Letters on judiciary, Longwell, Williams, Blubaugh, Shorter, Doctors’ Day

State lawmakers blinded by ideology

The Kansas Senate Judiciary Committee has a bill that would subject state Supreme Court justices to impeachment for “attempting to usurp” the Legislature’s authority (March 25 Eagle). That would permit the Legislature to impeach a justice for ruling a legislative action unconstitutional, among other possibilities.

Kansans have elected a crop of legislators who, blinded by an ideological agenda, have no understanding or appreciation of the basic principles of our democracy. Since this nation’s emergence as the first modern democracy, ours has been a system, both federally and within each state, of checks and balances among legislative, executive and judicial branches functioning under a constitution. The judicial branch interprets the laws and rules on their constitutionality. Conservatives and liberals alike rely on this protection of the court.

If the Legislature can impeach justices because the Legislature thinks a justice attempted “to usurp the power of the legislative” branch (code for getting in the way of the Legislature’s unconstitutional actions), we will have destroyed our delicate and time-proven system. The enemy of democracy is us.

Longwell proven

I urge Wichita voters to support Jeff Longwell in the upcoming election for Wichita mayor.

I became acquainted with Longwell when I served as interim city manager for the city of Wichita in 2008. I found him to be a person of integrity and an outstanding public servant. We did not agree on all issues before the city, but he was always open and honest as to where he stood on those issues. I never doubted that he deeply cared for the future of the city.

Longwell has demonstrated leadership in moving the city forward on infrastructure improvements, such as a new airport terminal and public library that support economic growth and enhance the quality of life in our community. At the same time he has supported a substantial increase in resources committed to repairing and maintaining city streets. These improvements have been achieved without any increase in city tax rates.

Longwell has also given extraordinary time and energy to building partnerships with surrounding communities on affordable airfares, a long-term water supply and workforce development, among other issues. Leaders throughout south-central Kansas view Longwell as a reliable ally on measures that enhance regional economic growth.

Longwell offers city voters proven leadership and as Wichita mayor will not require on-the-job training.

Williams unique

Sam Williams has a unique set of experiences and credentials that would make him an outstanding mayor of Wichita. Rarely have we had someone with his broad background willing and able to serve. In fact, he retired from active business to be free to serve our community.

I am also impressed with his rich family commitment to our city. The Williams children and grandchildren have gone to public schools here and have elected to stay here. They are sold on Wichita, as my family is.

Williams can lead Wichita in many ways we have not often seen. He wants to be our cheerleader, and he knows how. He wants to thoroughly understand our $600 million budget, and he knows how to do that, too.

Sometimes it is obvious that Williams has not run for public office before. I find that refreshing. Having run for office is not a substitute for practical experience and personal qualities.

Let us elect Sam Williams as Wichita’s next mayor.

Blubaugh helps

I want to thank and acknowledge Jeff Blubaugh for his hard work and dedication on the Wichita City Council. In 2013 I began to pursue a business venture within Longwell’s District 4 to create a new sports training facility for young men and women.

Fortunately for me, Blubaugh had an open door to listen to my problems and help point me in the right direction for help. With his help I was able to get the property zoned to allow indoor and outdoor sports recreation. He also helped me communicate with the appropriate people in building code enforcement to ensure we got our facility to comply with local building and safety codes.

Without his help, I do not know where we would be now. We have a growing business in south Wichita. I can proudly say I am a Blubaugh supporter. I know he will continue to help the community and make sure the people with a dream are given the support of the City Council.

Shorter needed

I support Josh Shorter for Wichita City Council District 4. Wichita needs a new generation of leaders with a new vision for the city. We need a leader who will represent the needs of the citizens and will push for increased funding on the underfunded core city services.

For too long, the City Council has gotten away with financial handouts. Shorter does not want the City Council deciding who wins or loses through financial incentives.

Wichita is a great city with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and Shorter wants this spirit to continue. We need Shorter, the next generation, on the City Council.

Thank doctors

Our nation established Doctors’ Day on March 30 of each year to recognize and thank our doctors for the care and service they provide to us as individuals and to the communities in which they live and serve.

Physicians in Kansas and throughout the nation deserve our special thanks this year for their steadfast commitment to providing high-quality care to their patients during an era of enormous change and uncertainty as our health care system evolves.

At Via Christi, we are working together with our community physicians – those within Via Christi and those in private practice who work closely with us – to deliver the safest care to you and to partner with you and your family to improve your health. Communities are healthier and stronger when doctors, hospitals, senior services, home care and other community services come together to create convenient access to the care that people want and need.

Throughout Via Christi, physicians are not only providing excellent care but also leading the work to help us create healthier communities, improve access to care and lower the cost of health care. Physicians, nurses and other clinicians – those who care for our patients – are in the best position to help develop new care models that provide better-coordinated care to patients.

As we pause this year to recognize our physicians on Doctors’ Day, let’s also thank them for their leadership, their innovation and their pioneering spirit as they help lead the transformation of health care in Kansas – and throughout the nation.

Letters deadline

Letters to the editor about the April 7 general election must be received by 1 p.m. Thursday to be considered for publication.

This story was originally published March 28, 2015 at 7:03 PM with the headline "Letters on judiciary, Longwell, Williams, Blubaugh, Shorter, Doctors’ Day."