That's at least what a majority of Jackson County legislators think when it comes to County Executive Katheryn Shields' spending in the waning days of her administration.
Nobody has ever called Shields miserly when it comes to taxpayer money. But legislators are astounded to learn from a Kansas City Star review that Shields tapped nine-year-old bonds intended for courtroom improvements to pay for projects with much different purposes. And Shields now wants to use the bond money to build a $532,000 conference room for county employees.
Some county officials fear Shields' actions could threaten the county's bond rating. She dismisses the criticism, saying the county's bond rating is exemplary and she's acted appropriately in the best interests of the county.
Check out today's Star for all the details. And also read about the surprise birthday party that county employees threw Tuesday for Shields' 60th birthday. At taxpayer expense.
Posted by DeAnn Smith
kathryn shields reminds me of the quintessential greedy, profligate spending, self-absorbed, ineffective, public trough feeding PIG!! just let her run for mayor of kansas city; she'll be shredded to ribbons by those that have values, maturity, knowledge, and something to offer. she is in the same camp as the mindless cheerleader we have for a mayor now. kay barnes, and her gang of monkey-faced advisors, is a weak-spined, insipid, rah-rah buffoon who has left us with a mountain of debt and a list of "legacy-building" projects whose merits and value are, at best, questionable. in both cases, barnes and shields, good riddance to bad rubbish.
Posted by: cmarshalldavis | October 30, 2006 at 10:02 AM
KATHERINE SHIELDS HAS JUST ANNOUNCED SHE'S RUNNING FOR MAYOR.
Posted by: | October 30, 2006 at 10:15 AM
OMG! She is running for mayor! Just heard on the radio she has asked to be interviewed by the Citizens Association this Wednesday! The arrogance of this individual is overpowering. I hope she does run.
Posted by: Rich | October 30, 2006 at 10:18 AM
If somehow that pig finda a way to win the mayor's race, I am dead serious: I will move my family to Kansas. We3 have debated this for several years given the poor government, high taxes and poor poor leadership. But we have remained loyal to our city. This, however, will do it for us. All 5 of us will have had enough. At some point, you have to cut your losses and start taking care of your family. Shields is perhaps the worst public official I have ever seen. It is a mystery to me that she still thinks she even has a shot at this race. But I guess that makes my point. I am almost depressed about this.
Posted by: Dave P. | October 30, 2006 at 10:32 AM
Both parties are spending like there's no tomorrow.
Talk about the War being waged on the middle class by the
2/3 of the most rich and power brokers in this Country. You can fool some of the people some of the time. but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.
You know who you are and the American people will wake up and find out who you are. With out the middle class we will become a third world country. The middle class is keeping America a float buying goods. Eliminate money from the middle class and you eliminate the present standard of living in the country except for the rich and powerful.
Just a little something for you who think you have the answers and try to influence voters to think the way you would like to have them follow your thinking.
IWJ
Posted by: I. Walter Jones | October 30, 2006 at 11:17 AM
Dittos to Craig about Tarwarter, Arbanas ,Waits, Rizzo (the felon)
and Company. Just like the Stadium deal, I am sure that they have been sharing the spoils with Queen Kathyrn .. They are disgrace to the County . I am thankful that on Judgment Day, these baffoons will have to give an accounting for their actions !!!
Posted by: milwolf | October 30, 2006 at 12:06 PM
Dittos to Craig about Tarwarter, Arbanas ,Waits, Rizzo (the felon)
and Company. Just like the Stadium deal, I am sure that they have been sharing the spoils with Queen Kathyrn .. They are disgrace to the County . I am thankful that on Judgment Day, these baffoons will have to give an accounting for their actions !!!
Posted by: milwolf | October 30, 2006 at 12:07 PM
It is past time for the formation on a reform group in Jackson County. It is similar to the situation in 1940 when reformers elected John Gage as KCMO Mayor. Imagine a situation where 8 of 9 county legislators are running unopposed? Imagine a situation where the GOP candidate for County Exec is running as a flag bearer without a serious contest? The county needs a leader in the style of L. P. Cookingham and John Gage.
Posted by: | October 30, 2006 at 12:23 PM
Dave P:
Don't despair. Shields is almost gone. She just doesn't know it yet. And the new Jackson County under Sanders promises to be so much better.
Posted by: George | October 30, 2006 at 12:33 PM
My previous indifference to Shields has been upgraded to contempt. I strongly agree with the commentor above about the need for a reform candidate. That Shields feels free to give these quotes to the paper is a blatant signal that something is completely out of control.
Posted by: Roos | October 30, 2006 at 02:01 PM
I can't help but be reminded that all of the anti-Shields voices on this thread are the same ones that said Sanders doesn't stand a chance. Face it guys Katherine Shields is beloved by the public. You may not like her but that makes her even more attractive to the average Joe. You just dislke her because she wont let you make policy. She certainly is independent.
Posted by: Bydsm | October 30, 2006 at 02:29 PM
She'll be independent and unemployed after John Fairfield is elected mayor.
Posted by: | October 30, 2006 at 02:33 PM
to Bydsm,
Please get to the hospital for your dose of thorazine. It is vitally important before your incoherent rants become violent. When I want a break from reality, I will come join you in your world.
Posted by: craig | October 30, 2006 at 03:21 PM