Questions Ward 4 deserves answers to.

What we know: Before the county, Garza was Spire's regional manager of government affairs — lobbying and economic development for Missouri's gas utility. That was public: the Kansas City Business Journal profiled her in the role in 2021.

What we don't know: whether she went back. After her April 2026 firing, she hasn't publicly said where she works.

Why it matters: Spire is a regulated utility with interests before local governments across Missouri. If a sitting Alderman is on a utility's payroll — or being courted by one — voters deserve to know. It's the same conflict-of-interest question that followed her out of state government in 2011.

What we know: Garza spent years on the Jackson County payroll — as a legislative aide and later as a county legislator — and holds a Master of Public Administration from Park University, earned during that period.

What we don't know: whether county taxpayers covered any of that education, and under what program. Jackson County has had educational-assistance benefits; whether she used them is a matter of public record — if the county produces it.

Why it matters: After a letter accusing her of spending county time on personal business, taxpayers are owed a full accounting of what else the county paid for.