Future of Chiefs, Royals in Jackson County prompts tough questions from county legislator

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - People working for Jackson County Executive Frank White got grilled Monday afternoon about efforts to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the county.

During the section of Monday’s meeting of the Jackson County Legislature allowing for updates from and questions to the county executive’s staff, two legislators asked questions about the status of negotiations with the teams. They happen privately, like most contractual negotiations.

Legislator Sean Smith asked for an update, couched with, “I know you can’t tell us much.”

Caleb Clifford, the executive’s chief of staff, replied that Smith was correct about not being able to share much.

“We continue to move forward and we are hopeful that we can come to some resolution in the near future,” Clifford added.

Then, Legislator Manny Abarca lobbed a series of follow-ups questioning the closed nature of the process.

When voters resoundingly rejected a sales tax initiative to help fund a Royals stadium downtown -- as well as renovations to Arrowhead -- there were questions raised about the behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Abarca asked questions critical of not including all nine legislators in the negotiation process. “Who dictates that?” Abarca asked.

“They will notify if there’s something important that they think needs to be shared,” replied Brian Covinsky, the county’s chief legal counsel.

“Who is they?” Abarca prodded.

“The people involved in the negotiations,” Covinsky answered.

“Which is right now the chair, the vice-chair, the county executive and his staff?” Abarca continued to clarify.

“That’s my understanding,” Covinsky said.

“So the rest of us don’t need to be involved in any of that transparency and understanding on any of that until it’s important enough for them to decide?” Abarca said.

The interrogation came after Kansas lawmakers announced last week that they will introduce a bill in special session offering heavy tax incentives to draw either or both teams across the state line. That special session begins next week.

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