Legislature honors Women’s Equality Coalition, recognizes Ataxia Awareness Day and salutes retiring IT veteran

The Jackson County Legislature adopted three recognitions on Sept. 28: Resolution 22,419 honoring the Women’s Equality Coalition on its 15th anniversary; Resolution 22,420 recognizing Sept. 25 as International Ataxia Awareness Day; and a resolution celebrating Steve Rowland’s retirement after 34 years with the county IT department.

Legislator Vanessa Husky introduced the Women’s Equality Coalition resolution, which recited the coalition’s founding by Alice Kitchen and Dr. Gail James and cited partner organizations including the Kansas City Public Library, AAUW and the Kansas City Human Rights Commission. Dr. Gail James—identified in the resolution text as a co‑founder—addressed the body and thanked legislators for the recognition: "I'm Gail James...we appreciate your recognition of the need for equality of women and girls."

Resolution 22,420 was presented by a representative tied to the National Ataxia Foundation; presenters described ataxia as a rare, progressive genetic disease with no cure and asked for awareness and support. The retirement resolution for Steve Rowland included a reading of his 34‑year county service record and a brief acceptance from Rowland, who thanked colleagues and recalled his long tenure in county IT.

All three measures passed without controversy: the coalition and awareness resolutions were adopted (recorded as 7 yes, 2 absent) and the retirement resolution recorded 8 yes, 1 absent on the roll call. The recognitions drew brief remarks from guests and legislators and were placed on the record.