Camp rarely makes political endorsements, but after much discussion among our writers, we decided that this election – in which Kansas City could choose its first openly gay mayor – is too important to stay neutral about.
Councilwoman Jolie Justus demonstrated her commitment to our community long before her current term on City Council. She served as a state senator in Missouri for two terms. She has also served as the director of pro bono services for Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P since 2003.
Her work in the LGBTQ community goes back to helping the National Task Force’s “Creating Change” conference held in Kansas City in November 2006. She has supported and spoken at countless events for the community, including Human Rights Campaign, PROMO, AIDS Walk and Pride. She has received honors from local groups, such as St. Joseph Pride, which honored her in 2014 with a Community Impact award at their Pride festival for her work on our behalf in Jefferson City. As a state senator, she fought to try to get the Missouri Non Discrimination Act (MONA) passed.
Justus was there at the October 2016 unveiling of the historical marker at Barney Allis Plaza honoring the first LGBT rights conference held in Kansas City more than 50 years ago. And in her role as councilwoman, representing the Fourth District of Kansas City, she has fought for the rights of all her constituents, whether LGBTQ or straight. When Justus, along with Mayor Sly James and other City Council members, presented a resolution to honor LGBT Pride Month in Kansas City on June 8, 2017, we were there along with many LGBTQ community leaders taking photos for our Camp Kansas City Facebook photo album.
And whether you are for or against the new Kansas City airport, Justus has worked tirelessly to champion the development of the airport, guiding the process through many hurdles.
Both candidates, Justus and Quinton Lucas, are highly qualified to be the next mayor. The choice is up to you. But we support making history June 18 by electing Jolie Justus as the first openly gay Kansas City mayor.