Oct

30

Latest Shields’ controversy no surprise

October 30, 2006 | 4 Comments

Jackson CountyFolks anticipating the end of Katheryn Shields’ corrupt and inept reign need to remember that it’s not over yet.  Yesterday’s Star detailed yet another scandal where Shields is diverting money earmarked for courtroom renovations to other unrelated projects.  But that’s not really the problem.  Even more troubling is the County Legislature’s complete lack of oversight.  The diversion has been going for a few years without the Legislature noticing, so they really have to standing to criticize something they ignored.

Even more important is how this provides yet another example of how Jackson County cannot be trusted with taxpayers’ money.  That was one of the central reasons why Bistate II was so soundly defeated – the rest of the metro simply didn’t trust the county with the money.  That issue will still be around in another year or two when voters will be asked to create a truly regional mass transit system.  Once again the county’s dirty reputation will likely hold back progress for the whole region.

Categories: Jackson County, Politics


Comments

4 Comments so far

  1. murph on October 30, 2006 11:01 am

    Can Country Legislators be recalled from office through a ballot initiative? It’s time for an electoral do-over.

    I suspect Shields’s political career is over, and she knows it. So come Dec. 31, she’ll be well beyond the reach of voters. But do we really have to tolerate the rest of these morons for the remainder of their terms? “I didn’t know what she was doing” isn’t an excuse for having your head up your ass.

  2. Joe Medley on November 1, 2006 12:32 pm

    First, there are elections for county legislature and county executive next week (http://www.kceb.org/pdf/1106_sb.htm).

    Second, you will notice that except for the 5th district all elections are unopposed Democrats.

    Third, you will also notice that one or two of these Democrats were unopposed in their primaries (http://www.kceb.org/user/now.htm).

    Forth, if you wanted to opposed one of these folks, the opportunity has long passed.

    Fifth, county records are public (http://www.jacksongov.org/content/1167/1201/default.aspx).

    Sixth, I voted in the primary for 1st district, 1st district at-large, and county executive. I plan to vote for county executive next week.

    Question: Are you telling us that you have failed to take advantage of any of the opportunities to address this problem that have already been presented to you?

    I won’t be signing your recall petition.

  3. Joe Medley on November 1, 2006 12:36 pm

    I’d also like to add that according to topix.net, it was the county legislators who opened this up.

    “Legislators said Monday that they want to review all bond spending from 1996 onward to ensure that it has followed promises made to the public. They agreed to endorse a resolution next week formally instructing the legislative auditor with the task.

    In addition, Legislator Rhonda Shoemaker pushed for the review of Shields’ consultant spending, saying legislators need to get a better handle on the contracts.”

    http://www.topix.net/content/kri/2580874493143886919236187750111277948604

    So, I guess I’m having even less trouble understanding your desire for a recall than I was earlier.

  4. kcspitface on November 2, 2006 12:35 pm

    Her career is over? I heard she had thrown her hat into the ring for the mayor’s race.

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