TKC NOTE: This morning we have been blessed with a comprhensive and breaking news campaign finance reporting on Mayor Sly after the primary.
Moreover . . .
THIS IS KANSAS CITY CITIZEN MEDIA AT ITS BEST!!! THIS WELL-INFORMED TKC TIPSTER TAKES US THROUGH ALL OF MAYOR SLY'B BIG MONEY DONORS AND PROVIDES BACKGROUND THAT MAINSTREAM MEDIA HASN'T BOTHERED TO REPORT!!!
One more . . .
THIS IS MUST READ JOURNALISM FROM OUR BLOG COMMUNITY THAT HOPES TO INFORM KANSAS CITY ON THE KANSAS CITY POLITICAL MONEY GAME!!!
Here is the word and the most important thing published in Kansas City politics today:
Post-Primary: James For Mayor Contributions
According to the Kansas City Election Board, in the April 7th municipal primary, incumbent Mayor Sylvester James garnered 84.21 percent of the votes for Mayor.
Although only 23,612 votes were cast, given the lopsided win by James, a reasonable person might assume that there would be no pressing need for Mayor James to raise significant additional campaign funds heading into the June 23rd general election versus a largely unknown opponent.
So, we were perplexed when perusing the latest campaign donation disclosures for the Sly James For Mayor Committee, in a report dated May 14, 2015.
see: http://www.mec.mo.gov/CampaignFinanceReports/Generator.aspx?Keys=B2G41dEVPKgI8cDcdGFsgJsm99XwPL2GMraJ%2bP2EtpK5VKIRZpwiQg8XMMNsF7q0P1YmCgwBHhb2EZAqim1YLThZjhFJvnwG
Using the April 7, 2015 primary election as a cut-off date, we wondered why anyone would make a donation after this time, unless they were particularly interested in currying favor with the Mayor James administration. We say this, because what would be the purpose of donating to an unchallenged incumbent if not to grease the palms so to speak?
So let's take a look at some of these post-primary monetary contributions received by the Sly James For Mayor Committee:
FORMAT
- ITEMIZED CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM COMMITTEES REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT, OR FROM PERSONS GIVING MORE THAN $100 TO A COMMITTEE.
- DATE RECEIVED
- AGGREGATE TOTAL RECEIVED
- AMOUNT RECEIVED THIS TIME
DISCLOSURE: Any information given below the campaign contribution amount, was gleaned from publicly available sources and is believed to be true and accurate, though no representation as to it's authenticity is implied. Readers are invited to verify and investigate all of the information supplied in this posting. We welcome and encourage comments/corrections and will hope to hear from those who made the contributions listed below.
Zach Bickel
The Robertson Law Group -- Attorney
4/7/2015
500.00
500.00
J. Zachary Bickel is a partner in The Robertson Law Group assisting clients and their lawyers at trial and on appeal by identifying, protecting, and preserving legal issues in state and federal court cases. As appellate counsel, Zach has handled all types of civil litigation, including wrongful death, personal injury, breach of contract, real estate, corporate, and insurance.
Kansas City Live LLC
601 E Pratt St
Baltimore MD 21202
4/8/2015
3,150.00
3,150.00
A subsidiary of the Cordish Company, developer of the Kansas City Power & Light District and the coming Light One/Two luxury highrise towers (all three projects are taxpayer subsidized).
Hugh Zimmer
PO Box 411299
Kansas City MO 64141
NG Zimmer -- Real Estate
4/21/2015
250.00
250.00
Mr. Zimmer has been responsible for the development of more than 2,900 acres of business parks and over 30 million square feet of commercial buildings throughout Kansas City and major markets across the country. Examples of these activities include the 330-acre AirWorld Center development at Kansas City International Airport, the 310-acre Southlake Technology Park and the 260-acre Lenexa Industrial Park in suburban Johnson County, Kansas as well as the recently completed 1.5 million square-foot NNSA National Security Campus in Kansas City, Missouri.
Outfront Media
185 US Highway 46
Fairfield NJ 7004
4/23/2015
1,000.00
1,000.00
OUTFRONT Media Inc. is the US leader in out-of-home advertising (think billboards). From Sunset Boulevard to Times Square, our diverse portfolio includes more than 400,000 digital and static displays in the most iconic and high-traffic locations in the top 25 markets across the U.S. We are also the advertising partner of choice for major municipal transit systems, reaching millions of commuters daily in the largest U.S. cities.
see: http://www.outfrontmedia.com/whereweare/markets/pages/kansas-city.aspx
Fred Delibero
Self -- Home Builder
4/23/2015
250.00
250.00
Fred Delibero, Vice President of KC Commercial Realty, has been active in both commercial and residential real estate development and leasing for more than 20 years. He joined KC Commercial Realty in 2011 as Vice President and currently provides tenant representation for several clients; leases and manages commercial property; and consults on retail site selection and tenant finish projects. Previously with Kansas City based Copaken, White and Blitt, a commercial real estate developer. Also tied to Summit Custom Homes, LLC, a Lee’s Summit, Missouri based single family home builder.
Kevin Breslin
Richmond Breslin LLP -- Attorney
4/23/2015
1,000.00
1,000.00
Richmond Breslin LLP
Practice In: Corporate, Land Use & Zoning
Location: Chicago, IL area
Cornerstone Associates LLC
209 S 19th St
Omaha NE 68102
4/24/2015
500.00
500.00
Real Estate developer announces "140 Unit Downtown Kansas City Project Awarded Tax Abatement"
see: http://www.cornerstonehousingdevelopment.com/
MRE Capital LLC
16359 Chaney lane
Stilwell KS 66085
4/24/2015
1,000.00
1,000.00
MRE Capital, LLC, is a Midwest real estate development company. Co-founder Jacob Mooney lives in the Stilwell area, and co-founder Daniel Sailler lives in Leawood.
Entrepreneurs Enterprises LLC
11947 Goodman St
Overland Park KS 66213
4/25/2015
1,000.00
1,000.00
Maximilllian Howell, CEO of Entrepreneurs Enterprises LLC in Overland Park, has worked with MRE Capital LLC (listed above), which is based in Johnson County’s Stilwell community on a senior housing and ballpark stadium project at the northeast corner of 135th and Charlotte streets in the Martin City area of Kansas City. Entrepreneurs Enterprises and MRE Capital are pursuing low-income housing tax credits through the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The companies are applying though the MHDC Partnership Initiative, which gives funding preference to proposals with mentor/protege co-developer relationships.
Gerardo Lopez
4613 Jarboe
Kansas City MO 64112
AMC Theatres -- CEO
4/26/2015
500.00
500.00
Gerardo I. Lopez, also known as Gerry Lopez, is CEO and President of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Marquee Holdings Inc., and AMC Entertainment Inc. (AMC Theatres). Affiliated with Midland Empire Partners, LLC, organized to design, develop and own Kansas City venues the Midland by AMC and AMC Mainstreet in partnership with the Cordish Co. and Anschutz Entertainment Group.
CDM Smith
9200 Ward Parkway
Kansas City MO 64114
4/27/2015
250.00
250.00
CDM Smith provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide.
Mira Mdivani
Mdivani Law Firm -- Attorney
4/27/2015
500.00
500.00
Ms. Mdivani serves as immigration law counsel to U.S. and multi-national corporations, providing advice, representation, immigration compliance audits and training. Ms. Mdivani represents employers in IT, engineering, food processing, construction, manufacturing, insurance and banking industries to ensure corporate immigration compliance and availability of visas for U.S. employers’ international personnel.
Willis Toney
Toney Law Firm LLC -- Attorney
4/27/2015
150.00
150.00
He specializes in criminal law, personal injury cases, major criminal offenses, and federal offenses. Before starting the Toney Law Firm, LLC., Toney practiced law with Fields and Brown Law Firm, served as lead prosecutor of the Drug Unit for the Jackson County Prosecutors office, where he was on the committee that started C.O.M.B.A.T.
John McDonald
Ripple Glass -- Brewer
4/27/2015
250.00
250.00
Founder of Boulevard Brewing Company. Ripple Glass LLC, Kansas City’s first glass-crushing facility, is an area glass-recycling program. Ripple Glass is a private venture founded by three Boulevard Brewing Co. executives: President John McDonald, CFO Jeff Krum and plant engineer Mike Utz. UMB Bank, owned by UMB Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: UMBF), and DST Systems Inc. (NYSE: DST) also are investors.
James Malouff
James M Malouff Associates -- Realtor
4/27/2015
250.00
250.00
Great American Realty Services, Inc. Commercial/Industrial Real Estate
Pat O'Neill
ONeill Marketing & Event Management -- Senior Partner
4/27/2015
250.00
250.00
KC Irish multi-generation family business.
Gerard Grimaldi
Truman Medical Centers -- Vice President
4/27/2015
200.00
200.00
Gerard J. Grimaldi, Kansas City, is Vice President of Health Policy & Government Relations for Truman Medical Centers. In this capacity, he is responsible for government relations activities and strategies at the federal, state, and local level; federal grants and managed care. Grimaldi currently serves on the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee. He is an active leader in local, state, and national hospital and healthcare organizations and is a past chair of the Government Relations Committee of the National Association of Public Hospitals. In 2005, Grimaldi was a key strategist in the successful campaign for Kansas City, Missouri funding for healthcare and emergency services and its 2013 renewal which achieved a 76 percent YES vote.
BNSF Railway Company
2500 Lou Menk Dr
Fort Worth TX 76131
4/27/2015
500.00
500.00
The BNSF Railway is the second-largest freight railroad network in North America, second to the Union Pacific Railroad, and is one of seven North American Class I railroads. It has 43,000 employees, 32,500 miles of track, and over 7,000 locomotives.
Lutjen Inc
1301 Burlington St
Kansas City MO 64116
4/27/2015
500.00
500.00
Lutjen’s integrated team of civil engineers, planners, landscape architects, and surveyors are experts at problem-solving.
McCownGordon Construction LLC
422 Admiral Blvd
Kansas City MO 64106
4/27/2015
1,000.00
1,000.00
Concrete, steel erection, etc. KCMO projects include Bartle Hall expansion, Starlight Theater, Aviation Dept. baggage screening, Fire Dept. stations, etc.
Duracomm Corporation
6655 Troost Ave
Kansas City MO 64131
4/27/2015
250.00
250.00
DuraComm markets an extensive portfolio of OEM/Industrial power supplies for a variety of applications and needs. From simple desk top units to sophisticated rack mount battery management systems, we have a complete line of products ready to ship out of our new warehouse in Kansas City, Missouri.
Burns & McDonnell
PO Box 419173
Kansas City MO 64141
4/27/2015
3,150.00
3,150.00
Burns & McDonnell, headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm. A Kansas City Council committee recommended approval of more than $80 million in tax incentives for the expansion of Burns & McDonnell’s world headquarters complex at the northwest corner of Wornall and Bannister roads.
Powerful Performance Solutions LLC
2903 SW 13th Ter
Lees Summit MO 64081
4/27/2015
250.00
250.00
This is the lobbying company of Democratic Party operative Phil Scaglia, former staffer for U.S. Rep. Karen McCarthy and chief of staff/campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. Powerful Performance Solutions, LLC raised eyebrows with OpenSecrets.org Anomaly Tracker when they discovered that in 2014 of the $600,339 spent by Cleaver For Congress, $353,295 went to Powerful Performance Solutions, LLC.
Rockhill Strategic LLC
8020 Canterbury St
Prairie Village KS 66206
4/27/2015
250.00
250.00
This marketing/consulting firm was formed in 2009 by Jon Stephens, then president of the Kansas City Power & Light District. Rockhill Strategic LLC, is expected to be a consultant for Power & Light District developer The Cordish Co., Stephens reported at the time.
Philips Electronics North America PAC
1050 K St NW
Washington DC 20001
4/27/2015
500.00
500.00
The Washington, D.C. "K Street" address is your clue that this is the lobbying arm of Philips Electronics N.A. (parent company Netherlands). Philips Lighting products were used in the Kauffman Performing Arts Center and commonly found in municipal street light systems.
Mark Edelman
Theater League -- Executive Director
4/28/2015
500.00
500.00
Founded in 1976, Theater League is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, community-based performing arts organization dedicated to the development of professional theater, both as a cultural and an educational resource. The Theater League performs at Municipal Auditorium--The Music Hall and the Kauffman Center.
Winbury Operating
4520 Main St
Kansas City MO 64111
4/28/2015
1,000.00
1,000.00
This is a 2010 registered limited liability company, the principal is Becky Ziegler from Kansas City MO. Becky Ziegler is a paralegal at White Goss Bowers March. White Goss attorneys specialize in land use, zoning, and economic development incentives.
Malia Duncan
Self -- Consultant
4/28/2015
500.00
500.00
We believe this is the same Malia Duncan who worked as an Event Manager for Nokia Siemens Networks, and previously for Sprint.
KCS Rail PAC
PO Box 219335
Kansas City MO 64121
4/30/2015
3,150.00
3,150.00
The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (reporting mark KCS), is owned by Kansas City Southern. Kansas City Southern is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. KCS's CEO is Dave Starling.
Stephen Dunn
JE Dunn Construction -- Chairman
4/30/2015
500.00
500.00
The twelfth largest general building company in the United States, JE Dunn Construction is a leading provider of construction management services, design-build, and integrated project delivery. A new $65 million headquarters for J.E. Dunn Construction was completed in downtown KCMO in 2009. Dunn will be constructing the newly announced downtown convention center hotel.
HDR Inc PAC
8404 Indian Hills Dr
Omaha NE 68114
4/30/2015
1,000.00
1,000.00
HDR, Inc. is an architectural, engineering, and consulting firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. The firm works in the areas of architecture, energy, federal, water resources, environmental, mining, private land development, resource management, transportation, and water markets.
Downtown Council PAC
911 Main St
Kansas City MO 64105
4/30/2015
2,000.00
2,000.00
As a private, nonprofit organization, the DTC has nearly 300 members representing Kansas City’s leading businesses, property owners, entrepreneurial companies, arts and cultural organizations and nonprofit organizations.
Block Real Estate Services
700 W 47th St
Kansas City MO 64112
5/5/2015
250.00
250.00
Block Real Estate Services, LLC (BRES) is a full-service commercial real estate company managing over 33 million square feet of retail, office, industrial, and multifamily properties for equity partnerships and third party owners. BRES’s portfolio of services continues its role as the most comprehensive commercial real estate firm in Kansas City by providing and specializing in: real estate brokerage services, tenant representation, investment services, asset and property management, economic incentives consultation, financial services, construction and development services, and the Block Funds.
Maurice Watson
Husch Blackwell LLP -- Attorney
5/5/2015
200.00
200.00
He serves as the firm’s visible leader and public ambassador. In addition to his role as Chairman, Maurice is a member of the firm’s Executive and Partner Boards, and he serves on the firm’s Diversity Council. Before joining Husch Blackwell, Maurice was a senior aide to U.S. Sen. John Danforth in Washington, D.C.
Meers Advertising
1811 Walnut St
Kansas City MO 64108
5/5/2015
250.00
250.00
Marketing agency specializing in insurance/financial sectors, begun by Sam Meers in 1993. Named "Urban Hero" by the Downtown Council of Kansas City for the work he and his company have done to revitalize the Urban Core of Kansas City.
Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City PAC
600 E 103rd St
Kansas City MO 64131
5/6/2015
3,150.00
3,150.00
The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City is the voice of the housing industry and the source for housing information. Serves the new-home industry of Greater Kansas City as the ultimate new-home resource for HBA members and consumers and provide advocacy on behalf of the new-home industry to local government and the public.
Copaken Brooks LLC
1100 Walnut St
Kansas City MO 64106
5/6/2015
250.00
250.00
Our Mission: Add to our clients’ profitability and our investors’ wealth by employing highly talented professionals who deliver the highest-quality services available, resulting in significant savings in time, money and effort for tenants, owners, buyers and investors in commercial real estate.
Irv Belzer
Bryan Cave LLP -- Attorney
5/6/2015
500.00
500.00
Irvin (Irv) Belzer's litigation work involves mortgage lending disputes including securitized lending, corporate litigation involving mergers and acquisitions, and major contract disputes in the banking, healthcare, real estate and telecommunications industries.
Stephen Sparks
Bryan Cave LLP -- Attorney
5/6/2015
500.00
500.00
Steve Sparks practices in all aspects of public finance including general obligation bonds, lease purchase financings, tax anticipation notes, tax increment financing, conduit revenue and private activity bonds, including service as bond counsel and representation of underwriters, issuers, trustees, developers, lenders in credit-enhanced transactions and purchasers of municipal bonds in direct placements. Mr. Sparks also has experience in real estate development, real estate finance and corporate finance, representing both lenders and developers. He has handled more than $7 billion in tax-exempt financing since July 1995, and more than $10 billion in his 32-year career, involving several hundred bond issues and with a variety of issuers in many states and political subdivisions. He has served as outside counsel to the City of Kansas City, Missouri for $2 billion in downtown re-development projects recently developed.
Daniel DeFeo
DeFeo & Kolker -- Lawyer
5/8/2015
125.00
25.00
Personal injury attorney Daniel DeFeo is an advocate for the injured, especially those hurt or killed due to defective automobiles.
Zach Bickel
The Robertson Law Group -- Attorney
5/8/2015
1,200.00
1,200.00
Note: This is the second listing for this individual (see very first listing above) and represents poor recordkeeping by the James For Mayor treasurer.
J. Zachary Bickel is a partner in The Robertson Law Group assisting clients and their lawyers at trial and on appeal by identifying, protecting, and preserving legal issues in state and federal court cases. As appellate counsel, Zach has handled all types of civil litigation, including wrongful death, personal injury, breach of contract, real estate, corporate, and insurance.
Deron Cherry
United Beverage Company -- Owner
5/8/2015
250.00
250.00
Deron Cherry, former KC Chiefs player, was appointed to the Jackson County Sports Authority Board for the term 2011-2016.
Allison Bergman
Hardwick Law Firm LLC -- Attorney
5/9/2015
250.00
250.00
She has more than a decade of experience implementing housing, industrial and commercial real estate development projects. Bergman has structured complex transactions involving tax increment financing, tax abatement, revenue bonds, low-income housing and historic tax credits, contribution tax credits, sale-leasebacks, and transportation development districts. Allison is forming the State of Missouri’s first port improvement district, enabling the next generation of development on Kansas City’s riverfront.
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We hope this exercise has informed, enlightened, and amused the reader. But most of all, we hope every reader will question why all of the groups and individuals listed above (and previous/future ones) felt compelled to donate money to an incumbent KCMO Mayor who won 84.21 percent of the primary vote and has no serious challenger for the general election.
In our own mind, we're quite certain why groups and individuals conducting business directly with the city or involved in projects whereby they stand to benefit from municipal policies enacted, would wish to show their appreciation, but each reader should come to their own independent conclusions.
In closing, we wish to thank TonysKansasCity.com for posting our submission (hopefully) and remaining Kansas City's last bastion of free speech.
Freedom of Speech: The right, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to express beliefs and ideas without unwarranted government restriction.
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