New Clay County Constitution Added to November Ballot

The Clay County Constitution Committee announced on August 26 that the newly drafted proposed Constitution will go to the voters for approval this November.

After only five weeks, the committee has written a document of proposed reforms to county government that that include a prohibition on officeholders raising their own pay, non-partisan elections, campaign contribution limits, recall of officeholders, initiative petitions rights, restrictions on public debt, prohibition on officeholders hiring family members, and not allowing County Commissioners to be hired by the County for two years after they leave office. It also requires County Commissioners to provide live video coverage of all votes and creates a citizen review commission to propose amendments in the future for voter approval.

Former Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson is proud of the work the committee has done citing that people from different political backgrounds and beliefs can work together to accomplish a goal.

“We put partisan politics aside and put the best interests of Clay County citizens first in our effort to end the dysfunction of Clay County government,” said Canuteson. “We worked together and did what was right. We proved Republicans and Democrats can work together when we agree on a common purpose.”

The proposed County Constitution was based on best practices from national model constitutions, Missouri county charters, voter input, and the history of Clay County. In an effort to increase citizen input on the County Commission, the number of County Commissioners was increased from three to seven. However, their pay was decreased and benefits cut to reflect the part-time nature of their responsibilities. Under the Constitution, the County Commission will set public policy and then hire a county administrator to carry out the day to day running of county government. The Constitution requires the county administrator to live in the county and abide by a code of ethics.

Accountability to Clay County residents was top priority for the committee members. “We wanted to make sure that accountability was first and foremost in this County Constitution. We did that,” stated Co-Chair, and former Eastern Commissioner, Craig Porter.

“We spent a lot of time making sure accountability and professional management was written into the Constitution,” said former Gladstone City Manager Kirk Davis.

In addition to electing seven members of the expanded County Commission, the Prosecutor, Sheriff, Auditor, and Assessor will remain elected as they are public policy positions. The Clerk, Collector, Treasurer, Public Administrator and Recorder of Deeds will no longer be elected, but will be hired by the expanded County Commission as they will simply implement the policies established by the expanded County Commission.

A long-time Clay County lawyer and Clay County’s first County Counselor, Jerry Brant, said, “This Constitution provides for the election of most officials. It establishes a process for the appointment of a few who serve in ministerial functions, like the Recorder of Deeds, whose principle function is to record deeds, not to establish public policy. Public policy decisions will remain with elected officials.”

While many people have been supportive of change in Clay County government, some of the people who have lead the charge for change are not totally satisfied with the proposed reforms the committee has written. In fact some believe that the new constitution has serious issues that need attention.

“At-large commission seats will swing representation to Liberty/NKC with more population,” said Jesse Leimkuehler. “Kearney, Smithville, and Excelsior Springs will all have less representation as a result. Some may like that, but I think equal representation is always best.”

Jason Withington - A Better Clay County Organizer

Jason Withington, a long-time proponent for change in Clay County, echoes that this may not be the charter Clay County citizens have desired. “It mostly follows the same outline of the 2002, 2005 and 2013 proposals,” stated Withington. “I have some serious concerns about eliminating the elected officials, and those concerns are why I can’t support this document. These elected offices provide an independent check on the county finances and operations. By eliminating these positions, we will be giving more power to the un-elected administration. It’s the un-elected administration who, along with Gene and Luann, has caused the problems in our county.”

People have also complained that current Commissioners Luann Ridgeway and Gene Owen, participating in any way with the crafting or approval of the charter, is enough to vote the measure down.

“The majority of the people want Luann Ridgeway and Gene Owen out of any talk about new charter,” said Susan Harvey. “Wait until the beginning of the year to send the proposed ballot language for approval by the new Commissioners and put it on the April ballot makes so much sense. Let’s not let those two have any say in this vote. One more reason not to vote yes in November.”

The charter question will be put on the November 3 ballot for voters to approve or deny. If the measure is passed by voters, there will be a two-year transition to allow for a smooth transition.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story