Frank White was recalled. Here's what's next.
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Where the Jackson County Legislature meets. Photo: Chase Castor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Voters soundly recalled Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. in a historic vote on Tuesday, but the position's future is unclear as White's replacement remains unknown.
Why it matters: White's replacement will be decided by the county Legislature, not the public — and elected officials have not yet confirmed any potential candidates.
White in a statement on Tuesday said he acknowledged the outcome and respected the voters' decision.
The intrigue: White's lawyers tried to void the vote by filing a petition on Tuesday with the Missouri Supreme Court, asking it to block the vote's certification by arguing that the election's date was unlawful.
- The Missouri Supreme Court denied White's petition Wednesday.
Zoom out: The county executive position comes open at a pivotal moment as property tax assessments skyrocket, the World Cup draws near and teams evaluate relocating their stadiums.
- A new executive would also face what has been described in a recent town hall by elected leaders and community stakeholders as a dysfunctional Legislature.
What they're saying: "The recall has delivered a mandate: Failed leadership must be replaced with effective leadership," Gwen Grant, chief executive of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, tells Axios.
- "The longer this hangs in limbo, the more power is ceded to political paralysis rather than public purpose," she says about the transition.
Zoom in: County legislators are on the hook for finding White's replacement — and quiet discussions include Jackson County Legislature Chair DaRon McGee, former Jackson County Legislator Dan Tarwater and the recall effort's attorney, Phil LeVota, the Beacon reports.
- The interim county executive would serve out the rest of White's term, through next November.
What's next: McGee, who is also the chair of the Legislature, says he will announce a temporary replacement Thursday, KSHB reports. The Legislature will then have 30 days to agree on an interim executive to serve through the end of next year.