Frank Pendleton

Frank Pendleton earned a high school diploma from Northeast High School and a bachelor's degree from Rockhurst College in 1980. His career experience includes working as a scientist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Kansas City; husband of 43 years, father, and grandfather. I am a member of the Plate County Industrial Development Committee, Riverside TIF Commission, Weatherby Lake Environmental Committee, Knights of Columbus, and was a BSA troop leader. I spent 20 years as Chairman, Board of Directors of Northeast/Missouri Family Credit Union, a BSA troop leader, and helped develop an inner-city crime watch program.

I was a Principal Scientist/Engineer at MRIGlobal for 43 years. I served as a senior-level researcher supporting classified missions to rebuild communities and protect soldiers around the globe. I led teams that developed, deployed, and staffed innovative solutions and technologies to protect soldiers and improve the health, safety, and well-being of the people in underdeveloped and war-torn areas.

I have lived on the economy in communist countries, 3 Ebola deployments to Sierra Leone, attached to the 82nd Airborne for Hurricane Katrina relief and spent 20 years supporting soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan with over 9 years in-theater.

My second job, to support my children’s education, was as an adjunct professor at Rockhurst University.

I know the importance of informed decisions based on rigorous data analysis. I have followed the data in an outcome-based management approach, even when it did not fit my preconceived expectations. I intend to apply these principles to fight for policies that make our Northland a better place to live & raise a family.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We are failing our children. Their safety is non-negotiable, yet we continue endanger them. We are also failing to prepare them for adulthood. In Park Hill & Platte County R-3, two of Missouri’s top-performing school districts, nearly ½ of students cannot read, write, or do math at grade level. Statewide, 57.6% of adults ages 18–24 and 27% of those ages 18–34 live with parents.

The median age of a 1st-time homebuyer is now 36 while a first-time mother is 27. Too many of our youth lack the skills needed to earn a living, achieve financial independence, support a family, and pursue the American Dream. We need safer schools, higher standards, greater accountability, and an education system focused on preparing students for life.Northland crime has reached unacceptable levels. I grew up in the inner city, and the crime now affecting our neighborhoods, businesses, and schools’ looks all too familiar. Public safety is government's first responsibility, and we need policies that work.

We must reform juvenile justice to hold offenders accountable while providing intervention that reduces repeat offenses. Excusing criminal behavior does not rehabilitate—it creates more victims and more dangerous offenders.

We must fully fund law enforcement and first responders, more officers on our streets, equip detectives to solve crimes, enforce truth in sentencing, and ensure adequate prison beds. Accountability deters crime, protects communities, and provides safer neighborhoodsTo lower our cost of living, we must cut taxes, reduce wasteful spending, and reform regulations. Families deserve immediate tax relief. Local property taxes exceed 1.5%, costing approximately $3,800 annually on a $250k home—roughly 70% higher than the state average. At the same time, sales taxes are approaching 10%, placing an unnecessary burden on working families and small businesses. Restrictive building codes can add over $30k to the price of a starter home. We should remove unnecessary barriers to homeownership and oppose policies that favor large corporate developments over single-family housing. Finally, we need a smarter budget. By using data-driven, outcome-based management practices, we can spend taxpayer $ more effectively.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We will support Northland families by creating safe, stable, and opportunity-rich communities where children can thrive. Every child deserves a secure environment, excellent schools, and pathways to success. Every parent deserves the opportunity to afford a home, raise a family, and build a better future.

That means strengthening public safety, expanding economic opportunity, promoting attainable housing, and ensuring our schools equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for adulthood. Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build a stronger Northland. We must make the Northland a better place to live and raise a family!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Missouri Tax Relief Now

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