Letters: Readers discuss marijuana policy, Missouri utility rates and the Chiefs’ future
Price of drugs
I knew when I started reading former U.S. attorney Barry Grissom’s guest commentary about marijuana policy that it would come down to money wasted and money that could be made. (Jan. 15, 7A, “It’s time for a rational debate about marijuana”)
Marijuana of today is not the same as that of decades ago. It is incredibly more addictive, mind-altering and destructive. It is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic — not for prosecution, but to protect individuals and their families.
Marijuana usage often leads to stair-stepping to more destructive drugs. Law enforcement is not breaking down doors of potheads who are minding their own business and not committing other crimes.
Sure, all we need in this country is another addiction — another driving distraction to go with alcohol and cellphone usage. More people who just don’t care about anything except getting their drugs and getting high, spending their money on drugs and not their families.
What’s the cost of this, and all the drug interventions — not just monetary, but the human cost?. There are absolutes in the world. They never change, and they are very much worth fighting for.
Doug Cochran
Parkville
Energy legislation
The Jan. 24 guest commentary from state Sen. Doug Libla mischaracterizes SB 564, now under consideration by the Missouri Senate. (15A, “Electrical rate bill would cost all Missourians”) This important piece of legislation would be of significant benefit to the customers of the electric providers I represent in three key areas:
▪ It implements mechanisms to keep electric rates more stable and predictable for all customers.
▪ It supports the building of a smarter energy grid for consumers, which increases reliability.
▪ It helps to harden the energy grid against physical and cyber attacks.
What SB 564 does not do, contrary to Libla’s assertion, is strip the authority of the Missouri Public Service Commission. The legislation specifically protects the commission’s ability to disallow any imprudently incurred costs and keeps in place the strong regulatory oversight as it exists at the commission today.
In fact, the legislation gives the commission new authority to assess penalties on electric utilities.
The energy industry is rapidly changing. Missouri needs to work toward fostering discussions with a goal of implementing energy legislative reform so our state doesn’t continue to fall behind.
Everyone wins with a modernized grid that is smart, secure and stable.
Trey Davis
President
Missouri Energy
Development Association
Jefferson City
KCI designer
We have been hearing a lot about companies aspiring to design the new airport terminal in our community.
Airport terminal design is a complex, exacting pursuit, requiring talent and specific experience on similar projects. We should know who will be the principal architect to design this facility.
What is his or her experience? What terminals has he or she designed? What has been the success of these designs? Has the public been pleased with these terminals, and do they work effectively?
These questions should be asked and answered during this process.
So far, we have been exposed to concerns about financing and participation by minority and female contractors, which are also important issues. But we really need to know more about the actual design process.
There are capable architects and designers who have experience in this area. Tell us who this will be and what this person’s background is.
Bill Fithian
Former national
president
Airport Consultants
Council
Prairie Village
Time to retool
There’s a phrase in corporate America that proves truthful regarding employees: “Past performance predicts future expectations and outcomes.” However, apparently this doesn’t apply to our beloved Chiefs.
Coach Andy Reid’s performance in Kansas City isn’t any different from his results in Philadelphia, yet we retain him and the majority of his coaching staff (specifically defensive coordinator Bob Sutton). Seriously, think about this. Same ol’, same ol’. Business-as-usual approach.
In manufacturing, companies achieve improved performance with initiatives such as lean manufacturing, engineering improvements and redesigns, which reduce cost, improve efficiency and eliminate waste.
What are the Chiefs doing? Counting on the NFL Draft and a few possible free agents to get this organization to the next level? We need and deserve better.
Jeff Hunt
Amarillo, Texas
This story was originally published January 27, 2018 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss marijuana policy, Missouri utility rates and the Chiefs’ future."