Mayor Garner Response to Proposed HB 2717

Published on February 24, 2022

Statement from CEO/Mayor Tyrone A. Garner regarding House Bill 2717: 

“Wyandotte County is a united community. I care about people, and I believe all of our elected officials care about people, and I am confident that most people in Wyandotte County care about anyone that wants to call this county home. That’s a message of love. No one should be left behind when we talk about people’s lives. No one should feel disenfranchised, unsafe and unwelcomed when in Wyandotte County.

Some of the founding documents of our great country, particularly state that we upheld the truths that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights – among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I embrace that statement and the principles of us being designated as one nation under God.

The Safe and Welcoming ordinance is the right thing not just for Wyandotte County -- but it’s the right thing to do for people’s lives. No one should be fearful of seeking basic services from local government or protections of our public safety professionals.

It is my belief that any actions taken to erode the Unified Governments Safe and Welcoming City Act at the state level appears to be politically driven as opposed to being community driven.  In keeping with home ruling, the Unified Government elected body has determined what is our shared values, not ideologies that do not reflect the interest of the majority of residents that call Wyandotte County home. 

I will continue to stand in full support of the Safe and Welcoming City Act as approved by the Unified Government’s Board of elected Commissioners. 

As Mayor, I will continue to uphold all the legal guiding principles, to include the Safe and Welcoming City Act as proposed and approved. I encourage our state elected officials to honor and respect the will of our residents and our elected body.”

- CEO/Mayor Tyrone A. Garner