State Senate - District 7

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?

Pat Contreras:

Kansas City and its historic downtown will be on display for the World as we welcome the World Cup to Kansas City. This is an unique opportunity for Kansas City and Missouri. However, while we put our best foot forward for the World, we must make sure that it is a safe and comfortable place for all who call it home. I will work in the legislature to bring historic investment into improving our downtown infrastructure and public safety in anticipation of this event. 

Patty Lewis:

The most important issues impacting downtown residents are health care including reproductive health care, gun violence and crime, and equal rights. I am continuing to meet residents to hear first hand the issues that are important to them. For the past four years, I have served as the State Representative for House District 25 and have had an open door policy in my office. I schedule regular town halls, send a weekly Capitol Reports, and send an annual constituent survey so I can continue to learn about the most important issues and best represent the constituents I serve. I will continue to do this as State Senator.

Serving as a State Representative for the past four years, I am proud of what I have accomplished. My colleagues and I successfully stood up to the Republicans and their attempt to destroy the citizens initiative petition process, and because of that, Missourians will have the chance to overturn our state’s total abortion ban this November. I have sponsored and passed several bills that have been signed into law that address mental health, extend postpartum care, and increase access to health care. I also have consistently stood up for workers and marginalized communities.

As Senator, I’ll continue fighting for reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, and standing for Kansas City. I believe that voters will end Missouri’s total abortion ban this November and that the Republicans will turn around and try to undo the will of the voters. I would be the first registered nurse to serve in the State Senate, and having that voice to protect reproductive rights will be critical.

I’m proud to be the only candidate in this race endorsed by our nurses, teachers, firefighters, labor organizations, Planned Parenthood, and PROMO because they know my record of accomplishments and trust me to continue advocating for them and you.

Joey LaSalle:

Downtown Kansas City faces significant challenges with high rates of violent crime and property crime, including homicides, assaults, robberies, and burglaries. These crimes threaten the safety and well-being of residents and also impact local businesses and tourism, undermining economic growth and the overall quality of life in the city. This situation could lead residents and businesses to consider leaving downtown, or even Missouri altogether.

To fix these problems, we need a multi-step plan. First, we must strengthen our police force by providing more funding, better training, and advanced tools. Community policing should be encouraged to build trust and cooperation between police and residents. Criminal justice reform is also important; by focusing on better rehabilitation and support for former offenders, we can reduce repeat crimes.

We should also focus on creating jobs and reducing poverty to make the community more stable. Investing in education and youth programs will give young people positive activities and opportunities. Expanding mental health and substance abuse services will help address root causes of crime. Finally, tackling homelessness by providing shelter, healthcare, and jobs will reduce crime related to homelessness. By taking these steps, we can make downtown Kansas City safer and improve life for everyone.

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?

Pat Contreras:

Kansas City should control its own police department. 

Patty Lewis:

Yes, I support local control of the Kansas City Police Department. I have spoken on this issue several times on the House floor. Republicans in Jefferson City seem to think that they know better than us, something that I firmly disagree with them on. As your Senator, I will continue to defend Kansas City from Republican attacks, just as I’ve done for the last four years.

Joey LaSalle:

I believe that the state should have control of the Kansas City Police Department. Kansas City's ranking as the 8th most dangerous city in the US underscores the urgent need for effective crime prevention strategies. State oversight of our police department can enhance coordination, improve response times, and ensure that resources are allocated where they're needed most. By prioritizing public safety through state leadership, we can work towards reducing crime rates and fostering safer communities for all residents.

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

Pat Contreras:

Yes, as we prepare to move forward, we must ensure public transportation plays a central role. Improve rail access to Kansas City will help even more visitors enjoy Kansas City without exacerbating parking issues. 

Patty Lewis:

Yes, I support increased Amtrak funding in Missouri to add new routes and improve existing routes. Less than 10 percent of metro area jobs are accessible by public transit. We need a more robust transportation network.

Joey LaSalle:

I believe in making smart investments in transportation. I support adding Amtrak routes when they bring economic benefits like more tourism, jobs, or better connections for rural areas. I also back improving existing routes to make them safer, more efficient, and reliable. This approach reflects my commitment to spending taxpayer money wisely and making government work better for everyone.

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

Pat Contreras:

You deserve a fresh voice in the legislature that will put aside partisan bickering to get things done. We can't go back and must find a way to work together to move our great city forward. That is why I am asking for your vote. I will take my skills as a diplomat and negotiator to bring KC its fair share. 

Patty Lewis:

I am the only candidate in the race that has been elected into office and serving down in Jefferson City for the past four years. With that experience, I have earned relationships on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers. As a member of the super minority party because of my relationships, I have passed legislation that helps everyday Missourans. However, I do not hold back when calling out the majority party on their hateful agenda. I will be able to get to work on day number one for downtown residents, Kansas Citians, and Missourians.

I am currently the only registered nurse serving in the entire General Assembly. With health care including reproductive health care being on the line, having a nurse’s voice is critical. Hundreds of health care bills are filed every year and there are elected leaders who have never set foot in a hospital or do not believe in science making health care decisions for you and your families. We need leaders who will stand up and call out the Republicans on their hateful agenda, while also finding room to work with them on bipartisan legislation. As your State Senator, I’ll continue my track record of doing just that.

To learn more, please visit my website at www.PattyForMo.com. I hope I can earn your vote on August 6th.

Joey LaSalle:

Beyond policing and the state control of the Kansas City Police Department, I am committed to revitalizing downtown Kansas City through pro-business policies that cut red tape and lower taxes, fostering small business growth and attracting new industries. I also advocate for significant infrastructure investments to improve transportation and utilities, making our city more accessible and efficient.

Education and workforce development are critical to our community's success. I support school choice and vocational training programs to prepare our residents for local job opportunities. Finally, I believe in fiscal responsibility, ensuring our budget is managed wisely to support essential services and reduce debt.

To further support our initiatives without imposing tax hikes, I advocate for legalizing and taxing online sports gambling. This new revenue stream can help alleviate the need for higher taxes and fund essential programs. Additionally, online sports gambling will support our Missouri-based small business restaurants and bars, ensuring they remain competitive and preventing them from being overshadowed by businesses in neighboring Kansas. By promoting economic growth and responsible budgeting, we can create a vibrant and thriving downtown KC for everyone.