Michael Lindenberger was in Kansas City only briefly, but his impression will endure
Michael Lindenberger only penned his first column as The Kansas City Star’s editorial page editor and vice president in August. Shockingly and unexpectedly, he passed away last weekend after a brief illness. Here, the writers and editors of the Opinion department share their reflections on his brief but meaningful tenure as their leader.
New eyes, approach
Michael Lindenberger came to Kansas City, and The Star, raring to go. But he also understood he needed to quickly become familiar with our community.
So he had questions — lots of them. He thought Missouri’s control of the Kansas City police department was absurd. But he wanted to know more: How did this happen? Why? Can it be changed? What have other cities done? I need a memo, he said. So he got one.
He’d ask for more in the weeks ahead: downtown baseball, endorsements. He wanted to make sure our opinions were based on facts and fairness.
There’s much to be said for long experience covering a community, but fresh eyes are important as well. Michael brought that fresh approach to virtually everything we did during his time with us here.
We’ll miss him, of course, but Kansas City will miss his wisdom and energy too.
- Dave Helling, editorial writer
Care for others
There was something about Michael that reminded me of the Ghost of Christmas Present, that memorable figure in Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.” The spirit is depicted as plump like Santa and just as merry and bright. But what people often overlook are the two poor, frightened and destitute children peeking out from inside the ghost’s massive cloak. ‘‘This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want,” the Spirit says to Scrooge. Michael never forgot about those children and what they represented: doom.
Nothing could stir his ire more than the powerful inflicting harm on the weak, intentionally or by neglect. Like the Spirit, Michael was a generous soul, always willing to discuss — nay, argue — his point. But never spitefully. He was a gentleman in the best sense of the word, one who delighted in his many friendships and one who cared deeply for those in need.
- Dave Tarrant, editor
‘I like passion’
Shortly after Michael took the reins as the leader of The Star’s editorial board, he and I had a brief run-in.
As these things often go, I really don’t remember what was said that set me off. I do remember sharply snapping at him in the middle of a board meeting — not my best moment. He responded firmly, because after all, he was the boss. But he never raised his voice, or in any way changed his soft-spoken, easygoing demeanor.
When that meeting was over, I went to his office to apologize for losing my temper. He smiled a bit and said, “Bring that passion to your editorials. I like passion.” I knew right then we would get along.
Obviously, Michael was talented — he received the honors that prove that. But he was also a good boss who respected each of us as seasoned writers and pundits. He was a smart journalist. Even in his most cutting commentary, kindness came through.
He made a tremendous impact on The Star’s editorial board in the short time he sat at the helm. And he helped me find my voice. Thank you, Michael Lindenberger. I miss you already.
- Mara’ Rose Williams, editorial writer
Shared cheer
In the few months I’ve known Michael, I became enamored with his cerebral and pragmatic approach to opinion writing. He was a thoughtful, conscientious leader — one I was excited to work with and learn from. This summer, we met for the first time. Over lunch at a restaurant in Crown Center, we discussed our professional journeys to The Star’s editorial board, learning in the process about each other’s nontraditional path to opinion journalism. We shared an affinity for Kentucky bourbon and mutual admiration for the city of Louisville, which I’ve visited three times since the summer of 2020.
We promised to meet for bourbon at one of Kansas City’s finest drinking establishments. Sadly, we’ll never get that chance. I am heartsick and saddened by Michael’s death. I wish nothing but healing and peace to his family, friends and colleagues who knew him best.
- Toriano Porter, editorial writer
Outward focus
When I first sat down with Michael to learn about his vision for our team, he gave me advice he would reiterate time and again throughout his too-short tenure here: “Keep the conversation going.”
That’s what he wanted to guide our decisions about every topic for The Star’s editorials, guest commentaries and letters to the editor. He sincerely wanted to create a dialog about the Kansas City community’s biggest concerns. He didn’t want to drive the conversation — he wanted to reflect it.
Michael was erudite and ambitious (you don’t win a Pulitzer passively), but he was also humble and down-to-earth. He chose his words carefully but was unafraid to jump on a piece of news and dash off a well-argued commentary with impressive speed.
Wherever our team goes next, Michael Lindenberger’s road map will be part of our journey.
- Derek Donovan, community engagement editor
This story was originally published December 14, 2022 at 6:00 AM.