Letters: Readers discuss US budget priorities, Kansas City TIFs and politicians’ lies
Shared memories
We moved into our house in the fall of 1986, just in time to renovate the front yard. We soon had the nicest lawn in the neighborhood. While cutting grass the other day, I noticed the remnants of bare spots and the intrusion of weeds that have persisted. Cursing these trouble areas and planting new seed have not yet restored the lawn to its previous luster.
Sitting on the front porch, it came to me that these trouble spots represent base paths, red zones of a mini football field and sledding paths down a modest terrace. The children who made them have grown and moved away, but I now look at these not as trouble spots but as a shrine to happier days. Thanks, kids, for the wonderful memories.
- Steve Maurin, Kansas City, Kansas
By the numbers
The combined 2019 federal budget for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation was $47 billion. The federal defense budget was $686 billion. We don’t think twice about spending billions to prevent terrorism. This has been a consistent spending pattern since World War II.
Since Feb. 26, COVID-19 has killed more Americans than died in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pearl Harbor and 9/11 combined. Another two months, and you can throw in the Korean War.
Those sneaky little spiky guys slipped right by all our missiles, aircraft carriers, stealth bombers, nuclear subs, tanks and Transportation Security Administration personnel.
Do you think we’ve placed our chips on the right numbers on the board?
- Graham Marcott, Fairway
Stop incentives
Unbelievable. Kansas City is struggling, and yet the City Council approves a $13.6 million tax incentive for luxury apartment developers using “surplus funds” of $4 million generated by the TIF district surrounding the project. (May 8, 6A, “Crossroads luxury apartment project granted tax incentives”)
Shouldn’t “surplus funds” go to the city treasury, or do they go to some slush fund to provide a little extra for new projects for when the next election comes around?
Also, this was passed at a time we all know tax revenues are falling because of the coronavirus pandemic, which the council has somewhat recognized by contemplating slashing the budget by $300 million. (May 14, 5A, “KC prepares for more severe budget cuts”)
How soon is the next sales tax proposal going on the ballot to cover revenues lost from the council’s frittering away immediate sources of revenue? The developers’ free ride has got to end.
- H. Jonathan Pratt, Kansas City
Financial concerns
I am guessing that all the experts warning about the dangers of reopening businesses and public places after the coronavirus shutdown have well-paying jobs. Would their judgment be swayed if they couldn’t make a mortgage payment?
- John C. Abshier, Leavenworth
The first one
To people considering running for public office: The second you put your name out or sign a form to get on a ballot, you have become a politician. So when you tell voters, “I’m not a politician,” you have already told your first lie, maybe not to the voters (because we already know) but at least to yourself — which also makes you a politician.
- David Conlee, Kansas City
How to help
Nine years ago in Kansas City, I first heard women describe the effect partner abuse had on their jobs. Since then, I have become an academic researcher on the topic, focusing on the heartland. Based on Star reports of an increase in domestic calls, such as Melinda Henneberger’s recent column, “It’s no mystery why violence is up in Kansas City,” (April 23, 17A) I fear the effect of abuse on employment has significantly worsened with COVID-19.
My findings show abusers, including those in Kansas City, call victims excessively during the workday and purposely derail morning routines to sabotage their employment. In the face of the pandemic, it is likely employment harassment has increased.
However, research shows workplace support is very beneficial. If you believe a co-worker needs support, please consider:
▪ Asking. If co-workers aren’t themselves or are particularly upset, try talking. They may decline but could change their minds later.
▪ Maintaining privacy. When people experience abuse, they appreciate a listening ear but also fear everyone finding out about their personal lives.
▪ Inquiring. What would they like to do? It is not constructive to take control.
▪ Referring. Local agencies that can help include Hope House, Synergy, Rose Brooks Center and Safehome.
- Kathryn Showalter, Ann Arbor, Michigan