KCMO and Jackson County leaders discuss future of Chiefs after push by Kansas Legislature

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After a letter was sent to the Chiefs by the Kansas Legislature, Kansas City’s mayor and one Jackson County Legislator are sharing their response about the letter and the Chiefs’ future in Missouri.

How did we get here?

After a failed ballot measure to renovate Arrowhead and move the Royals downtown in April, Kansas lawmakers looked into luring the Chiefs to the Sunflower State.

On June 18, the Kansas Legislature will go into a special session where Representative Sean Tarwater said a STAR Bonds bill could be heard.

They sent a letter on Tuesday to the Chiefs and asked them to weigh in on this potential bill becoming a reality in Kansas.

KCMO, Jackson Co., and State response:

On Wednesday, KCTV5 spoke with KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas and Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca about the letter and possible move by the Chiefs.

Mayor Lucas said he is not worried, but Abarca said he has his concerns if the STAR Bond bill passes in Kansas.

Abarca said he isn’t surprised by this, especially after the Chiefs’ visit to the White House last week.

“You saw Kansas leaders, Johnson County, you saw very strategic folks in the room where the Chiefs were, and the Chiefs leadership the Hunt family, and Mark Donovan and Jackson County out in the crowd,” said Jackson County 1st District Legislator, Manny Abarca. He later added, “It’s a premonition come true unfortunately for what we talked about as real stake if a failed vote were to happen earlier this year.”

Abarca said he hasn’t heard much from Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. after a letter was sent to the Chiefs and Royals about moving forward with new negotiations.

“The executive’s office has continuously said that is confidential material that they are only privy to,” said Abarca.

Mayor Lucas said he has respect for what the Kansas Legislature is working on but isn’t concerned.

“I’m somebody who has had a chance to meet with both teams since the election I think everybody wants to actually get a chance to focus on what we care about see the Royals winning on the field that’s been exciting give the Chiefs a chance to build up a great off-season,” said KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas.

He added, “We are going to make sure that business gets done at least from the Kansas City Missouri perspective confidentially we will work with them like good businesses do and then hopefully we will have more to share along the way.”

Jackson County voters are hopeful the teams stay too.

“I want the Chiefs and the Royals to stay here in Kansas City, they are an institution on this side of the state line,” said Jackson County voter Joy Feeley.

READ MORE: ‘The Chiefs are Missouri’s team’: Missouri governor, lawmakers vow to keep franchise in Show-Me State

A spokesperson for Governor Michael Parson released a statement to KCTV5 on Wednesday:

The Kansas City Chiefs have a long, rich history at Arrowhead Stadium, and we remain optimistic that their story will continue in Missouri for generations to come. Governor Parson will do what he can to keep the Chiefs in Missouri. The Chiefs are Missouri’s team, and Governor Parson continues conversations with the team’s leadership to ensure that remains.

Abarca worries whatever Missouri comes up with will cost taxpayers more and might not be good enough for the teams.

“We are going to see loss of community benefits, we are going to see a higher ticket price for both the Royals and the Chiefs combined,” said Abarca.

He said it is going to be a big loss for Missouri’s economy if the Chiefs leave.

“It’s not just about businesses in the Crossroads or Jackson County not receiving any revenue, millions of hundreds of millions of dollars are attached to these teams and then in addition to that just the recognition nationally,” said Abarca. He added, “It is going to take a whole lot of collaborative efforts both from the state and the city and the county government on both sides of it to make something new happen.”

Though much of this is up in the air right now, it’s clear Missouri wants to keep the Chiefs in Arrowhead.

“I just hope they stay here in Kansas City and we will do all we can to make sure that is a reality,” said Mayor Lucas.

Both the Royals and Chiefs had no comment regarding this state line back and forth.

As for White, his office did not respond to KCTV5′s request for an interview or comment.

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