Grass Roots v. Astroturf

Chuck Eddy's plan to ram through a massive road project in south Kansas City has drawn an intense level of grassroots opposition. Councilman Eddy said "If you don't like it, don't vote for me" and has rebuffed his constituents' attempts to discuss the matter further.

Now, the Kansas City Star has reported that his plan to convert Red Bridge Road into a possible collector ramp for the NAFTA super-highway is "on the ropes."

So, for the first time in his 8-year tenure on the City council, Dr. Eddy has become interested in democracy. A couple dozen of his supporters have arisen to push the project (known as "Bridge-Zilla" among some opponents). They deny any connection to Chuck Eddy, though some of them have been seen at the councilman's mayoral campaign functions.

Now, a political action committee, Citizens for 3-Trails, is joining the fight by distributing information in support of Bridge-Zilla. But wait! Who are these people? Readers of this blog will notice that Chuck Eddy's crony is treasurer. Have a look at their Ethics Commission reports and don't be surprised who they are giving money to: That's right folks, Chuck Eddy for mayor!

The Concern is Back

Many Kansas Citians received a mailing today that amounts to a last-minute negative attack on mayoral candidate Mark Funkhouser. Who is behind this? It's the Public Safety Concern that we warned you about many months ago!

Public Safety Concern is a political action committee that has violated Missouri ethics rules on numerous occasions and they are largely funded by the Firefighter's Union, one of the most powerful forces in Kansas City politics.

Recently, they failed to file required ethics reports for 40 days prior and 8 days prior to the election. However, you can see their year-end ethics commission report.