‘Stop PV Rezoning’ radicals are trying to cut out reasonable voices in Praire Village | Opinion
Vote more fairly
As Congressional Republicans continue to struggle with electing a House speaker, I find myself a little envious of how they make their selection. We don’t have many elections in our country in which a simple majority wins and every vote counts the same. Instead, we have the Electoral College for president elections, where our votes don’t count equally, and in other elections a crowded ballot means that the candidate elected often wins with significantly less than 50% of the vote.
It doesn’t have to be this way, of course. Those same representatives who have been trying to figure out their next speaker have the authority to improve things if they want to. It wouldn’t be practical to have us go through a dozen rounds of voting over several days, but it is definitely feasible to allow voters to rank candidates on their ballots. This allows voters to say who they’d prefer if their first choice is eliminated.
If the House had to elect its speaker with the rules that we have for our elections, think about how that would change things. It would be possible for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to become speaker instead of a Republican.
- Richard Pund, Overland Park
Both at fault
It’s interesting to read the weekly newsletters sent out by our elected Missouri representatives. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer writes that President Joe Biden’s ”record of weak foreign policy has emboldened our enemies,” yet says nothing about Sen. Tommy Tuberville single-handedly blocking the promotion of more than 300 military officers because of his opposition to abortion.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver cites “the latest GOP-manufactured crisis” — a crisis that Democrats, including Cleaver, were just as much at fault for as the eight far-right Republicans who went with them in voting to oust Kevin McCarthy as House speaker.
Regardless, each party accuses the other of being at fault, yet both are at fault, especially for their unwillingness to compromise and for being led by their respective fringes.
As easy as it may be to point the accusing finger, fault lies with us, the voters, for we elected them. As such, I fear for the well-being of our country because so many individuals’ political opinions are formed via a single source. Harry Truman would read five or more newspapers each day. Why? Because he didn’t trust a single source.
Perhaps we should all make note of this as we ponder the future and the individuals we elect to represent us.
- Todd McCabe, Kansas City
Prairie Village best
A group of Prairie Village residents have organized as Stop PV Rezoning They oppose discussion of some housing options by the City Council and have recruited candidates for every ward. They created and pursued a petition plan to throw out half the existing council and totally restructure the city government — and they want to do so in two months.
This behavior does not indicate good intentions or thoughtful action. The attempt to throw out half the council reveals a refusal to listen to all sides and possibilities. It shows they do not intend to work with all council members or listen to all constituents. They want to silence some Prairie Village voices.
Any plan to restructure a city government should be approached in a measured, thoughtful way, with many months for citizen input and education after a sincere discussion of pros and cons. The fact that these Stop PV Rezoning candidates are part of a group that would rush this process clearly shows they are not interested in an educated voter election process.
If you want a deliberate, reasonable City Council, vote for Ciara Chaney, Ian Graves, Bonnie Limbird, Piper Reimer and Inga Selders.
- Dawn Olney, Prairie Village
Safe, strong
In the midst of war in the Middle East, it’s astounding to see Missouri’s U.S. representatives, our governor and the candidates running for office waffling about upgrading Missouri’s civil defense system.
These same officials have jumped on the bandwagon to publicly denounce the Israel attacks, yet have been perfectly content to stand idly by for more than six years as Gov. Mike Parson’s administration has allowed Missouri’s own civil defenses to deteriorate to a level far below that of Israel’s.
The first four goals of the “Safety Through Strength” Initiative would upgrade and modernize Missouri’s civil defenses to preclude such attacks from occurring here. Yet, these politicians refuse to act on the plan’s commonsense recommendations — or in the case of Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft — simply act as if it doesn’t even exist.
Missouri voters need to let their officials know they will not get their votes unless they make the “Safety Through Strength” initiative the centerpiece of their 2024 campaign platforms.
- Tomm Buzzetta, Lebanon, Missouri
A happy trip
Last month, we marked our 25th wedding anniversary with a trip back to Kansas City. We came onto The Paseo, which was closed for a crime scene. KCPD officers were dropping tags on shell casings littering the pavement. “Welcome to Kansas City,” I said under my breath.
And yet, I have not felt so comfortable in my own skin. I drive these streets in my dreams and never have to consult a map. We jetted all over the city. Much has changed since we left. The new performing arts center, shaped like a seashell, glows like the moon at night. The new streetcar system was a marvel to see.
Our destination: the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where our nuptials were cast. Our last stop: commemorating the occasion with shuttlecock tattoos.
The irony was finding that a mural on the Golden Stag Tattoo building was created by a former client of mine — Scribe, as he is aptly named. It was my great fortune to have met him, and I love that he has persevered and found great success. His art is all over the metropolitan area as a result.
Cheers to you, KC.
- Beth Ruediger, Dummer, New Hampshire
This story was originally published October 22, 2023 at 5:17 AM.