November 11, 2025
PENDERGAST DUCKED
AND COUNCIL QUIT.
BULGER INCENSED BECAUSE HE
DIDN'T STICK.
"It's a Cinch We All Have a Right
to Duck If Alderman From the
First Has," Vociferated
Miles Bulger.
After the council had been in special session about 25 minutes last night, Alderman James Pendergast of the First ward asked to be excused. His request was granted.
For several months Alderman Pendergast has not been well and his physician advised him to remain out as little as possible at night. The alderman always attends the meetings of the council to see if there is a quorum present. If his vote is needed he remains, otherwise he asks to be excused.
"I move the house adjourn," cried Alderman Miles E. Bulger of the Fourth ward, jumping to his feet. "Then we may all be excused. The alderman from the First comes down here at every meeting, remains about fifteen minutes and then ducks. I think he should stick here and work like the rest of us. I move we adjourn, I say."
"Are you serious about that motion?" asked Speaker Frank Shinnick.
"Sure," replied Bulger. "It's a cinch we all have the right to duck if the alderman from the First has. I insist on the motion.
The motion was put and carried, 7 to 3, four members then being absent. Alderman Shinnick, Brown and Askew voted against adjournment. With the budget full and important work on hand the aldermen of the lower house left just as the sergeant-at-arms, James Bermingham, entered with ordinances and communications from the upper house.
Last Monday night when there was a prize fight at the Hippodrome and much work on hand, Alderman Bulger moved an adjournment after the lower house had been in session less than half an hour. It carried. The special meeting last night partly was to catch up for lost time made in going to the prize fight.
It may take another special meeting at the expense of the city to clean up the budget.
Labels: Alderman Bulger, James Pendergast, Kansas City council
