Print edition: 
No reason to vote ‘yes’ on tax deal
When the election arrives Tuesday, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself: Is there any reason for voting “yes”? The answer is “no.”
The hotel developer has said that the hotel will open regardless of the outcome of the election. Voting “yes” only puts more tax dollars into his pockets – so it’s no wonder the developer would fund a campaign to convince citizens to vote “yes.”
But the truth is, by voting “no” we still will gain all the benefits from building the Ambassador Hotel. Voting “no” also will ensure other businesses that don’t take government money are in a more-equal competition with this hotel. Equality is the fundamental value our nation was built on; don’t let situations like this take us away from our values.
The time has come to send a message to our city that we are tired of governments being able to decide winners and losers in our economy. Because for every winner they choose, there will be multiple businesses that end up losing. So before you vote, ask yourself if there truly is any reason to vote “yes.” I believe the answer is clear.
TROY VANDERHOOF
Wichita
Vote ‘yes’ Tuesday
We should thank Ambassador Hotel developer Paul Coury for investing to renovate a deserted, historic, downtown building into what will be a four-star boutique hotel.
Instead, we force him to spend thousands of dollars defending his project publicly in what amounts to a completely unnecessary election. Coury is the only businessman interested in developing the building, and he negotiated a highly vetted, transparent agreement with the city to develop the property. This project will bring hundreds of needed jobs, increase tax revenue, draw tourism and provide additional hotel rooms.
Yes, Coury stands to benefit from a percentage of the guest tax that visitors pay. Since when is it wrong to make money? What kind of message are we sending other developers or people who want to do business in Wichita? The last thing we want to say is: “We are not open for business; we are difficult to deal with; we will roadblock every negotiation.”
Let’s correct this. Vote “yes” on Tuesday. Let’s tell other potential investors that Wichita is open for business, that Wichita is business-friendly, and that Wichita is a great place to live, work and play.
JOCELYNE WRIGHT
Wichita
Small thinkers
There are many small thinkers from the left-wing political structure who are having a conniption concerning the proposed legislation allowing concealed weapons on college campuses. This is nothing more than the left-wing gun-control groups wanting to deny people their constitutional right.
The police are not equipped, manned or capable of protecting the public from the predatory beasts roaming the streets. Law enforcement is basically an investigative organization. Unfortunately, the only way for a police force to protect the individual is when a police state exists, with multitudes of cameras and unlimited powers to impose the government’s will. Then again, this is what the left desires. Even then, the deranged and the predators can carry out heinous crimes. Recent examples are the massacre in Norway, and horrendous crimes against young and old in Great Britain and Germany. Each country has very strict gun-control laws.
In short, allow concealed-carry on campuses. Then further the ability of the private citizen in self-protection by passing legislation allowing no-permit concealed-carry, as other states have elected to do.
RICK SAMPLE
Valley Center
Free from guns
I understand how people who believe they should be allowed to carry weapons with them wherever they go would not care about those of us who do not wish to be near any sort of handgun. We were counting on government buildings, universities and many other places we frequent to not force us to be exposed to what we do not believe in – and at a risk to our safety.
How is it that our rights, as free American people in this state of Kansas, can be trodden upon by the hooves of those who believe they should carry guns into public places? Isn’t that just as unconstitutional?
They are not part of “a well regulated Militia.” They are individuals with easy access to lethal weapons in public places. Shouldn’t I also be free to go where I wish and not have to fear that I or my children would have to face someone with a gun?
LORI LAWRENCE
Wichita
Entitlement culture
Some say the United States has become an entitlement culture. If that’s true, my generation – known as the “greatest generation” – probably got it started.
I remember my Depression and World War II friends saying, “I don’t want my kids to have to worry about things like I did.” But then a few years later, they said: “What’s the matter with kids these days? They don’t appreciate anything.”
My answer: “You were successful. You didn’t want them to worry about anything. You gave everything to them, and now they expect to get whatever they want.”
HARRY R. CLEMENTS
Wichita
