Share and Follow
A political candidate in Kansas has argued that her involvement in a shooting incident with a contractor, along with her financial controversies, uniquely position her to serve in public office.
Lisa Walker-Yeager, a candidate for two positions in the local government of Wyandotte County, took to Facebook last week to assert her qualifications despite facing criminal charges.
The community leader insisted she opened fire last October to protect her daughter during a heated payment dispute with builder Noble Bey.
Walker-Yeager has been charged with aggravated battery and unlawfully discharging a weapon inside city limits.
She admitted she shot Bey but maintained she did so to save her daughter, Vern’e McClelland, during an aggressive confrontation at her home.
Bey, she claimed in court, was furious after being handed a $350 check when he had expected $410 for his work.
During a hearing on Thursday, Walker-Yeager and her daughter testified that Bey beat McClelland in anger.
A video played in court showed Bey loudly voicing his frustration over the shortfall, reported the Kansas City Star.
Lisa Walker-Yeager is running for two local government seats in Wyandotte County despite facing felony charges
Walker-Yeager admitted she shot contractor Noble Bey during a dispute over a $350 check last October
On Friday evening, Walker-Yeager posted a statement on social media saying it was important for her to be transparent with voters.
‘The incident that occurred was an act of protection for my child. I’ll leave it at that,’ she wrote.
‘If you are a parent, I know this will resonate with you because I believe you would protect your children at all costs.’
The candidate also addressed her financial record, which includes lawsuits and judgments against her over unpaid debts.
‘You and I both know we in Wyandotte have an uphill battle to fight when it comes (to) financial prosperity,’ Walker-Yeager wrote.
‘I genuinely believe my past financial struggles are what make me suitable for these roles. I relate to you because I’ve experienced financial difficulties firsthand.’
During a campaign event last month, Walker-Yeager was asked whether she had ever been arrested and how gun violence has affected neighborhoods.
‘I think gun violence has affected our neighborhoods,’ she said at the meeting, according to local news outlet KMBC.
The candidate has been sued six times over money disputes, with five judgments entered against her (Pictured: Walker-Yeager (right) at her daughter’s graduation)
Court records show Walker-Yeager’s largest financial judgment was more than $17,000
‘But I also think guns in the wrong hands have affected our neighborhoods. That’s the key thing, it’s not the guns, it’s the person.
‘And until we realize that and understand that, that is a key thing. I have never been convicted, but I will say that I have stood up to protect my family.’
Court records show Walker-Yeager has been sued six times over money disputes, resulting in five judgments against her. The largest judgment was more than $17,000.
Despite her legal troubles, she remains on the ballot for the November election unless she is convicted of a felony.
‘I love you Wyandotte, and I refuse to let these challenges that are being used against me stop me from fighting for you and your families!’ she declared.
Judge Michael A. Russell has ordered attorneys to submit findings and conclusions by September 12.
He will then decide whether to grant Walker-Yeager immunity on the basis of self defense.
