Newly sworn-in Jackson County Executive Frank White says he’ll consider running in November for a two-year term.
White, a former Royals player, was the legislature’s unanimous pick to replace Mike Sanders, who served nine years before stepping down earlier this month.
“When I ran for the legislature, I thought that was what I was going to be,” White said Monday after his swearing in at the historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. “It was my intention to be there because I really felt like that was a great place to help the people in the community.”
White says he had no plans to seek a higher office when elected to the legislature in 2014 but couldn’t turn down the job when his colleagues offered it to him.
Crystal Williams, chairwoman of the Jackson County Legislature, introduced the White she’s gotten to know during his time in office.
“Frank is a man who I have learned very quickly is kind, friendly and really, really approachable,” said Williams, “but I do caution you not to assume that means Frank is not serious. He is not a pushover, and he is absolutely intent on serving the people of Jackson County.”
White said he didn’t think a year was long enough to make significant changes. He says a run was likely, but he wasn’t yet ready to announce his candidacy.
Voters in November will select someone to serve out the remainder of Sanders’ term, which runs through 2018.
Elle Moxley is a reporter for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.
