http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-959012.mp3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City voters have chosen Sly James as their next mayor.
James ran on a platform of uniting Kansas City. Speaking to a crowd of several hundred inside the atrium of the American Jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum last night, James said he'll work tirelessly with residents, with the new council and city manager, to create jobs, reduce crime, and make city government more accountable.
"We will make this city the best city it can be if we can work together," James said. "And we are going to work together to make this city the best city in the entire country!"
James won the election with 54 percent of the vote. He thanked his opponenet, Mike Burke, for running a positive campaign.
James was the first candidate to declare his run for mayor two years ago. He's never held political office before, but led the way in fundraising during the primary and general election.
James takes office May 1st and replaces current mayor Mark Funkhouser, who lost in last month's primary.