KANSAS CITY, Mo. –October 2, 2025-- “I am grateful to former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes for her willingness to serve during this important time of transition. With her long and distinguished record of public service, Mayor Barnes brings the steady leadership and dedication our community deserves. As her uncle Walter Cronkite once said, ‘I can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life everything he’s got.’ Mayor Barnes has lived that truth throughout her career, giving everything she’s got to the people she serves.
I have directed my staff to assist in her transition and look forward to working with her soon. I am also hopeful that her temporary appointment will allow the County Legislature the time to carry out a transparent, thoughtful, and effective selection process — the kind of public process that produced respected leaders such as Sheriff Darryl Forte and former Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker.”