Hundreds Attend Unified Government Mayoral Debate Two Weeks Before Primary

Candidates for Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County

With less than two weeks until the primary election, voters in Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County will have the opportunity to narrow down the candidates who will vie for the position of mayor of the Unified Government. Current Mayor Tyrone Garner has decided not to seek re-election, opening the door for six contenders to step forward.

The candidates include:

• Tom Burroughs, a current Unified Government Commissioner and former member of the Kansas House of Representatives with nearly three decades of experience.
• Mark Gilstrap, a retired UG employee and former state senator.
• Rose Mulvaney Henry, a member of the Board of Public Utilities and a telecommunications lawyer.
• Gwendolyn Thomas, who has worked for the Unified Government since 1997, starting as an administrative assistant and now serving as a program coordinator.
• Christal Watson, who leads a non-profit organization supporting KCK public schools and previously served as CEO of the Heartland Black Chamber and deputy chief of staff for UG Mayor Dave Alvey.
• Janice Witt, an activist and business owner who ran for mayor in 2021.

Forum on Key Issues

A recent forum at Memorial Hall provided a platform for four of the candidates to address pressing issues facing the community. The event, moderated by KCTV5’s Bill Hurrelbrink, drew more than 100 attendees, with many standing to hear the discussions.

Two candidates, Janice Witt and Mark Gilstrap, did not attend the forum. The remaining four candidates addressed topics such as economic growth, property taxes, housing, health, safety, and education.

Downtown Revitalization

When asked about downtown revitalization, several candidates shared their perspectives:

• Tom Burroughs emphasized the need for code enforcement and increasing quality density in the area.
• Rose Mulvaney Henry pointed out the issue of long-vacant buildings and questioned why small business incentives had not been implemented earlier.
• Christal Watson suggested bringing back a small business liaison position that existed during her time in the administration of former Mayor Dave Alvey.
• Gwendolyn Thomas advocated for engaging with building owners to find solutions for vacant properties.

Watson also mentioned the potential to revive a local initiative called "WyCo Loves Local," which she believes could help revitalize the downtown area.

Crime and Public Safety

The candidates were also asked about strategies to reduce crime and improve public safety. Their responses included:

• Gwendolyn Thomas stressed the importance of addressing root causes of crime, such as trauma, health issues, and homelessness.
• Tom Burroughs highlighted the value of youth outreach and mentorship programs.
• Rose Mulvaney Henry emphasized the role of infrastructure, safer streets, and cleaner green spaces in preventing crime.
• Christal Watson expressed confidence in the police department and sheriff’s office, noting that crime rates have already decreased by up to 30% in some areas.

Other Topics Discussed

The forum lasted 90 minutes and covered a wide range of issues. For those interested, the entire program is available for viewing on KCTV5’s YouTube channel.

Upcoming Election

The primary election, scheduled for August 5th, marks the first step in selecting the next mayor. Early voting has already begun, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November. This election presents a critical opportunity for voters to shape the future leadership of the Unified Government.