This Labor Day, we can’t rebuild Kansas City infrastructure if government doesn’t act | Opinion

Don’t hold back

Labor Day is not just a day to rejoice in the fruits of our labors. It’s also a day to celebrate the routine benefits derived from the ability of a local government staff member to properly fill out the paperwork required to apply for federal infrastructure grants and loans.

The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is injecting hundreds of billions into infrastructure investment. But if local jurisdictions don’t know how to apply for these resources, then a lack of administrative knowledge will make these resources all for naught.

Kansas can tap into $454 million for water projects and Missouri $866 million — if their state agencies apply for these resources.

My industry can’t put an excavator bucket in the ground to upgrade an obsolete water system or install a new street lighting system until all of this administrative paperwork and process is completed.

Like a dance partner, the thousands of jobs in my local Kansas City region’s utility construction industry depend on bureaucrats fulfilling these complex program requirements competently.

This Labor Day, let’s remember the heroes working underground in safely reinforced trenches and those government employees who make these civilization-building projects possible.

- Anthony L. Privitera II, Chairman-elect, National Utility Contractors Association, Executive vice president, Mark One Electric Co. Inc., Kansas City

Climate is politics

So, you are concerned about the climate crisis and are not sure what to do about it. Know that you are not alone. Also know that the climate movement needs you. It needs everyone to do everything we can to address this crisis. Here are some ideas:

• Learn more about how our world is warming — the causes, consequences and actions that need to be taken to stop it. Start by visiting NASA’s website on climate at climate.nasa.gov
• Talk about it, a lot, with friends, family, neighbors — everybody and anybody.
• Get involved. Join a climate group or two. Ask how you can help. You undoubtedly have skills they need. If you have money to donate, they could benefit from that, too.
• Get political. Take to the streets. Contact elected officials, repeatedly, at all levels of government, and demand that they take action to address this crisis. They were elected to serve the people, and there is no higher service than protecting the world we live in.
• Walk the talk. Take steps to reduce your emissions. It is very gratifying.

Pace yourself. We’re in this for the long haul. Have hope.

- Ron Sadler, Springfield

In our great need

Kudos to the 911 operator who answered my request for a wellness check on a friend whom I hadn’t heard from in more than 24 hours — something very unusual, as we are in contact daily.

A special thank-you to the Kansas City police officer who found my friend on floor, unable to get up, and then kept me updated on the situation. The ambulance was called and she was on her way to Research Medical Center in a little over an hour.

Thank you for your professional help, KCPD.

- Fana Vogelbaugh, Kansas City

It’s responsibility

I applaud Star reporter Eric Adler’s interview with Marion, Kansas, restaurateur Kari Newell to get her side of the story. (Aug. 28, 1A, “Woman at center of Kansas newspaper raid still defiant”)

What struck me most was her avoidance of personal responsibility. I don’t know Newell’s personal politics, though she did invite highly conservative GOP U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner to hold the meeting reporters were ejected from. This type of behavior seems to be a defining characteristic of the new conservative right in politics and in its adherents’ personal lives.

Newell could have prepared for the nonexistent news story by acknowledging and taking responsibility for a DUI and a lack of a license, and pledging to act more lawfully in the future. Instead, she followed Donald Trump’s pattern of deflecting, making excuses and claiming to be the victim of persecution.

GOP leaders will rue their example of hollowing-out the central idea of personal responsibility, but the lesson to be learned starts here.

- Marc Luxenberg, West Hollywood, California

Will they come?

I just read The Star’s analysis of the economic impact of the proposed sites for a new Royals stadium and entertainment district.

I have only one question about any site the team ultimately chooses: How will the Royals’ front office markedly improve major league baseball in Kansas City? KC is still a small metropolitan area — and a small regional major league baseball market compressed between St. Louis and Denver, further compressed by pro baseball in Omaha, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Springfield and northwest Arkansas.

- Bill Mason, Lansing

Charge elsewhere

Apparently, Royals owner John Sherman’s pockets aren’t deep enough to pay for his new stadium, so I suggest a user tax. My taxes are high enough.

- Bill Grossnickle, Kansas City

Not jolly yet

When I walked into a national big-box store the other day and saw Christmas trees all lit up on display, I almost got sick to my stomach.

Why, why, why must retailers subject us to Christmas decorations before Labor Day?

- Diane Capps, Kansas City

This story was originally published September 3, 2023 at 5:02 AM.