KC Week In Review: The Missouri Transportation Tax Debate

Critics call it the biggest tax increase in Missouri history. Proponents call Amendment 7 on the August 5 ballot a crucial vote to improve highways, bridges and transit in the state. The 3/4 cent sales tax increase would bring in more than $5 billion dollars over 10 years and add about 8 cents to a $10 dollar purchase.It would largely fund the rebuilding of I-70 from Kansas City to St. Louis, including adding an extra lane in each direction. In our area, there’s a pot of money for a new Broadway bridge and $124 million to expand the Kansas City streetcar project.

PROPONENTS
Jewell Patek, Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs
Bridgette Williams, Heavy Constructors Association

OPPONENTS
Linda Vogel SmithLeague of Women Voters
Sheila Styron, The Whole Person

Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Milton Wolf

Can he pull off a major political upset in Kansas? This week, meet the man on a quest to unseat veteran U.S. Senator Pat Roberts. We had set aside this entire show for a debate between U.S. Senator Pat Roberts and his tea party backed challenger Dr. Milton Wolf. But the Roberts campaign declined.

“Given the Senator’s schedule and commitments, both in Kansas and in the U.S. Senate, he would be unable to participate.”

—Leroy Towns, Roberts for Senate campaign

Should that campaign tactic deprive his opponent of the limelight? Here at KCPT, we don’t think that’s fair. So, Leawood radiologist and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Kansas Dr. Milton Wolf discusses his candidacy with Nick Haines.

Next week: Who will lead Johnson County? The Commission Chair Race
Ed Eilert vs. Ed Peterson vs. Patricia Lightner