kansas City school board member Teresa Loar will square off against Pam Mason for the Republicans.

In the recorder's race, three Democrats are running, including incumbent Mary E. Moberly, Phil Wilson and Collette Ruth King. Republican Sherry J. Meaders faces no primary opposition.

In the collector's race, Democrats Sandra Youmans, W. Tom Craig, Reeves and Lee Bussinger will face off in the primary. The winner will challenge Republican Victor G. Barra Jr., who is unopposed in the primary.

In the auditor's race, Democrats Ray Heath, Brad K. Cantwell and Jack L. Roberts will square off in the primary. The winner will face incumbent Republican Don Parker, who is unopposed in the primary.

There will be no primary in the circuit clerk's race because only two candidates - incumbent Democrat Rita Fuller and Republican Dempsey D. Williams - filed for office.

Platte County Eleven candidates are vying for Platte County Commission seats.

Presiding Commissioner Carol Tomb is preparing to mount a campaign for re-election as an Independent. However, she has not yet officially filed and her name will not appear on the August primary ballot.

The races: For presiding commissioner, the winner of the Republican primary between Betty Knight and Hattie Forbes will face Tomb and Democrat Rodney Oberhelman.

In the 1st District commission race, the winner of the Democratic primary between James Scott and Camilla Huet-Derrossett will face Republican Michael Short, a member of the Park Hill school board. Commissioner Scott Spangler, a Democrat, isn't seeking re-election.

Four Democrats are vying for the 2nd District commission seat, including Diza Eskridge, incumbent Charles Reineke, Frank Aikmus and Garland Slavens. The winner will face Republican Karon Roberts.

In the circuit clerk's race, incumbent Democrat Sandra Dowd will face the winner of the Republican primary, either Robyn Bloomquist or Matt W. Williams.

Clerk Doris Gerner's retirement leaves her seat open.

Democrats Sandra Krohne, a longtime employee in the clerk's office, will face Carol Tharp, the county's emergency preparedness director. The winner will challenge Republican Jane Henry.

Incumbent Prosecutor Democrat Victor Peters will face Republican Todd Graves. Both are unopposed in the primary.

Bob Griffith, the incumbent auditor, will be challenged in November by Republican Sandra Thomas. They are unopposed in the primary.

Recorder of Deeds Ida Cox, a Democrat, and Collecter Donna Nash, a Republican, are both unopposed.

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The Kansas City Star

1994-03-03

Section: ZONE/NORTHLAND

Fall elections spur early interest

BILL GRAHAM / ANNE LAMOY Staff Writers

New names are appearing in early filings for election this fall in Clay and Platte counties. As of late Tuesday, 18 candidates had filed for nine offices in Platte County, including seven running for the three county commission posts.

In Clay County, all the incumbents have filed to keep their seats, except for Collector Jean McCaslin, who filed for the presiding commissioner's post.

Former Clay County presiding commissioner Peggy Shull filed to regain the seat she lost last week after an 11-month court battle with the attorney general over nepotism charges.

Filing opened last week and will continue through March 29, so races for the Aug. 2 primary still are shaping up and other candidates may appear. Winners of the primary will qualify for the Nov. 8 general election.

Platte County candidates who have filed so far: Presiding commissioner: Rodney Oberhelman of Parkville has filed on the Democratic ticket and Betty Knight of Platte City is running as a Republican. Incumbent Carol Tomb has not filed.

District 1 commissioner: James Scott of Parkville will run on the Democratic ticket and Michael Short of Kansas City, North, has filed as a Republican. Incumbent Scott Spangler, a Democrat, has not said whether he will run for re-election.

District 2 commissioner: Three Democrats have filed for the post. Incumbent Charles Reineke of rural Edgerton will be challenged by Diza Eskridge of Kansas City, North, and Frank Aikmus of Platte City. No Republicans have filed for the seat.

Circuit court clerk: Sandra Dowd, the incumbent Democrat from Weston, and Robyn Bloomquist, a Republican from Lake Waukomis, have filed.

County Clerk: County Clerk Doris Gerner is retiring after this year. Democrats Sandra Krohne and Carol Tharp, both of Weston, have filed to take her place. Jane Henry of Kansas City, North, has filed for the post on the Republican ticket.

Recorder of deeds: Ida Cox, the incumbent Democrat, has filed.

Prosecuting attorney: Prosecutor Vic Peters, a Democrat from Kansas City, North, has filed for re-election. Todd Graves of rural Platte County is running on the Republican ticket.

Auditor: Incumbent Democrat Bob Griffith will face a challenge from Republican Sandra Thomas of Kansas City, North.

County collector: Republican Donna Nash has filed for re-election.

Filings so far in Clay County include: Presiding commissioner: McCaslin and Kansas City Councilman Chuck Weber, both Democrats, and Shull, a Republican.

Eastern commissioner: Tom Brandom and Wendell Rosenbaugh, both Democrats; incumbent Jay Lawson and Carolyn Raasch, both Republicans; and Thomas J. Chapman, a Libertarian.

Western commissioner: Incumbent Democrat Gene Owen.

Circuit clerk: Incumbent Democrat Rita Fuller.

County Clerk: Incumbent Democrat Ella Bowles.

Recorder of deeds: Incumbent Mary Moberly and Phil Wilson, both Democrats.

Prosecuting attorney: Incumbent Democrat Michael Reardon, and Republicans Steve Hemphill and David Chamberlain.

Collector: Sandra Youmans, a Democrat.

Auditor: Incumbent Republican Don Parker, and Democrat Ray Heath.

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