Overcharged for property taxes? Jackson County resident seeks refund after assessment | Opinion

I’m overcharged

I tried to pay my 2023 Jackson County property taxes online this week. I contested my assessment in early November and got a $36,000 reduction. However, when I logged into the website, it did not show the updated valuation.

I called the county office and was told to pay the amount on the website at the time or I would receive a big penalty. The difference is about $500.

When will I get a refund of my overpayment? The system allows only the old amount to be paid. Thanks, Jackson County.

- Ken Henderson, Kansas City

Help back home

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been in Washington this week seeking aid for the war effort against Russia. Boeing and Raytheon, both large Missouri employers, stand to benefit from that aid. At the Boeing plant in St. Charles, $600 million will be used to build the Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range and the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb. Raytheon received $1.23 billion this spring for fire units for the Patriot missile system. The Raytheon plant in West Plains will profit from that contract.

These are jobs in Missouri. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt are opposed to further aid for Ukraine, betraying not only our commitment to that country, but also to their constituents here in Missouri.

We must continue to support Ukraine for moral and economic reasons.

- Kathie Molyneaux, St. Louis

Ready to serve

I have committed all the seven deadly sins and have pretty well completed my lifelong goal of breaking most of the Ten Commandments (refusing, however, to kill anyone — I know, but even I am not perfect). I am also a well-practiced hypocrite and can speak for hours on issues I know nothing about, especially politics.

Therefore, I believe I am eminently qualified for high office and will accept any help in organizing and beginning the process of declaring my candidacy. I think money would probably be the best form of assistance, preferably cash.

Thank you for your attention and forthcoming support.

- James M. Semadeni, Kansas City

Treated right

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a Buffalo Bills fan. Ever since the days of Jim Kelly and Derrick Thomas, it was my dream to see an NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium. This past weekend, I finally had the chance to visit Kansas City. My host, Chris Rosson — a native son and acquaintance from graduate school, and now a dear friend — made it his mission to show me the best of what your region had to offer.

From learning about President Harry Truman’s momentous decisions at the Truman Library to sampling as much barbecue as I could eat, and finishing with an epic contest at Arrowhead, every moment was a treat. I was amazed by the thoughtfulness, kindness, charm and grace of everyone I met.

Kansas City: Thank you for the hospitality. Thank you for the memories. I hope to see you again soon.

- Neil Shenai, Washington, D.C.

Point the finger

First, I love our Kansas City Chiefs. Without a doubt, they are the most fun, exciting football team to watch. Regarding the offsides penalty at the end of the Bills game, why am I not reading or hearing anything about the responsibility of the wide receivers coach? Wouldn’t one of those responsibilities be to make sure the wide receivers are lined up properly?

Kadarius Toney is only 24 years old. He has been with the Chiefs for barely a year, so he is hardly a seasoned veteran of the game. He was lined up just feet from the Chiefs’ sideline. I would think one of the coaches would be responsible for telling him to back up from the line of scrimmage.

This situation reminds me of the scenario of a manager blaming a new employee for the manager’s mistake. If we’re going to play the blame game, my vote goes to the wide receivers coach.

- Janet Lynn Mays, Kansas City