In One Kansas City Council Race, Experience Is In The Eye Of The Beholder
The two men vying to take over Quinton Lucas’ Kansas City Council seat agree there are challenges when it comes to tackling the 3rd District’s issues such as crime, affordable housing and access to jobs. Where they diverge is their career experiences.
State Rep. Brandon Ellington is touting his record as a state legislator and community organizer as positives for the at-large seat, which is one of seven contested city council races in Tuesday’s election. The Rev. Wallace Hartsfield II cites his long experiences in activism for equity and civil rights.
The 3rd District encompasses a large area east of Troost Avenue and north of Swope Parkway, including the 18th and Vine District and the sports stadiums. It includes sections that have some of the highest poverty and crime rates in the city.
Ellington won re-election to his House seat in November and is the House Democratic Whip. Because he was first elected in 2011, it’s his final two-year term. He said he had planned to run for the Missouri Senate in 2020, but decided to focus on Kansas City instead.
https://www.kcur.org/post/one-kansas-city-council-race-experience-eye-beholder