Letters on censoring classes, Kansas teachers, Sam Williams, Jeff Longwell, liquor bill, BTK as employee, price for more guns

Legislature moving toward censorship

I’m a senior at Wichita East High School, and I want to become an English teacher. I plan to attend a state school in the fall. But after hearing word of Senate Bill 56, I’m seriously rethinking that decision (“Bill easing prosecution of educators gets Senate’s OK,” Feb. 25 Eagle).

It seems that the Legislature is slowly moving toward a censored curriculum. Any of the material I’ve learned in high school could be considered “objectionable” simply because it is thought-provoking. It is important that students read books with themes that may challenge certain beliefs/ideals. High school is a crucial time for students to form opinions and participate in social commentary.

Many of the bills and budget cuts that have been passed regarding education during Gov. Sam Brownback’s term have outraged me, but this is the final straw. If this bill is passed, my only option is to move away. I refuse to live in a state where a wholesome education is devalued, and I refuse to teach in a district that takes away children’s right to learn about things that teach them critical-thinking skills.

Damage will extend far beyond curriculum. Fewer students will pursue careers in education, or they will simply move out of the state. SB 56 threatens the long-term sustainability of education in Kansas.

A new low

In some circumstances, a person’s lack of sophistication can be engaging and endearing. However, when the person is an elected official, it is at best disappointing. When the elected official is pushing the equivalent of book burning, it is intolerable (“Kansas House panel considers bill to repeal Common Core,” Feb. 24 Eagle).

I have followed the career of Toni Morrison closely for three decades. She is a brilliant, thoughtful, internationally acclaimed author and also a winner of the Nobel Prize for literature.

To have an unsophisticated state representative refer to her work as pornographic in the context of overseeing our public school curriculum is a new low for Kansas.

Who would teach?

Who would teach in Kansas?

Kansas teachers have not had a meaningful raise since before the Great Recession. They have had their state-mandated tenure and due-process rights stripped by the Legislature. They have had their collective-bargaining rights threatened by legislation. They face large and ongoing budget cuts to the classroom. They are the object of a bill to allow for greater prosecution (and persecution) of teachers daring to put controversial issues before their students. They are the reason that Kansas courts are under assault as Kansas judges assert an independent judgment of what is a “suitable” education. They are a reason that local elections may be moved to the fall, because teachers exert “too much” influence over school board elections.

Who would teach in Kansas?

Kansas teachers who are hardworking and caring. Kansas teachers who strive to give their students the opportunity to reach their potential. Kansas teachers who pay for school supplies out of their own pockets.

I am a retired teacher. I thank God that we are lucky to have these dedicated individuals for our children.

I weep for the future of education in this state.

Support Williams

When a highly competent, experienced person of integrity is willing to run for mayor, I find myself grateful. Neither running for mayor nor serving as mayor is easy. Those who have already had impressive careers typically have other ideas for their time than public service.

Sam Williams has wonderful credentials. Having known him about eight years, I have found him to be community minded. I have observed that he is gracious and respectful in his interaction with others.

Whether the realm is federal, state or local government, business, education, church or the not-for-profit world, leadership always matters. There is a big difference between seasoned servant leaders who want to give back and those who might need either more experience or a job.

Williams is intelligent, responsible and conscientious. Along with The Eagle editorial board and many others, I am pleased to be supporting Sam Williams for mayor of Wichita.

Longwell ready

As a former Wichita City Council member and owner of a small business, I am amused to hear people say they are going to “run the city like a business.” That is impossible.

The skills needed to work effectively in private business and in city government are very different. Business owners can and do make changes by decree; effective mayors must use their powers of persuasion and negotiation to develop a vision for the city and, then, to garner at least three other votes to bring about change.

Jeff Longwell, owner of a successful small business, knows the difference. He has eight years of experience on the City Council and knows the complex government of Wichita well. Over those years he worked with a council majority and the city manager to develop priorities, set policy and effect positive change while engaging citizens in the process. Consequently, Wichita has overcome difficult challenges, remains a healthy and thriving city, and is working to achieve its full potential.

On Tuesday I urge you to vote for Jeff Longwell, who comes with eight years of on-the-job training and is ready to begin work as Wichita’s mayor immediately.

‘No’ to liquor bill

State lawmakers should vote “no” on expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience stores. The cost of alcoholism to our state is enormous. There are rehab and counseling fees, plus the high cost of welfare for addicts unable to hold a job, not to mention the outrageous cost of Medicaid for diseases related to liquor consumption.

Those who wish to purchase liquor and beer may do so now in stores designated for those of legal age to purchase such items.

Children do not need to be exposed to liquor sales while grocery shopping with their parents. These items should not be offered where we are trying to educate our children about healthy eating. Liquor does not build strong bodies and minds.

BTK the employee

BTK was not a model employee. I served 10 years on the Park City Council, and one of my appointed duties was as health officer. I held two hearings involving Dennis Rader. I found in favor of the citizen in both, because BTK had not allowed the proper amount of time to comply with the order. BTK asked me to make an exception, but I would not allow it.

BTK was in my home. I had installed an iron grillwork with a walk-through door over my rear glass sliding door. He went over and really inspected it.

I had received a complaint from a citizen about him following her, but I thought he was using her for bait. She had complained about dogs attacking her when she was out walking her dog.

BTK was having a problem with another employee, and that was going to have to be addressed when he was captured. What justice – the dogcatcher is caught in a trap, and he is never going to be let free.

Price for guns

I am concerned that police will assume that all of us have guns when we are stopped for traffic violations. I fear for our lives and for theirs.

There is a price to pay for more and more guns. I trust myself but not you.

This story was originally published February 28, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Letters on censoring classes, Kansas teachers, Sam Williams, Jeff Longwell, liquor bill, BTK as employee, price for more guns."