Letters: Readers discuss public service, losing AARP tax help and pro-life Tim Tebow
Sanders, Trump
In Jonah Goldberg’s Feb. 23 column, “Sanders wears blinders on certain socialist realities,” he states that “the fact that Sanders isn’t horrified by communist countries should tell you something about how far he might like to take socialism here.” (17A)
The counter to that: The fact that President Donald Trump isn’t horrified by totalitarian countries such as Russia or North Korea should tell you something about how far he might like to take totalitarianism here.
- Glenn Lyons, Shawnee
Just removal
In a well-researched manner and on the basis of facts and data, the shortcomings and errors in Overland Park’s property-tax abatement application by a private company were brought to the attention of the City Council. (Feb. 14, 8A, “Overland Park tax incentive fight poisons well, spooks business”)
Performing our fiduciary duty and protecting the tax dollars of our residents are among our most important functions as elected officials.
A Feb. 20 letter to the editor by a constituent serves no purpose other than bringing emotions along with non-factual and irrelevant claims about the conversation at a council meeting in order to prove a point that does not exist.
Fellow Councilman Faris Farassati and I will continue asking any questions necessary and shedding light on relevant facts in order to protect public money. This is why we ran for office in our beautiful Overland Park.
On a side note and as confirmed by the senior city attorney: Defamation, vulgar language and fighting words are not protected free speech and removal of the constituent’s comment from my social media account should be expected, as it does not violate any First Amendment right.
- City Councilman Scott Hamblin, Overland Park
Pay equity
To make the most of scarce resources, counties need to offer perks to get people to work for well below market wages. I am a systems administrator, and I noticed the other day on its website that Clay County is looking for one of me for about $60,000 a year. I make almost double that working in the private sector.
The idea of stability in a county job and not getting 4 a.m. phone calls is nice. A good pension and benefits plan help, to be sure. But free housing, or some equivalent value, would also have to come into play. (Feb. 20, 10A, “Why are top Clay County officials getting rent-free housing?”)
Wage freezes are the cause of this, and they give counties low-value employees who cost them a lot in the end.
I would love to enter a life of public service, but the wage delta is currently far too large.
- Patrick Randolph, Kansas City
Help is gone
For 17 years, I have been an AARP tax-aide volunteer working at Johnson County community centers, and lately at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. As of Feb. 21, AARP tax assistance for elderly and low-income taxpayers at the center was abruptly ended.
It was a decision made by Johnson County Parks and Recreation, its 50 Plus Program director and the director of the Arts and Heritage Center. I apologize to the more than 500 elderly and low-income taxpayers of Johnson County whom we will not be able to assist this year. I know how important this free tax program is to you.
The coordinator of Tax Central at the Johnson County Central Resource Library at 9875 W. 87th Street is working to expand capacity so many more walk-ins can be served there. Volunteers are there weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Carolyn Crystal, Leawood
Listen to men
Where have all the men gone? You might have heard of men from many years ago who actually had courage to stand up for truth.
At the Feb. 11 Kansans for Life pro-life banquet in Overland Park, two such men showed there are still men out there who are not cowards.
Thanks to Lamar Hunt Jr., part owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, and former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, who spoke up for the humanity of the unborn.
Hunt said: “I do not think it is a cliche to say we are in a life-and-death battle for the truth and the dignity of the human person.”
Tebow asked: “Are you willing to stand up in the face of persecution, in the face of adversity, in the face of criticism? ... Will you stand up for what is right?”
A doctor told Tebow’s mother to have an abortion because of health concerns. But she chose life, and he was born. And he thanks his mother for trusting in God.
Abortion exists because too many have embraced a false feminism instead of being the protectors of life that God has entrusted them to be.
- Michael Rachiele, Prairie Village