Letter to the Editor (June 13)
Youth programs
I really enjoyed the article featuring Beni Santibanez on the cover. He is by far one of the most talented communicators in the Northend. This article is also a call to action. City leaders need to galvanize tangible resources behind efforts like this. I don’t mean hiring more investigators or adding to the bureaucracy of government. Get the funding down to the ground level where real change can occur.
Research shows that successful youth intervention programs provide social support as well as purpose fulfillment. As the Homeboy Industries puts it: Nothing stops a bullet like a job! There are many groups already working at the ground level that need backup from the city. City Life gives at-risk juveniles work experience and life skills. They follow a proven model from big cities that should be better nurtured.
Heath Duncan has got it right with his altruistic entrepreneurship of 2nd Chance Industries. These fresh-start initiatives work well across the country yet they are hidden recipes and need to be embraced. Perhaps once Brandon Johnson is elected he will find ways to refund youth employment programs. Until then we will continue to hear back stories like Beni’s in neighborhoods across Kansas.
Carlos Contreras, Wichita
Road construction
The City of Wichita should be proud of the “patch” jobs on Woodlawn near Central. It looks like half of the street is done. Traffic is now going on the west side of the street - I would definitely not think this half of the street is finished. I, along with many others, (I am sure) are not happy with the “finished” product (west side of street). Already pot holes are showing up - again. In addition to the pot holes, there are lots of “speed bumps.” Smooth driving is definitely out of the question. Driving on this busy street is far from being perfect. If I were grading the first half of the job, I would give it a D-. Now for the second part (east side) - waiting for the end results. Final grade to be determined. Apparently, the city of Wichita is not addressing the drainage problem primarily between Ninth and 10th (a span of several blocks) - what a shame.
By the way, the speed limit on the street should definitely be reduced, not the norm of 35 mph (more by lots of drivers). Where are the signs telling you to “slow down, construction ahead?” It’s a danger to all concerned (drivers, pedestrians and workers).
Linda Schnedler, Wichita
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This story was originally published June 13, 2017 at 5:03 AM with the headline "Letter to the Editor (June 13)."