Letters: KC readers discuss census response, Sharice Davids’ good work and nosy HOAs
Groundhog ball
Like many people, I’ve been watching TV lately — a lot of TV. The recording I made of this year’s Super Bowl is one of my favorites, but I’m getting concerned. Although the Chiefs have won every time, they keep running the same plays. I’m afraid if they keep it up, the 49ers’ defense will catch on and break the streak.
- Tony Bradley, Kansas City
Be counted
More than 50 million households, representing more than one-third of the nation, have responded to the 2020 U.S. Census. The census happens once every decade, and your response affects allocation of congressional seats and federal funds to your community — for things such as schools, hospitals and emergency services.
Please respond to the census today. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete the form online at 2020census.gov, over the phone or on paper via postal mail.
As of April 1, only 40.5% of Missouri households had responded. We ask your help in making sure Missouri gets a complete and accurate count of all people residing in the state as of census day, April 1.
Your data are encrypted and protected from the instant we receive your response. Your responses are not shared with anyone, including law enforcement.
Almost all households in Missouri have received invitations by phone and by mail. If you have not yet received a paper questionnaire and have not responded, it will be delivered starting April 8. Your state and nation thank you for taking action and responding to the 2020 census.
- Wilbur L. Ross, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
Davids works
I have a hard time understanding the angle columnist Michael Ryan took on Rep. Sharice Davids’ presence in the community and wonder why her three Republican opponents were quoted, but Davids’ office wasn’t afforded the opportunity to respond. (March 29, 15A, “Coronavirus not slowing Davids’ GOP challengers”)
I’ve received emails on the government’s response to the coronavirus from Davids’ office. She has been vocal about the need for personal protective equipment for frontline responders and has held calls for constituents about what her office is doing.
Since taking office, Davids has been far more active in the community than her predecessor ever was, both in person and through her staff. She has steadfastly worked to advance and support her constituents’ needs without screaming or acting out for media attention.
I’d think these actions would be lauded rather than painting someone as “hiding.” The Star has published several pieces on Davids’ work in the community. For its own journalist to assert otherwise is irresponsible.
I hope for better from the main newspaper for the Kansas City area — especially during a public health crisis.
- Jennifer Yahner Patel, Lenexa
HOA knowledge
I’m not an attorney, but I am a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy consultant, and I have these thoughts about Thursday’s front-page story, “Residents balk when HOA seeks COVID-19 reporting.” There was some confusion about whether a homeowners association inquiring about coronavirus infection would be a HIPAA violation.
HOAs have no authority under HIPAA to require information about a member’s health, such as COVID-19 status. So it is not a violation because HOAs are not even addressed in HIPAA. They are not “covered entities.”
HIPAA does make it clear that patients have a right to privacy and they can give up that right anytime they want. Since HIPAA does not apply to HOAs, members have only the HOA’s word that their health status will remain confidential. I do not know why anyone would give their health information to an HOA for the purpose mentioned in the article.
Besides, nothing prevents the HOA from assuming there is already a neighborhood exposure and taking steps to clean and restrict access to common areas such as pools and fitness rooms without having anyone’s personal health information.
- Joe D. Gillespie, Olathe
Strange priorities
It is really sad that our civilized society, which is facing a deadly virus pandemic, finds that guns are “essential” — the ultimate paradox. (March 30, 1A, “Gun shops, churches exempt from Kansas stay-at-home order”)
- Virginia Transue, Overland Park
Share the hurt
With all the stay-at-homers who aren’t getting a paycheck, are our paid-before-they-work politicians giving up any of their paychecks to hurt along with the rest of us?
As little as they do now, it would be appropriate.
- C.D. Rinck Sr., Mission
This story was originally published April 5, 2020 at 5:00 AM.