State House - District 19

1. What do you think are the most important issues impacting downtown residents at the state-level, and what do you plan to do to help?

Patricia Hernandez:

I assume there are a few issues that impact residents, including crime, homelessness, and businesses not utilizing their buildings. From my past work with the Downtown Council, I know that one of their biggest focuses is cleaning up the area and helping those experiencing homelessness get access to resources. At the state level, my goal is to be assigned to a committee that can impact our district, ensuring funding for much-needed services to alleviate the burden on residents and incentivizing businesses to utilize their spaces so things are not left empty.

Wick Thomas:

Our campaign has been focused on safety, education, and support.

Safety: Every night in this district we hear gun shots. I'm a Moms Demand Action candidate and I believe that some common sense changes to policy can create a better community for all of us. The street racing has gotten intense; My car was totaled last month while parked outside of my home so I've been recently impacted by it. I host a weekly park cleanup at Kessler Park and have worked hard to remove trash from our neighborhoods and improve safety. Housing accessibility is huge, and I'd like to see a year over year property tax cap so people aren't being forced out of their homes. 

Education: I'm a community college faculty librarian and am pursuing my PhD in information management. Libraries and schools are central to my heart and we need to start aggressively advocating for their funding. I've previously written for School Library Journal and Library Journal about youth advocacy. I have served as the Teen Librarian for the Kansas City Public Library and the Manager of Teen Programs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of art. I will work tirelessly to advocate for our youth and for education accessibility. I also want to educate the public about the legislative process and plan to hold monthly listening sessions and regularly use social media to get more people engaged in politics.

Support: I will be accessible and advocate for our communities full-time, year-round. I'm an active participant in many neighborhood associations in the district and think to truly represent you have to consistently show up! As part of the campaign, I host weekly park cleanups, have registered new voters, advocated for youth and marginalized voices, held storytimes and youth concerts, distributed thousands of native seeds to beautify the district, given out thousands of books for free, and have worked tirelessly to advocate for us. Politics can be done better, and we should expect politicians to show up for the community year round. 

2. KC is the only city in Missouri (and one of very few in the country) without local control of its police department. What is your position on state control of the KC Police Department?

Patricia Hernandez:

Kansas City needs to be able to work properly with the police department. Having no local control hinders our ability to ensure we are being treated fairly as citizens of the city. I support local control!

Wick Thomas:

Kansas City should have local control of our police department.

3. Would you support increased Amtrak funding in Missouri, to add new routes and improvements on existing routes?

Patricia Hernandez:

Yes, transportation options other than vehicles are beneficial for everyone. Infrastructure is failing in our state, and more investment with existing tax revenue is something I have been eager to explore.

Wick Thomas:

Yes! I did not own a car in Kansas City for ten years. During that time I biked/bussed everywhere and I regularly take the train to Jefferson City. Having Jefferson City more accessible on transit could change the face of politics in our state. I would love to see some massive improvements and funding to all of our public transportation infrastructure.

4. What else would you like to share with downtown neighbors?

Patricia Hernandez:

This district is the first Hispanic district in all of Missouri. I am the only person on the ticket who was born and raised in the district. My Mexican family has owned the same home for over 70 years! Not only have I been working with the incumbent for many years, but I have also been the President of my neighborhood association and currently work at Metro Lutheran Ministries, where I focus on preventing evictions!

Wick Thomas:

District 19 is the first place I've ever felt was my home, and I would be honored to represent you. I worked for years at the KCPL Central Library and truly love this district. Please check out wickformo.com or @wickformo on socials to find out more about the campaign.