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Posted on Tue, Mar. 22, 2011 11:48 PM
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closeMayor-elect Sly James tells KC ‘better days ahead’
- Burke concedes defeat in mayor's race
- Supporters talk about Sly James
- Sly James celebrates victory
- James defeats Burke for KC mayor
- Midwest Democracy Project | Election results
- Voters retain seven municipal judges
- Familiar faces return to KC council
- Analysis | Complex issues to direct James's agenda
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Kansas City voters elected Sly James as their new mayor Tuesday, choosing a political newcomer who pledged to restore confidence in City Hall.
James polled 54 percent to opponent Mike Burke’s 46 percent, a surprisingly strong finish after a low-key, cordial race that pollsters had said was too close to call.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable,” James told a cheering crowd at 18th and Vine.
“We want to make ourselves a better city by working together.”
James noted that he grew up at 44th Street and Montgall Avenue and has lived in Kansas City his entire life. “From where I stand, I can tell you better days are ahead,” he said.
His goal, he told the crowd, was to create a “booming Kansas City,” by adding thousands of new jobs, with safer streets, less crime “and schools where our children are prepared for life.”
The hard work would begin today, James said.
“We’re going to make this a city that each and every one of you can be proud of,” James said. James also thanked Burke. “Mike is an honorable man, a friend, a person who truly cares about Kansas City,” James said.
He promised to involve Burke in the campaign to renew the 1-percent earnings tax and in the operations of City Hall.
Mark Nevins of James’ professional campaign staff said that James’ message was key to winning. But he noted a massive get-out-the vote effort that included social media, phone banks, taxis, vans and even a rickshaw.
“One guy had a rickshaw and was willing to take voters to the polls,” Nevins said. “I don’t think we used him, though.”
James will lead a City Council filled with a lot of familiar faces. All but one of the incumbents seeking a new term were re-elected, and a former city councilman won as well.
Burke, who lives in Platte County, won the Northland 2-to-1, but he failed to get as many votes north of the river as the campaign expected.
James, who lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood, surged far ahead south of the Missouri River, and those votes made the difference.
James was an unknown when he first announced his candidacy two years ago, but he gradually built name recognition and support, especially in the predominantly African-American wards of east Kansas City and in the politically active Southwest Corridor.
Missouri Sen. Jolie Justus of Kansas City complimented James on his victory: “It’s testament to the fact that he’s a likable guy.”
Burke was gracious in defeat and pledged to help James in any way he could to promote progress.
“We have an opportunity with a new mayor and new City Council to move this city in a great direction,” Burke said.
Longtime political consultant Pat O’Neill said both candidates were widely regarded as qualified.
“Ultimately it came down to a little bit of a personality contest — and geography,” O’Neill said.
Turnout was light, with only 21 percent of registered voters going to the polls and barely 70,000 votes cast, compared with more than 84,000 four years ago when Mark Funkhouser defeated Alvin Brooks.
Some observers said the sparse vote count was a function of the generally positive contest in which each candidate highlighted his own attributes without resorting to personal attacks against his opponent. The two candidates, both well-respected attorneys, had agreed during the campaign on many of the city’s most pressing challenges.
As a result, some voters said they had a hard time distinguishing between the two, although their campaigns did reveal sharp contrasts in their personalities and leadership styles.
The race only turned negative in the final weekend before the vote, and the attacks didn’t come from the candidates themselves. Third-party supporters of James attacked Burke as a “City Hall insider” while third-party supporters for Burke attacked James as inexperienced and indecisive.
During the campaign, Burke had cast himself as a veteran land-use attorney who could bring new jobs and economic development to the city. Burke said he had decades of experience working with city government and was ready to take charge as mayor from Day One.
But James played up his extensive background mediating difficult legal disputes and said he would bring that same talent to a fractious City Hall.
James portrayed himself as an outsider who wouldn’t be co-opted by insider special interests. He conceded he didn’t have all the answers but said he would tap into the best minds and innovative ideas from around the country to move the city forward.
James, 59, has never held elective office but was the first candidate to announce a challenge, two years ago, to Funkhouser. He proved himself to be a formidable fundraiser, garnering more than $880,000 in campaign contributions, much of which he spent introducing himself to residents.
Many of his supporters were attorneys who liked his leadership in the legal community, especially as president of the Kansas City Bar Association. Other supporters liked the fact that he had served a stint as a U.S. Marine.
James grew up in the urban core, and after his Marine duty attended Rockhurst University and the University of Minnesota Law School.
He was the first African-American attorney hired by the big-time law firm of Blackwell Sanders Matheny, Weary & Lombardi. He later left to form his own law firm, where he has specialized in mediations and personal injury cases.
During the campaign, James scored well in mayoral forums, displaying a charming and engaging personality that resonated with audiences. He defied the conventional wisdom that a political neophyte didn’t stand a chance.
He was endorsed by the city’s two biggest unions, representing firefighters and blue-collar workers. He was also endorsed by Freedom Inc., the AFL-CIO, La Raza and the Hispanic Business PAC.
His campaign focused on the 4-Es: Employment, Enforcement, Education and Efficiency. He advocated using technology and data analysis, such as Baltimore has done, to improve government services, combat crime and bolster citizen satisfaction.
Burke, 61, also began running for mayor almost two years ago but got off to a lackluster start, struggling to raise money before the Feb. 22 primary. He eventually raised about $473,000, including $118,000 of his own money that he loaned his campaign fund.
Burke gained momentum right before the primary election, especially after he was endorsed by former Mayors Charlie Wheeler, Richard L. Berkley and Kay Barnes. They said he had the best resume, knowledge, background and experience for the job.
Burke — 32,335
James — 38,442
The Star’s Dave Helling contributed to this report. To reach Lynn Horsley, call 816-234-4317 or send email to lhorsley@kcstar.com. To reach Michael Mansur, call 816-234-4433 or send email to mmansur@kcstar.com.