New city manager outlines priorities for Kansas City, hears from residents

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - New Kansas City city manager Mario Vasquez attended Monday’s South Kansas City Alliance meeting. He outlined his priorities for the city, as well as heard concerns from residents that they want addressed.

“I think the safety issue; I think the crime issue,” said Linda Glover, who has lived in South Kansas City for almost 50 years. “I’m concerned with our kids (are) growing up in a very negative environment.”

“I would really like them to focus on some of the blight in South Kansas City,” said Beverly Fuqua, a South Kansas City resident for nearly 30 years.

“We really don’t feel we’ve in the past gotten our fair share of city services,” said John Sharp, the president of SKCA. “Things like sidewalks. You see people out on the streets, which is dangerous, and even some kids walking to school on the street. We would like to see more of our parks developed with playgrounds and facilities that people would enjoy going to.”

Several other residents brought up concerns like what will happen around Linwood Square, if Blue River Road will ever reopen, and bringing more local investments to the area. One major concern for many is that it feels like the city often ignores the south side.

“It hasn’t been ignored; it’s just everything takes time to get to it,” said Vasquez. “We work throughout the city to make improvements everywhere we can. We’re a large city with very limited resources. We try to do the best with what we have.”

Vasquez also outlined his priorities: preparing KC for the World Cup and projects after that, as well as hearing issues important to the community. He hopes to continue to meet with every area of the city to get issues addressed.

“I think that’s one of the most important things that I can do as city manager is to show up,” said Vasquez. “Show up and be present. To let them know and let my staff know that I am here and I am listening and provide whatever is needed.”

Also discussed at Monday’s meeting: ordinances in the works that could bring investments to south Kansas City that could be introduced to the city council as early as next week.

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