Midwest Democracy Project

Theresa Garza Ruiz

KC mayor-elect fills two staff spots

Kansas City Mayor-elect Sly James has named two community leaders to serve in key positions on his staff after he takes office Sunday.

County funding is back on for Guadalupe Centers

Feb. 16

The Jackson County Legislature on Monday approved $197,000 in county funds for Guadalupe Centers Inc., ending weeks of uncertainty after concern about a legislatorâ€™s conflict stalled funding.

Guadalupe Center can no longer get county funding, county counselor rules

Jan. 10

The new Jackson County counselor, W. Stephen Nixon, has ruled that the Guadalupe Center can no longer receive county funding.

Jackson County moving toward raises in 2011

Oct. 13

Jackson County legislators approved a resolution Tuesday that they hoped would pave the way in 2011 for the first county employee raises since 2008.

Jackson County moves toward employee raises

Oct. 12

Jackson County legislators approved a resolution today that they hope will pave the way in 2011 for the first county employee raises since 2008.

Missouri candidate sues paper, representative

Sept. 17

Jeremy Ploeger, who competed and lost in the Democratic primary for a Missouri House seat, has filed a lawsuit over allegations rasied during the campaign.

Williams defeats Rizzo in Jackson County race

Aug. 4

The powerful chairman of the Jackson County Legislature, Henry Rizzo, lost Tuesday, but the longest-serving legislator in the countyâ€™s history, Fred Arbanas, won another term.

Election Day Live Blogging: Moran wins

Aug. 3

Stay informed with the latest news and observations as Missouri and Kansas head to the polls

JACKSON COUNTY LEGISLATURE 1st District At-Large

July 27

Theresa Garza Ruiz, a former Jackson County legislative employee, rode to victory in 2006 with little money, endorsements or name recognition.

Campaigning for Jackson County Legislature has become hard-fought, high-dollared

July 23

Jackson County legislator. Itâ€™s just a $25,900-a-year job.

Our recommendations for the Jackson County Legislature in the Aug. 3 primary

Opinion July 23

For years the Jackson County Legislature has struggled to achieve respectability in local politics. Members have fought often with county executives and â€” sometimes literally â€” among themselves.