‘Passionate’ politicians stir anger for power. Missouri, quit voting by party line

Get out of the club

In Missouri, the only time a voter has to declare a political party is in the primaries. A political party is nothing but a club. Shake up the politicians in our state: Split your ticket and vote for the candidate, not the party. If enough voters do this, Missouri just might put some people in office who know that “bipartisanship” and “compromise” are not dirty words.

Whenever politicians say they are “passionate,” that means they don’t have the sense God gave a goose. The definition of passionate is easily aroused to anger, capable of being affected by or expressing intense feelings.

We need to put people in office who can think and work for the betterment of all Missourians. Let’s send the drama queens to Hollywood, change the script and get people — Democrats or Republicans — in office who will actually work for Missouri. Let’s send the politicians a lesson in reality at election time.

There is something wrong with people who are angry all the time, say no to everything and think that they should always get their way. We have too many people like that in office now.

- Donna Cox, Independence

Wrong workers

The Star Editorial Board is right in that some conservative state senators, like me, are mad because MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna wants to divert newly increased revenue that the legislature authorized last year from roads to department employee raises. (Feb. 6, 19A, “MoDOT director is right: Missouri can give raises to state workers”)

Our primary objection is that all the money was supposed to be dedicated to roads and bridges, but the proposal from the director would redirect this year’s increased revenue to salary increases, despite repeated assurances from MoDOT last year that it would not do so.

The second, broader objection isn’t just about how much MoDOT employees should be paid, but how many MoDOT employees are needed. New employees’ health care and pensions create long-term liabilities for our taxpayers. Hiring the same work through our state’s thousands of private road builders and contractors does not create those liabilities.

The examples cited for increased salaries include insufficient staffing for replacing signs, picking up trash and driving snowplows. While I do not argue that these jobs need to be done, the question of who needs to do them is just as important.

In summary, for his lack of leadership and his part in suing the state to divert $60 million of road money to pay raises, I do emphatically call for McKenna to be fired.

- Missouri state Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, Shelbina

To what end?

Sen. Josh Hawley: Do you really think that your second-guessing and contradicting the president will result in making America stronger?

- Mike Wheeler, Kansas City

Someone’s fault

In Tuesday’s story “Kansas lawmakers are supposed to vet bills in committees. But are their hearings fair?” on KansasCity.com about Kansas legislative committees, GOP state Rep. Kristey Williams said, “It’s not my fault” that Kansans “voted into office more Republicans.” That may be true for now, but our partisan redistricting process guarantees that she and the rest of the Republican leadership are certainly responsible for who will be voted into office this November.

The shape of the district maps will affect dozens of state legislative seats. If they don’t want to be responsible for that, they have always had the power to change our elections to a more proportional method. This reform would allow more voters to have their views represented in Topeka and would reduce the enormous influence the redistricting process has on our elections.

- Richard Pund, Overland Park

Peace needed

I am shocked at the violation of self-determination for the Ukrainian people. I am horrified that leaders in the 21st century would inflict such human suffering and needless violence. And also cause such displacement of families. Having grown up in the Church of the Brethren and participating in Penn Valley Friends Meeting, I urge all sides to demilitarize.

All must negotiate to a resolution. The causes of this conflict must be addressed in a safe and fair venue, perhaps with the United Nations or neutral nations with witnesses for both sides. Diplomacy is the best way to end this war, as with any war.

Our hearts and minds are with our neighbors on this globe who seek only to be free, safe and whole.

- Peggy Frantz, Kansas City