Perkins Faces Recall Vote | Kansas City News

Councilmember John Perkins, a longtime Independence city official with 18 years on the council and 24 years at the same grocery store, faces possible removal in a September 1 recall election after voters gathered over 1,200 signatures. The push stems from his vote for massive tax breaks on a billion-dollar AI data center — seen by critics as a betrayal of taxpayers — plus complaints about lack of transparency and failed development projects. Though Perkins sued to block the recall, a judge ruled it will proceed. Supporters credit him with lowering electricity rates, funding police body cameras, tackling the opioid crisis, and bringing $50M in investments. Two other council members who backed the same tax breaks have already lost reelection. This could be the first-ever recall of an Independence official — a historic moment for local democracy. Voters in the First District head to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6 AM to 7 PM. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e0fe641af418c42b