Sly James Tells KC Lawmakers, ‘I’ll Keep Troy’ During Capitol Grip & Grin

Kansas City Mayor-elect Sly James reportedly told Kansas City area legislators Wednesday he will keep  Acting City Manager Troy Schulte on the job, according to a reliable state capitol source. That’s a more definitive statement than  James ever made during the Mayoral campaign. At that time he said he would look for some consensus before making a decision.

James, according to the  Jeff City source, was very impressive during a tour of the state legislature.

“He covered all his bases”, said Gladstone Republican Jerry Nolte. Nolte, however, says he was ducking in and out of sessions with James. So Nolte says he did not hear James make his statement about the city manager.

James’ trip was an effort to improve the City’s image in the eyes of state lawmakers. It was clear he was trying to get a running start on relations. The new mayor does not take office until May 2

But Nolte added he felt James made a good impression. Nolte says  James not only met with members of  the bi-partisan Kansas City Caucus, but  the Republican leadership of the House and Senate. He also spoke briefly from the dias of the House. That that’s a rare opportunity for a visiting politician. James was also introduced around the building to the big players in the legislature by Kansas City area  St. Rep. Ryan Silvey, the Chairman of the House Budget Committee.  City Councilman John  Sharp, who heads the City Council’s legislative priorities panel was also along for the trip. Sharp is a former state representative.

James  reportedly told the Republican leadership that there may be areas where the Kansas City mayor and the City will have political differences with the Republican-controlled Legislature. But James supposedly told them there were also issues on which the two sides could cooperate and work together.

He was also the featured guest at an informal luncheon where James moved easily among the lawmakers according to Nolte.

According to a source, James talked to lawmakers about the importance of job creation in Kansas City. He couched the issue in terms of improving the state revenues for the state. The legislature is considering some economic development measures. During the campaign, James talked about the importance of getting state help for Kansas City’s effort to prevent businesses and jobs jumping to Kansas.

According to one, James was so impressive in his eyes, he was a like “a rock star”.  

Nolte put it more simply. “He seemed like a guy you could have a beer with. In my case, he passed the beer test”.