STATEMENT FROM MAYOR SLY JAMES ON TONIGHT’S VOTE:
(Kansas City, Missouri) — “I appreciate the time of every person who served on this Commission because I know they each put in many hours of thought and discussion throughout the past few months. Tonight’s vote to make legislative changes to state control clearly shows that our community does not support the status quo with regard to police department governance. Now that we, as a community, have determined we’re ready to make changes to the current governance structure, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the City Council and in the police department, as well as the Missouri General Assembly, to develop a structure that works for everyone. As a veteran, I often reflect on the lessons my experience in the Marines taught me. It’s fitting that this vote took place on Veteran’s Day because the unofficial motto of the Marines is, “improvise, adapt and overcome.” To that end, I believe we can bring all parties together to develop the best system for us.”
