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I could not be more excited for this opportunity to help build up my hometown. While traveling around the world serving my country, I was reminded every day just how special Kansas City is. Now we have a chance to build the next chapter of this great city and I am looking forward to doing it together.

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<h2>Hi! I'm Pat and I am running for Missouri State Senate. Here is a little about me.</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/a6a45c4f-6f8a-4afb-89db-e8cae0143f44/bed070ff-b504-4747-aecb-b241065df77d/537e10e6-5b11-45cd-845b-6967843c500b.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I was raised by a single mother and my grandmother. Growing up, my family didn't have much, but we did have a lot of love, and strong values. I learned the values of working hard, fighting for what you believe in and serving others.My Mother, Lola, is my hero.&nbsp; She always put family first.&nbsp; And her story is one of sacrifice and service.&nbsp; She is a lifelong public servant who hustled to make ends meet and put food on the table for my sister and me.&nbsp; She taught me to work hard and chase my dreams.&nbsp; She instilled in me values of compassion and doing the right thing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite my Mom’s hard work and sacrifice my family couldn't afford college, but I had a dream and my family’s determination. I applied to every scholarship I could, and scraped together enough to go study business.&nbsp; After graduating from college, I wanted to make the way forward easier for the next generation to follow. So, I passed up big corporate jobs to help rebuild communities through financial literacy initiatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/a6a45c4f-6f8a-4afb-89db-e8cae0143f44/cd1b0f83-75ff-4c59-9ef4-e71cbe60caf6/4259f4ac-f8f4-4afb-9672-1d9a2d0e3ad6.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3068&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="30" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">After a couple years, I felt called back to service. Knowing I would need more education to accomplish the big goals I had set for myself, I enrolled at Columbia University in New York.&nbsp; In my second year, I was selected to enter the U.S. Department of State as a Commissioned Foreign Service Officer under President Barack Obama.&nbsp;&nbsp;I served overseas tours in Pakistan and Mexico where I worked on the frontlines to keep American borders safe and strengthen US relations abroad.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/a6a45c4f-6f8a-4afb-89db-e8cae0143f44/8d2c2de2-62df-4f7a-b58a-4f9168dc82da/8d2c2de2-62df-4f7a-b58a-4f9168dc82da.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1536%2C2048&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="27" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">In 2015, it was finally time for me to return home. Wanting to continue my work on financial literacy, I ran for Missouri Treasurer, where I earned support from some of the most respected news outlets and political leadership in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since 2017, I have served Kansas City as a civic and business leader who has changed the landscape here at home.&nbsp; Over the last 7 years, I have created countless new jobs, supported small business and spurred millions in investment throughout the entire KC region.&nbsp;&nbsp;The results speak for themselves. Since 2017, I have taken on some of the most challenging issues facing Kansas City today.&nbsp; Working with civic and business leaders, I have:<ul><li>Created thousands of good paying jobs and supported working families</li><li>Helped grow Kansas City's economy and grow small businesses</li><li>Supported many minority and women owned businesses and trained tomorrow's workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/a6a45c4f-6f8a-4afb-89db-e8cae0143f44/9fb47e60-6dd2-4d43-9292-f5ade8b77ed1/6d5b05e6-52dd-4c30-a694-0bd199182d76.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3044&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="37" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></li></ul>While I am proud of this work, I saw that the needs of our neighborhoods were even greater. So I joined boards and commissions, where I worked to improve community health outcomes while at the Health Forward Foundation and on the board of University Health, Kansas City's only safety net hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In board service, I worked to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in our community while at the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA).Appointed by then KCMO Mayor Sly James in 2017, I helped leveraged millions of dollars of investment to remove blight in Kansas City as a Commissioner with the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://run.imgix.net/a6a45c4f-6f8a-4afb-89db-e8cae0143f44/c3a40c86-f4dc-4b25-a13c-406bbf9df4ba/c3a40c86-f4dc-4b25-a13c-406bbf9df4ba.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3000%2C2250&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">In 2020, my grandmother Venita and my father Bobby died.&nbsp; Venita was 95, lived a full life and provided countless support and guidance to me throughout my life.&nbsp; My father Bobby died at 67 of lung disease. I remember saying, "In the painful Covid year of 2020, where everyone felt hopeless and afraid, Dad brought so much joy, culture and love of community.”&nbsp; I can't describe how deeply I mourn his passing still.

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<h3>Background</h3>Access to safe, affordable housing is a fundamental right. Unfortunately, many families in our state face housing insecurity due to rising costs, limited availability, and economic challenges. As a moderate candidate, I am committed to addressing this critical issue.<h3>Our Approach</h3>To ensure every Kansas Citian has a chance to call home, we propose the following measures:1. Invest in Affordable Housing: We will work with civic leaders and developers to put incentives in place for producing affordable housing. By partnering with private and nonprofit sectors, we can create more housing options that cater to diverse income levels.2. Strategic Location: We prioritize affordable housing near bus lines and transportation hubs. This approach not only provides convenient access for residents but also supports sustainable urban development.3. Preserve Existing Housing Stock: We'll explore policies to maintain and upgrade existing affordable housing units. This includes rehabilitating older buildings, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring habitability.4. Incentivize Mixed-Income Developments: Encouraging mixed-income developments fosters diverse neighborhoods. We'll collaborate with developers to create housing projects that blend market-rate and affordable units.<h3> Why It Matters</h3>Affordable housing isn't just about roofs over heads; it's about building strong communities. Stable housing improves educational outcomes, attracts and retains employees, and enhances overall quality of life. Let's work together to ensure that every family can find a safe, affordable place to call home.

Diversity is at the heart of what makes Kansas City such a great place to live. We must protect this resource by investing in our communities and ensuring everyone can afford to live here.

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Ensuring Affordable Housing

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2023/06/23/2023-nextgen-leaders-pat-contreras.html">2023 NextGen Leaders: Pat Contreras,</a> Pat ContrerasVice president, McCownGordon Construction

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NextGen Leaders Awards

<h3>Background</h3>Since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, state policymakers have played a critical role in shaping abortion access and rights. Abortion access has shifted dramatically across the country, with some states banning abortion or restricting care, while others have enacted protections.<h3>Our Approach</h3>As proud Democrats, we recognize the importance of bodily autonomy and access to essential health care. We propose the following measures to expand and support abortion rights and access:1. Allocate Dedicated Funding: Financial and logistical hurdles are significant barriers to accessing abortion care. We will allocate specific funding to increase access, supporting established groups within the state, including abortion funds and reproductive justice organizations. Additionally, we'll invest in abortion-related infrastructure, such as building new clinics.2. Protect Access to Medication Abortion: We stand with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to defending reproductive rights. We'll ensure that patients have access to medication abortion, including support for providers and pharmacies².3. Ensure Emergency Medical Care: All patients, including those experiencing pregnancy loss, deserve access to emergency medical care, including abortion care when necessary. We'll uphold federal rights and protections for emergency medical services.<h3>Why It Matters</h3>Restricting abortion access not only impacts our state's residents but also has ripple effects in neighboring states. By safeguarding reproductive rights, we protect women's health, preserve bodily autonomy, and promote equitable access to essential care.

Now more than ever, we need a champion for women's rights. In the State Senate I will not back down, but will stand up for access to comprehensive women's healthcare, including abortion.

Defending Women's Rights

<h2>Pat Contreras&nbsp;aims for his first elected office on Aug. 6 Missouri ballot</h2><h3>Background</h3>Pat Contreras is a former George W. Bush and Obama administration diplomat and current vice president of business at McGownGordon Construction.&nbsp;As a diplomat, Contreras was stationed on two tours in Pakistan promoting American interests overseas and working to prevent wars, he said during the forum.&nbsp;He was previously a board member of the Health Forward Foundation and served on the University Health board of directors.&nbsp;Contreras said he believes his experience as a foreign diplomat has prepared him well to work across the aisle in the Missouri Senate. He’s pointed to his construction experience as creating economic development and jobs in the Kansas City area.<h3>Legislation and issues</h3>He wants to find a way to work with Republicans to lower the cost of prescription drugs. During the KCUR candidate forum, Contreras also said that he wants to find ways to address rising housing prices through things like rental assistance programs.&nbsp;He said he was interested in using economic development tools to build more affordable housing units and raise the statewide minimum wage.&nbsp;Contreras also mentioned that the cost of child care was a barrier when it comes to economic development and the economic welfare of Kansas Citians.&nbsp;He also wants to continue funding public schools if elected to the Missouri Senate and to invest in workforce development.&nbsp;Contreras supports using taxpayer dollars to keep the Chiefs and Royals within Missouri state lines, but emphasized that community input would be important.<h3>Endorsements</h3>Contreras has endorsements from former 7th District Sen. Greg Razer, former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker and former Kansas City Mayor Sly James. He also has been endorsed by Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones Jr. and Kansas City Council members Kevin O’Neill and Darrell Curls.&nbsp;Contreras also has endorsements from the Downtown KC Political Action Committee, the KC Biz PAC, the Kansas City Heavy Constructors Association and the Iron Workers Local Union No. 10 and Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council political action committees.&nbsp;

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Two Democrats face off to represent Kansas City and Grandview in the Missouri Senate

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Work hard, don’t forget where you came from, and always get the job done.That’s what my parents taught me. My dad was a union man, working at Kansas City Power &amp; Light Co. to keep our city moving. It didn’t matter if there was a blizzard or a heat wave. He showed up and got the job done. My mom worked multiple jobs to keep our family going – flipping burgers and selling Avon and Mary Kay.It’s those values that helped me pay my own way through college, serve our country abroad as a U.S. diplomat in Pakistan, and return home to Kansas City to help build schools and hospitals that serve our community.So it’s been very disappointing to see the lack of hard work and results from lawmakers in Jefferson City.The headlines are all-too-familiar: dysfunction, gridlock, a refusal to get even basic things done for Kansas City and Missouri. This most recent legislative session was called “<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/a-bizarre-session-missouri-lawmakers-head-home-after-year-defined-by-gridlock-infighting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">the least productive in living memory.</a>”Major policy goals have failed, stalled or ground to a halt. Lawmakers couldn’t expand child tax credits. They couldn’t return Social Security funds to foster kids. Heck, they couldn’t even ban child marriage.Special interests have more say than everyday people. The agenda is driven by far-right activists and social media beef rather than the needs of our families.When <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/a-bizarre-session-missouri-lawmakers-head-home-after-year-defined-by-gridlock-infighting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Missouri Independent calls your record “bizarre,”</a> something has to change.If anyone else failed at their job like this, they’d be fired on the spot.Every day, I hear from voters about their frustration with the gridlock. Kansas City’s voices go unheard. Wherever we look in our community, there are serious issues that need to be addressed. We have a gun violence epidemic, a shortage of health care workers and a glaring need for more accessible housing. Our representatives show up when they need your vote and are never seen again — until the next election.I’ve dedicated the last seven years to delivering construction and development projects that can help address these concerns and improve the quality of life in our city. But it’s clear that we will never get the change we need unless we have leaders in Jefferson City who are there to do the work.Look, I’m not naive. I know Missouri is a tough place right now for Democrats to pass a truly bold agenda. But just like my dad wasn’t afraid to drive into a blizzard to do the necessary work, I’m not afraid to head to Jefferson City to build consensus and make positive change.That means building relationships across the aisle. It means finding common ground, shared goals, and working together to do right by people. As a former diplomat, I certainly know how to bring people together in tough situations.But more than that, it means showing up in our community and bringing the authentic voices of Kansas Citians to Jefferson City. The voices of people like my parents, who worked so hard to get by and help their kids get ahead. The voices of my childhood friends who experienced gun violence and turf wars. And the voices of all the families in our city who are looking for better opportunities to pass on to their children.From the moment I set foot in Jefferson City, I promise that I would never stop working for results that help us in Kansas City. I’d show up whenever and wherever I’m needed to hear your stories and bring your voice to the floor of the Missouri Senate. That’s how we’re going to end the gridlock, get results and make positive change that makes life better for everyone in Kansas City.Pat Contreras is a former foreign service officer and vice president at McCownGordon Construction.

I’d work to fight gridlock in Jefferson City for a better Kansas City

Parson appoints KC Democrat to tax commission. A new candidate emerges to replace him

<h3>Background</h3>Labor unions have a rich history in the United States, championing better working conditions, fair wages, and workers' rights. As a moderate candidate, I recognize the vital role unions play in our society.<h3>Our Approach</h3>To safeguard workers' rights and strengthen unions, we propose the following measures:1. Legal Protections: We will advocate for robust legal protections at both the state and federal levels. Employers must be prohibited from interfering with union activities, including firing workers for participating in union-related actions.2. National Labor Relations Act (NLRA): We support the NLRA's provisions that prevent employers from coercing or restraining employees' rights related to union formation, collective bargaining, and improving employment terms. We'll work to ensure these protections extend to public-sector workers as well. 3. Promoting Union Membership: Encouraging union membership is essential. We'll collaborate with labor organizations to educate workers about their rights and the benefits of union representation. Young people, in particular, are driving union growth, and we'll support their efforts.4. Addressing Retaliation: Employers should not retaliate against employees based on their union participation. We'll hold employers accountable for actions such as firing, pay reduction, demotion, or harassment related to union activity.5. Supporting Collective Bargaining: Collective bargaining is the cornerstone of fair labor practices. We'll advocate for strong collective bargaining agreements that address wages, benefits, working hours, and workplace safety.<h3>Why It Matters</h3>Unions empower workers, create safer workplaces, and contribute to economic stability. By protecting unions, we ensure that every worker has a voice, fair treatment, and the opportunity to negotiate for better conditions.

Growing up in a union household, I saw firsthand how important workers rights are. I will fight everyday to strengthen workers rights and to protect working families.

Fighting for Working Families and Unions

KCMO has new protectors of the parks (and recreation programming). Mayor Quinton Lucas swore in a team of five volunteers earlier this week, who will oversee the Parks and Recreation department through July 31, 2027 — the end of Mayor Q.'s term.

Say hello to Kansas City’s new Parks and Recreation board

The website for Pat Contreras in his campaign for Missouri State Senate.