Letters on listening, life jackets, Alessi, Peterjohn, Tabor
Listen to opposing perspectives
In 1968, Americans were angry, divided and entrenched. We talked and yelled at each other; few listened to the “other side.” Beloved people, leaders, were murdered. Everyone was wounded, and America has never recovered fully.
Americans again have retreated to their emotional corners and have barricaded the door. No facts, no new information gets in, but occasionally something ugly oozes out. We demonize those whose opinions differ from our own. That has never been effective. It’s just myopic.
Those pro and con, regardless of the issue, have to start listening. We must start listening (which is not the same as hearing) to those with an opposing or confusing perspective. If you think 1968 can’t happen again: It can. It may.
Anita Kirkpatrick, Kingman
Wear life jackets
At our recent board meeting, the members of the Arkansas River Coalition reflected on the tragic accident of Brian Bergkamp with a group of kayakers (July 10 Eagle). Getting on the Arkansas River in flood or near flood stage is dangerous even with life jackets. It can be extremely dangerous around dams and floating debris. We demand all floaters wear life jackets on our trips, and our experienced float guides carry throw ropes to use in an emergency.
The Ark River Coalition wishes to express our condolences to Bergkamp’s family and friends.
For more information about the coalition and our long history of promoting safe river adventures, please visit our website, arkrivercoalition.org.
Hoyt Hillman, Wichita
Vote for Alessi
We support the election of Jeremy Alessi for the Kansas House, District 87, in the Republican primary. Alessi is a lifelong Republican and a commonsense conservative. He is a strong family man, married for 17 years. He is the proud father of three daughters, two of whom are students in USD 259 schools. He desires the highest outcomes for quality education and will work to solve school funding issues. He is guided by a strong faith in God and traditional Kansas values.
Alessi is active in his church and has served on city and county boards. He is pro-life and has been endorsed by Kansans for Life. He will fight to limit the growth of state government, government spending and taxes.
Alessi is the successful managing partner of a wealth management firm. He is concerned about fiscal responsibility as well as overbearing government regulations and taxes, and he will fight to reduce them. He has been endorsed by retiring District 87 Rep. Mark Kahrs. Alessi is the only true conservative in the race.
Please join us in voting for Jeremy Alessi.
Pete and Kathy Hanas, Wichita
Support Peterjohn
As a taxpayer in Sedgwick County, I am proud to support Karl Peterjohn in his re-election campaign for County Commission. Peterjohn has been a committed fighter for smaller government and lower taxes.
Peterjohn has been a staunch advocate of responsible spending. He supports the idea that all tax hikes should be voted on by the public and not only by county commissioners. This curbs wasteful spending and the cronyism that often accompanies local politics.
Peterjohn led the effort to open the county’s checkbook for review and input by the public. This was an important step in county transparency.
Peterjohn was a budget analyst for Ronald Reagan in California. He has brought those conservative, free-market, fiscally responsible principles with him every day to his job as a county commissioner.
I look forward to casting a vote once again for Karl Peterjohn, and I encourage all of my friends to do the same if they do not want to see their taxes go up.
Joshua Shorter, Wichita
Tabor the right vote
I am writing today in support of Troy Tabor in the GOP primary election for District 16 of the Kansas Senate. Tabor would be a welcome replacement for the very disappointing Sen. Ty Masterson, R-Andover.
Tabor will bring a fresh mindset in an effort to right the course of the state of Kansas – one not in lockstep with the failed policies of Gov. Sam Brownback. If you are considering a vote for Masterson, remember he was the guy on vacation during part of the extended session of 2015 when the budget was being hammered out.
Vote Troy Tabor for a new beginning.
Vernon Jones, Wichita
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This story was originally published July 19, 2016 at 12:03 AM with the headline "Letters on listening, life jackets, Alessi, Peterjohn, Tabor."