It is a move first reported in recent weeks by The Landmark and Platte County Presiding Commissioner Betty Knight made it official on Monday by announcing she will end a 16-year run as presiding commissioner. Knight made the announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2010, saying it’s time to start a new chapter in life, according to a released statement. Knight said she will spend more time with her family, which includes two daughters and grandchildren. Knight said she will also spend more time focusing on a family pecan farm in Missouri.
After first indicating a desire to seek the state senate seat that will be vacated by term-limited Charlie Shields in 2010, Jason Brown has had a change of heart. Brown this week made official what The Landmark first reported weeks ago: He will run for presiding commissioner of Platte County on the Republican ticket. Brown has established a reputation as a fiscal conservative with a practical management style in Jefferson City. Brown has represented Platte County’s 30th District in the state legislature for seven years.
Voters in Platte City, Parkville and Riverside will elect mayors in April and all three incumbents want to keep the job. As of Wednesday morning, Platte City Mayor Frank Offutt, Parkville Mayor Gerry Richardson and Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose had filed.
