Chastain wants to run for Mayor as write-in candidate

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Light rail activist Clay Chastain now wants to run for mayor, even though he no longer lives in Kansas City.

He ran for mayor twice before, in '95 and '99.

He didn't come close to winning, and that's when he lived actually here.

Now he wants to run as a write-in candidate... even though he doesn't meet the residency requirements.

For years, Chastain has been asking you to write your name on his petitions.

Now he wants you to write-in his name--- on the ballot for KCMO Mayor in the March general election.

"I think I've demonstrated that I'm an individual with vision, passion, specific innovative ideas," said Chastain.

Chastain lived in Kansas City for 20 years.

But he's been gone for ten years.

He now lives in Virginia.

He comes back frequently to push various light rail initiatives.

"I have a large following out there. And I think the city is shaking in their boots."

Monday city officials double checked the charter.

It says candidates for mayor must live in the city for the two years immediately prior to the election.

They say that applies to write-in candidates too.

"All the candidates runing for office, mayor or city council, must meet the requirements set forth in the charter," said Vickie Thompson - Carr, the KCMO City Clerk.

The City Attorney's office says Chastain wouldn't meet the qualifications to be elected mayor.

Chastain also threatens legal action if city officials disqualify a write-in victory.

Chastain says he'll move back after the first of the year, temporarily, to start campaigning.

Then he'll move here for good if he wins.

Chastain thinks he can get around the residency requirement by having another public vote in April to change the charter so it says he would only have to live in the city by the time he would take office in May.

City council members who have dealt with Chastain's petitions over the years crack a smile, or even laugh, when reacting to Chastain's candidacy.

"Well, I think if he comes back to run he should try to get Missouri plates on his car," said John Sharp, a KCMO city council member.

Councilman Ed Ford added, "I think it's a sickness on Clay's part. I mean, he just can't stay away. When he comes to Kansas City, he gets attention. He must not get any love back in Virginia."

If he doesn't win the race for mayor, or if his latest light rail petition is not approved, Chastain promises he's done.

"I will not attempt to interfere or spearhead any other initiative in Kansas City. This is the final call for light rail and the final call for me offering my leadership to the people," said Chastain.

But Chastain has promised that before.

Twice.