06-12-2009 KC STAR HIGHLIGHTS RECOUNT INCONSISTENCIES The Kansas City Star has often been often criticized in journalism circles for its bias against the administration of KCMO Mayor Mark Funkhouser. And, justifiably so. No objective observer could say the majority of its coverage of the Funkhouser administration has represented honest and objective journalism. From Day One virtually every move he has made has been criticized. In fact, at times it seems as if the main goal of the McClatchy-owned paper has been to undermine everything Funkhouser has attempted to accomplish. A few months ago the Star actually went so far to take the unprecedented action to rescind its original endorsement of him. A recent recall petition against the Mayor feel short by a scant 129 votes of 16,950 required. The newspaper's editorial board immediately demanded a recount, which now does not seem likely. However, journalistic credit should be given where it is due. Star Reporters Michael Mansur and Lynn Horsley wrote an objective front-page story (6/12) that pointed out a number of recall petition irregularities where many recount signatures were not valid. One family of five that did not sign the petition were listed and all the signatures seemed to signed by the same person. Other signatures clearly showed spouses signing for both parties, which is a violation. Some "blatant and frequent" questionable signatures have been referred for investigation and prosecution, according to the story. Maybe this story will signal a truce between the Star and Funkhouser adminstration. The newspaper may have realized this battle has run its course and it is time to move ahead in the best interests of the community. At least we can hope so...
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