Letters: Readers discuss Scott Wagner’s good choice, Plaza shops and being ‘pro-life’

Good leadership

I read Mayor Pro Tem Scott Wagner’s explanation of why he voted against the Kansas City International Airport terminal memorandum of understanding, or MOU, and The Star owes him (and probably other council members) a public apology. (Dec. 16, 11A, “Reasons to hit the brakes on the airport memorandum now”)

Anyone with even a basic knowledge of contract law will understand that the city was about to enter into a grossly lopsided arrangement, making itself vulnerable to manipulation by or for Edgemoor.

The MOU’s lack of specifics regarding information critical to making informed decisions going forward is more than sufficient reason to ask for further clarification and negotiation as needed. Whoever negotiated the MOU appears to have acquiesced to Edgemoor in its preparation.

Wagner most certainly did not “betray voters” as The Star’s Dec. 15 editorial trumpeted. (11A, “Nine council members betray voters, jeopardize KCI’s future”) The voters’ “remarkable show of faith in their elected leaders” that The Star cites in the editorial should be honored with responsible, informed decisions and processes to advance the construction of a new terminal. That is precisely what Wagner is trying to ensure.

He is clearly deserving of Kansas City voters’ faith, unlike leaders who are willing to ram through an agreement that contains smoke and mirrors instead of statements of fact.

Charles Black

Leavenworth

Plaza owners

The Country Club Plaza is described as the gem of Kansas City. Every time the city is highlighted, the Plaza and its shopping experience are pointed out as top attractions when visiting our city. The Plaza’s shops and Christmas lighting are iconic to Kansas City.

But has anyone noticed the steady loss of stores there since Taubman Centers Inc. and Macerich Co. have taken over? In recent months, we have seen the loss of Houston’s, Zoom Toy Store, L’Occitane and now, Williams-Sonoma. I’ve heard rumors that others are to follow.

Many of these losses have become wins for Kansas and nearby Town Center Plaza in Leawood. Besides losing valuable and in many cases long-term tenants, the Plaza also suffers the tax and revenue losses to Kansas, in addition to the foot traffic and customer base.

Pop-up stores have filled in some of these storefronts, but after the holidays, vacancies will become evident.

Our city leaders need to address long-term plans with Taubman and Macerich, its out-of-town co-owners. Big brother must watch out to make sure our gem continues to shine or the Plaza might end up like many malls — empty.

Catherine Thompson

Kansas City

Pro-all life

I vote for Democratic candidates, and I am decidedly pro-life.

I am for a doctor saving the life of a mother who might otherwise die in child birth.

I am for gun control, which would save countless lives.

I am against the death penalty.

I am for more help for the mentally ill.

I am for more spending by National Institutes of Health and other government research to find cures for diseases.

I am for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

I am for Medicare and Medicaid.

I am for Obamacare.

I am for more government spending to combat all the above issues, which take lives.

If we are to be a pro-life society, then someone has to pay for the programs that actually save lives. Tax cuts for the rich are not pro-life.

And I think we all should slow down when we drive. My heart cries every time I drive by an animal that was killed by some thoughtless driver.

If you want to proclaim your pro-life sentiments, as Michael Gerson does in his Dec. 16 column (11A, “A healthy GOP can only be built atop these ruins”), then put your money where your mouth is.

Being pro-life is not just about abortion.

John Chapman

Kansas City

This story was originally published December 20, 2017 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss Scott Wagner’s good choice, Plaza shops and being ‘pro-life’."