An infamous politician, Tom Pendergast was a powerful man who was part of many scandals. He was elected in 1910 to the City Council. He served in this job for five years, retiring in 1915 to run the Jackson County Democratic Club. As president of the Club from 1925 until 1938, the City Council was under his complete control. During this time, he was involved in crime, gambling, rigged elections, and illegal payments