Jackson County Seeks New Leadership in Prosecuting Attorney Election
As the vibrant city of Kansas City looks toward a future filled with promise, voters are gearing up to make a critical decision that could shape the safety of their neighborhoods. With crime rates, especially property crimes and record homicides, dominating conversations among residents, the upcoming election for Jackson County’s Prosecuting Attorney has become a hot topic. With current Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker stepping down after a commendable 12 years, the stage is set for a new leader. The two candidates vying for this important position are Tracey Chappell and Melesa Johnson, each with their plans to tackle crime.
The Candidates: Who Are They?
First up is Republican Tracey Chappell, a proud native of Alabaster, Alabama. After earning her degree in political science from Jacksonville State University and a law degree from UMKC School of Law, Chappell accumulated valuable experience as a Senior Assistant County Counselor for Jackson County. She made headlines in 2018 when she became the first African American woman to serve as a Prosecuting Attorney for Blue Springs. With 24 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney under her belt, she feels prepared to step into the role of Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson County.
Chappell emphasizes the need for a nonpartisan approach to the role, stating, “The job is not Democrat or Republican. It’s to make people safe and put criminals behind bars.” She proposes measures to enhance police and prosecuting attorney collaboration, like a new Community Prosecution unit that allows for closer interactions between law enforcement and prosecutors.
Chappell’s Crime-Fighting Strategy
Chappell plans to tackle property crimes head-on, asserting that police should have the backing they need to make arrests. “When they know they have a prosecutor who is going to do the job, then they know they can go ahead and make those arrests,” she insists. Notably, she aims to address drug-related violence by pursuing prosecution, regardless of whether violence was involved. Her approach includes referring those seeking help to drug court and tightening the system to identify offenders needing mental health intervention early on.
Meet Melesa Johnson
On the other side, we have Democrat Melesa Johnson, who has deep roots in the community as she still resides near 41st and Prospect, the area where she grew up. Johnson graduated with a Doctorate of Law from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2014 and spent almost two years as an assistant prosecutor in Jackson County. Currently, she serves as Kansas City’s Director of Public Safety, a role she helped establish to strengthen the bridge between the police department and City Hall.
Johnson strongly believes in a proactive approach to crime, stating, “I don’t plan on being soft on crime… I plan on being smart on crime.” Her strategy involves creating a specialized unit to handle property crimes, where law students can gain practical experience while ensuring that victims feel supported and heard. Johnson’s plan also includes the prosecution of non-violent drug cases, something she feels is crucial to creating a safer community.
Unique Programs and Future Steps
Notably, one of Johnson’s innovative ideas is the introduction of an Opportunity Court tailored toward non-violent drug distributors. This program aims to address the issue of crime rooted in poverty by connecting offenders with workforce development opportunities and offering essential skills training. Additionally, she proposes the establishment of an Integrity Unit to decrease wrongful convictions, emphasizing that the prosecuting attorney’s office must constantly strive for accuracy and justice.
The Road Ahead
So, as Kansas City gears up to cast their votes, the spotlight is on Tracey Chappell and Melesa Johnson. With the city facing significant challenges regarding crime, the choice of who will lead the charge in the Prosecuting Attorney’s office feels more crucial than ever. The question on everyone’s mind: Which candidate has the best plan to make our neighborhoods safer?
