Jackson County Legislature adopts process for interim county executive after removal of Frank White Jr.

The Jackson County Legislature voted to adopt Resolution 22072 on Oct. 9, 2025, establishing the process the body will use to appoint an interim county executive following the removal of Frank White Jr.

The measure, adopted by a recorded roll call of 7 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 absent, sets out application, review and interview steps for the county’s selection of an interim executive. The resolution includes a new provision requiring applicants to present a Missouri Highway Patrol background check to the county clerk at the applicant’s expense by 10 a.m. Oct. 13, 2025; county staff told legislators the online check takes about 10 minutes and costs $15.

Legislators spent much of the meeting debating how prescriptive the resolution should be. Sponsors described it as a document to establish the legislature’s intended process and to ensure public input, while other members pressed for specific dates and clear rules for public participation, candidate vetting and the role of legislators who choose to apply.

Key points decided or clarified in debate - Background checks: the resolution requires a completed Missouri Highway Patrol background check…