The Day After

The Day After,

Well, on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, the ENTIRE Olathe City Council demonstrated that they were totally in the tank for the Chiefs’ Star Bond Steal, with their vote of 7–0, paying unanimous homage to the great gods of sports.

The amazing turnout packed the City Council Chambers to overflowing, with residents 5–1 OPPOSING the Chiefs’ steal, which did not turn ONE vote to represent the people. WOW!! And the Chiefs’ turnout was weaker than a newborn lamb, despite a text being sent out pleading for Olathe residents to attend the public hearing to support the Chiefs’ steal. I’m assuming it was paid for by the Chiefs??

Next, on Thursday, February 5th, the Unified Government of WyCo/KCK (UG) voted in favor of participation in the HORRENDOUS scam with a 7–3 vote. Despite my disappointment, I do congratulate the commissioners for allowing staff time to answer the questions which had been presented by the public on Tuesday, February 3rd.

The UG staff did not paper over the MASSIVE open questions that exist within this contract between the UG and the State of Kansas. Far more information was given to the folks in Wyandotte County than the folks in Olathe—I was at the Olathe public hearing—and the tone was unfortunately extremely condescending. “You don’t support progress,” “you want to stay in the stone age,” etc.

So, how did this happen?? A mega STATE Star Bond deal handing OUR tax dollars to the 12th wealthiest family in the U.S., the Hunts? The answer: the 2024 Special Session, which passed HB 2001. The bottom line is THE responsibility of this DEAL lies at the feet of both the Republican and Democrat parties. UNIPARTY on full display.

A few of my concerns:

1. Lack of transparency:
At the discretion of the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) Chairman (Senate President Ty Masterson until January 2, 2026, and now House Speaker Dan Hawkins), all discussions with the Chiefs were closed to the public, per the dictate of the LCC Chairman. Additionally, within the underlying legislation, HB 2001, “any associated documentation or testimony to be confidential and not subject (emphasis mine) to the Kansas Open Records Act. Such confidentiality would expire on July 1, 2029, unless reenacted by the Legislature.” So, if the Kansas Legislature chooses to extend the period of confidentiality, they may extend it from July 1, 2029—they could keep the deal’s steal secret forever.

2. Rushed process:
The Chiefs were negotiating with both Olathe and the UG since the summer of 2024 after the passage of HB 2001. However, the public was left in the dark until suddenly, on December 22, 2025, the GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT was made. To stupendous fanfare from the Masterson/Kelly team, the plan was unveiled, which allowed THE PEOPLE of Olathe and Wyandotte County less than 60 days to get up to speed and mount opposition. Less than 60 days for a $3 billion / $7 billion with interest (according to Senator Mike Thompson) deal!!!

3. Historical level of public funding for a stadium:
From KCUR (public radio), “The state committed to spending up to $1.8 billion—the largest-ever professional sports subsidy.”

4. Lack of definitive boundaries:
Olathe and the UG of WyCo/KCK were asked to commit MONSTROUS amounts of local taxes on this project while the boundaries for the Star Bond District still have not been set. And the ownership of the practice field and executive offices? Mayor John Bacon, on 2/9/2026, texted me, “I don’t believe there’s a final decision on that yet. Still to be determined.”

Now read this from the ordinance passed by the Olathe City Council last Tuesday night.

Section 5. Olathe Revenue Area.
Subject to the STAR Bonds Financing Act, the Governing Body may, in its sole discretion, upon request of the Secretary, amend this Ordinance to modify, adjust, or reconfigure the Base Section.

The Star Bonds are only the tip of the iceberg of public funding. And the UG staff was very transparent that the Chiefs will be back requesting other local tax incentives for the entertainment area, such as IRBs (Industrial Revenue Bonds, property tax abatement and sales tax exemption on construction materials), TIFs (Tax Increment Finance Districts—property taxes diverted back to the property owner for horizontal construction costs), CIDs (Community Improvement Districts—additional sales tax in a specific retail area to pay for Chiefs’ costs).

All this has been brought to you by: REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS who we elected to represent and PROTECT us.

The only beneficiary I see are the Chiefs, along with the leadership of both parties having “bragging rights” on bagging the Chiefs for Kansas. Plus, access to the suite “given” to the State of Kansas (we pay for it, we own it, and they “give” us a suite??) to wine and dine (at OUR expense—only water and soda will be provided by the Chiefs) other fat cats looking for more WELFARE handouts for their projects.

God help us, because our elected officials, both Republican and Democrat, are not.

God Bless,
Charlotte O’Hara
Republican for Kansas Governor, 2026