By Maria Carter
Kansas City, MO – The process to pick the next Jackson County prosecutor has been established. KCUR's Maria Carter reports.
- - - - -
In November, Democrat Mike Sanders was elected to be the next Jackson County Executive. Sanders had been serving as county prosecutor for the past four years but will leave that job when he takes over the county's top office. As County Executive, one of his first tasks will be to pick his replacement, who will fill the remaining two years of his term. Sanders has appointed a five person blue ribbon commission to screen candidates and make a recommendation of three finalists. Commission Chair Gerry Helm says the committee is looking for someone with an ability to manage as well as a strong legal background.
Gerry Helm: This is one of the largest prosecutor's offices in the country, so they have to have leadership qualities. You know integrity, character, somebody who can run a large organization.
The Commission is expected to make its recommendations to Sanders by January 9th.
Across the state line, Johnson County is also looking for a new prosecutor to replace Paul Morrison, who won the race for Kansas Attorney General. That position will be filled by the county's Republican party.