Letters to the Editor
Ron Estes
So another congressional work week passes and Congressman Estes refused to attend or hold a town hall meeting. Rather Estes chose to meet with a few affable constituents and suture a banana. All within boundaries that would protect him from any discussions with informed constituents.
An after-the-fact newsletter states that Estes was solely involved in some incontrovertible events. First he observed some military exercises at Fort Irwin, California. Second, he met with a few appreciative constituents in his private district office. Third, Estes attended plant tours with aerospace business VIPs. On top of that, he practiced suturing a banana at a Jayhawks Docs Live event. Yet, he couldn’t answer an invitation to attend a town hall meeting sponsored by the Women’s March, nor did he take the time to organize a town hall meeting. (Tele town halls don’t count!)
Mr. Estes, face your fear of informed constituents. If you have nothing to hide, then town hall meetings are in the best interest of your reelection.
Denise O’Leary-Siemer, Wichita
Century II
Citizens, now is the time to contact your city council members about the rehabilitation for the iconic Century II. The Eagle once referred to it as our third Frank Lloyd Wright building, as it was designed by two architects who were trained by him. It is iconic partly because it is round, but that unique shape is being held against it. Architects agree that the interior of Century II can be updated to resolve all the complaints mentioned by those who perform in it.
I understand that the public/private financing study for its renovation/razing will be expected sometime in July. I also understand that the city has guaranteed the art organizations they will not be canceled for a season if Century II were to be renovated. Fortunately, all of our Wichita public high schools have state-of-the-art auditoriums thanks to that last school bond issue Wichita citizens voted for and is now completed. I imagine the universities in our community might also have adequate facilities.
Since the needs of conventioneers and the performing arts are not the same, I suggest that the exhibition hall added to Century II be removed and a new convention center be constructed nearby, perhaps south of the present complex and hotels.
Century II and the now old library are an architecturally significant part of Wichita’s history. They are located next to two other significant structures: The old Carnegie Library and the old City Hall. These four buildings can make a wonderful architectural hub for the city.
Janice Bailey, Wichita
Nonpartisan investigation
What should a president do if a plausible concern arises that a foreign power has surreptitiously influenced his election?
He should insist that there be a nonpartisan investigation into the matter. If that investigation concludes that there has been such influence, he should insist that the congress and the American people decide what should be done, including the possibility that his or her election be vacated.
In addition, if there is a concern that some of his or her staff has colluded with the foreign power, the president should insist there be a thorough investigation, and if some staff members have done so, they should be fired. If their actions were also illegal, they should prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Doing so would be beneficial to the president and to the country.
That our current president has not done so raises a serious question, but the most benign answer to that question is quite simple, our president is a businessman and not a statesman. I hope it is also the correct answer. But I wonder.
Gerald H. Paske, Wichita
How government works
A recent article on the opinion page states that the public knows about Congressional committee structures, how bills make it to the floor, how amendments are offered and more. Yet a recent survey by a research firm found that over a third of respondents couldn’t even name Congress as a primary branch of the federal government. I think the article’s author doesn’t understand what ordinary citizens, who might be voters, don’t understand about how the government in Washington works.
Harry R.Clements, Wichita
Letters to the Editor
Include your full name, home address and phone number for verification purposes. All letters are edited for clarity and length; 200 words or fewer are best. Letters may be published in any format and become the property of The Eagle.
Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Wichita Eagle, 330 N. Mead, Wichita, KS 67202
E-mail: letters@wichitaeagle.com
Fax: 316-269-6799
This story was originally published June 24, 2017 at 5:01 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor."