Green promises disappear under pressure
- 07/17/2008 01:54 AM CDT
Pssst, want to see Kansas City government in action? Want to see a charade? On Monday, they were the same thing.
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Yael T. Abouhalkah writes about Kansas City metropolitan issues and his columns are published on Thursday. To reach him, write in care of the Opinion desk at 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108, call (816) 234-4887 or send e-mail to abouhalkah@kcstar.com. |
Pssst, want to see Kansas City government in action? Want to see a charade? On Monday, they were the same thing.
Rick Hughes and other cheerleaders for a new 1,000-room hotel in downtown Kansas City are wearing rose-colored glasses.
Terry Dunn is chairman of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, a group that recently urged City Hall to get its fiscal act together.
Kansas City’s parks, pools, playgrounds and other recreational assets are in better shape than critics claim.
As “everyone” knows, Kansas City is emptying out in the urban core, and staying stable in its overall population only because of a growing Northland.
Call it “The Day That Shook City Hall.” Exactly six months later, the extraordinary events of Dec. 13 continue to haunt major political players at 12th and Oak.
When it comes to upgrading Kansas City’s sewer system, going green looks like an extremely attractive option, but not if it winds up being a tremendous waste of public funds.
Political backstabbing is on the rise as an inexperienced mayor, unproven City Council and savvy city manager battle for power at City Hall.
Sales taxes have become the go-to funding choice for almost all local governments. Want proof? By this time next year, the tax rate in Kansas City south of the Missouri River could jump 1 percent to — hold your breath — 8.725 percent with the approval of pending tax hikes.
Sewers and light rail are two of the hottest topics of civic interest in the spring of 2008. And deservedly so.
