Manage Delivery
Change culture in college athletics
Many will debate the actions of the NCAA regarding the Penn State University child abuse cover-up. Too harsh? Not harsh enough?
Shouldn’t we be more interested in what the NCAA and individual schools will do on their own to end a culture in which something like this can happen?
Legendary athletic programs, including at some of our Kansas schools, seem to have become larger than the schools themselves. In many cases, they have formed separate corporations with the power to negotiate special deals or make decisions that could put the larger institution at risk.
Who holds the reins? Who will emerge in a leadership role to foster a culture in all athletic circles that best serves student athletes, fans and the larger institution? The culture needs to transcend the almighty dollar and sustain authentic sportsmanship.
The elimination of child abuse in our schools, churches and trusted organizations needs to be an immediate priority nationally, not just at a center at Penn State.
PATRICK O’DONNELL
Wichita
Reinstate ban
Regarding the tragic Colorado theater shooting: Assault rifles are the choice of military, anti-government militia and gang members everywhere. They can pierce standard police-issue bulletproof vests and be converted to fully automatic “machine guns.” Assault rifles are weapons designed to kill people. Oh, and they’re readily available almost anywhere guns are sold in the United States.
The death penalty couldn’t have prevented this tragedy, as the theater shooter was saying goodbye to the world and seeking a way to have his name remembered.
The ban on the U.S. sales of assault weapons that expired in 2004 needs to be reinstated. A look at our streets shows that public safety is fragile and deteriorating. In Mexico, it is gone.
LARRY E. BARNES
Wichita
Re-elect Hinshaw
I am expressing my support for the re-election of Sedgwick County Sheriff Bob Hinshaw. My endorsement is based on his proven experience, his conservative values focused on protecting our constitutional rights, and his hard work keeping our county safe.
Hinshaw has served more than 33 years within the Sheriff’s Office, gaining unparalleled agency experience and knowledge in all the diverse functions required of a sheriff. He reduced the Sheriff’s Office budget by $1.8 million in 2012, saving taxpayers money while maintaining the public’s safety.
Hinshaw has led the effort to properly control and reduce inmate population by chairing the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. He also actively supports the community he has lived in his entire life, serving as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sedgwick County and working with the local Boy Scouts Quivira Council and other groups.
Known as a “man of his word,” Hinshaw exemplifies integrity and ethics. I hope you will join me in voting for Bob Hinshaw for sheriff on Aug. 7.
TODD TIAHRT
Goddard
Choose O’Connor
Wichita and Sedgwick County are fortunate to have two qualified candidates for district attorney in the upcoming Republican primary. If voters want to move the office in a different direction with additional emphasis on professional prosecution of criminals, they should choose Kevin O’Connor.
I have known O’Connor since 2000, when he ran for Reno County attorney. I was impressed with his courtroom abilities and dedication to seeking justice for crime victims. Since then I have followed his career as a Sedgwick County prosecutor and as he has handled major cases for the Attorney General’s Office. There is no doubt in my mind that O’Connor has the ability, experience and dedication to be an outstanding district attorney.
O’Connor also is willing to take a hard look at how the office is staffed. Bringing in someone not tied to past policies and problems is the best way to assure positive change. O’Connor also will improve relationships between Sedgwick County and surrounding counties.
DAN DEMING
Reno County commissioner
Hutchinson
Bennett caring, firm
Marc Bennett is the best man for the job of Sedgwick County district attorney, replacing the retiring Nola Foulston. She is a tough act to follow, but Bennett is the one to fill her shoes, so to speak.
Bennett is a compassionate and caring prosecutor, but he is firm when he needs to be. He really believes in what he is doing and takes it all very seriously. He and his office keep victims informed, answering any questions during the sometimes long wait for justice to be served.
Bennett does the best he can to get justice and protect the people he is working for, the most vulnerable. He is very conscious of how everything will affect the victim.
From personal experience, I know he succeeded in sending a perpetrator to prison for life without having any of the children involved testify. Please vote for Marc Bennett for district attorney.
LINDA E. JOHNSON
Wichita
