Redistricting could shift KC voters between congressional districts overnight | Opinion

Switcheroo

Missouri politicians might be playing games with the residents of Kansas City, or they might just be oblivious. However, there is a real possibility that many people will end up voting in Congressional District 5 primary elections and in District 4 for the general election, because of gerrymandering passed during the last session of the General Assembly.

When I tried to seek clarification from the secretary of state’s office, a representative told me that because of the many ongoing lawsuits, things will stay the same — until they change. Basically, it could happen overnight. I could go to bed with Emanuel Cleaver II as my representative in Washington and wake up with Mark Alford. I could have no say in my District 4 options, then have to hold my nose and vote for someone I did not want.

I asked the secretary of state’s representative if there would be any notification when the maps change. The answer was something to the effect of, “Well, there would have to be, I assume.” There is a beautiful word for this style of politics: disenfranchisement.

No matter your political persuasion, it should anger Jackson County residents to be an afterthought. There of course is a remedy. Land doesn’t vote. People do.

- William Talty, Kansas City

Magic memory

Kauffman Stadium towered over me at 9 years old. As a small-town girl, I had never seen anything like it. The scale and the crowd pressing forward overwhelmed me. My dad wove through people toward the ticket booth at his usual fast pace as I scrambled to keep up. Tickets in hand, he turned with a grin: “Are you ready?”

I didn’t know, but I trusted him.

We walked through the concourse until he stopped abruptly at the entrance to a tunnel. He took my hand and led me forward. The dark gave way to light with each step until suddenly the field exploded into view. Sharp green grass, white lines, the fountains beyond them. He pulled me aside and watched my face with a smile.

I can still see it, 45 years later.

When I heard the announcement of the new Royals stadium, I didn’t think about parking or traffic. I thought about that moment.

When the new stadium opens, I’ll go. If I’m lucky, my father will be beside me, and I’ll take his hand as we step out of the tunnel and into the light.

- Tonya Cain, Greenwood

Transit culture

The World Cup is meant to celebrate the distinctive cultures of its host cities. If ordinary supporters are effectively barred from driving to and tailgating at matches at Arrowhead Stadium, organizers will not merely be revising transportation logistics — they will be stripping away a vital part of this city’s civic identity.

Here, tailgating, grilling, hospitality and gathering for hours before a game are not incidental amusements. They are part of the social fabric that makes Arrowhead singular and Kansas City memorable. Visitors should encounter families sharing local barbecue, welcoming strangers into their circle and demonstrating the pride and traditions that define this community.

For my family, this is not an abstraction. We purchased tickets to every Kansas City World Cup match so three generations could celebrate soccer, family and city in the way we always have. As time moves on, the chance to gather across generations, create shared memories and experience rare events together becomes all the more meaningful.

Transit should complement Kansas City culture, not displace it.

- Nathan Stephenson, Kansas City

Shut it off

The author of an April 19 letter to the editor made so much sense. (18A) He pointed out that millions of Americans use drive-thrus for numerous services, burning more gasoline than needed. He encouraged people to park their cars and walk into the business instead.

Here’s another way to save gas: Stop sitting in your car while the engine is running as you scroll away on your phone. It’s your business if you want to waste your time online, but please do it while your engine is off.

- Diane Capps, Kansas City

Ramp it up

The April 19 commentary “Kansas City hasn’t cracked the affordable housing code” (18A) was excellent. However, the photo with it showed a row of new houses that appear to lack ramps that would allow people of all ages, abilities and sizes to live in these homes.

Ramps can easily be incorporated into a house’s design, making it not only visually attractive, but also appealing to at least 19% of U.S. households, plus their visitors and parents with children in strollers. This is because 2 in 10 U.S. households include at least one person with mobility-related issues, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Housing Survey, available online.

Builders of new homes need to be aware of the increase in market value that will result from building accessible homes. At a minimum, homes need wide doorways, a ground-level bedroom and bath that is wheelchair accessible, with grab bars and raised toilets.

-Barbara Fredholm, Lee’s Summit