It takes mail four days to get from Lenexa to Gladstone. Now I miss the Pony Express | Opinion

Slow service

An Oct. 13 letter writer said a previous author may be wrong in blaming the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery causing late fee charges on credit card bills. (6A)

I have no faith in timely mail delivery anymore and don’t look forward to another price increase for slow delivery. In August, we mailed two greeting cards to our family in Hobbs, New Mexico. They were mailed from Lenexa four days before the birthday and anniversary but didn’t reach our family members till 12 days after that date. We can drive there in 12 hours.

It can take four days for mail to get from Lenexa to friends in Independence and Gladstone.

The old days of Pony Express did that well.

- Gloria Pankratz, Lenexa

Students’ say

As Independence faces pressing issues in its education system, it is time to reconsider how we involve our youth in local and school board elections. The Vote16MO Campaign advocates a significant change that could revolutionize how we address these challenges: lowering the voting age in Missouri’s nonpartisan local and school board elections to 16.

A recent decision by the Independence School District to switch to a four-day school week emphasized the lack of input from the most affected individuals: students. They need a say in matters that shape their educational experience. They have consistently expressed concerns about issues from dress codes to substance addiction, which has led to tragic consequences.

The disconnection between ISD students and their school board is evident. Lowering the voting age to 16 could encourage board members to engage actively with the student body throughout the academic year, fostering partnership and accountability.

Lowering the voting age to 16 in nonpartisan school board elections would bridge the gap between students and the school district, and ensure that our education system is shaped by those who understand its challenges.

Support the Vote16MO Campaign and empower our youth. Learn more at vote16mo.org

- DJ Yearwood, Independence

Be responsible

As a devoted cardiologist, father and chair of the American Heart Association board of directors in the Kansas City area, I endorse the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City’s proposal to update its tobacco control policy. A critical measure in this effort is the implementation of a tobacco retail license, or TRL, which I strongly support.

The TRL would ensure responsible tobacco and e-cigarette sales within our community, tracking sellers and enforcing stringent regulations to prevent underage sales. This all supports a healthier environment for future generations.

Other Kansas communities have adopted this initiative, already demonstrating substantial benefits of a TRL:

• Accountability for retailers: TRLs hold retailers accountable, aiding compliance officers in enforcing tobacco sales regulations.
• Reducing teen access: A TRL could significantly reduce teen access to tobacco, protecting them from lifelong health risks.
• Addressing inequities: TRLs help address disparities in tobacco enforcement, ensuring equal protection for all community members.

I urge lawmakers to recognize this initiative’s significance and work toward swift implementation. Let’s unite as a community to shield Kansas City from tobacco’s harm and create a healthier, fairer environment for all.

- Heath Wilt, Medical Director, Cardiology Service Line, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Merriam

Restore reason

The time has come for the Democrats to gather as many brave, principled Republicans as possible and elect Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as speaker of the House of Representatives. A crippled United States government simply will not suffice in this time of crisis.

- Anita Macek, Roeland Park

This story was originally published October 18, 2023 at 5:06 AM.