Letters on polite police, Erickson, McGinn, Humphries
Politeness of local police stood out
In the late ’60s and early ’70s, I was young, unmarried, living in different states, working at various jobs and living from paycheck to paycheck. I didn’t have enough money to keep my car in the best shape.
As you might imagine, I was stopped often by the police. It didn’t help that I had fairly long hair then.
In all my dealings with police officers, I noticed a degree of bullying that seemed constant. Except for one notable occasion.
I was driving to Wichita and passed through Maize. I got pulled over for failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. What astounded me was that the officer addressed me as “sir.” He was courteous and professional. I had never been treated that way by a policeman.
That incident is one of the main reasons I now live in Sedgwick County. In my eyes, the training our local police force receives must be pretty good. So I am not at all surprised that Wichita police officers and the Black Lives Matter people were able to come together without violence and without a lot of name-calling (July 18 Eagle).
Here’s hoping their dialogue can lead to mutual goodwill and resolutions of problems that arise.
Don Betzen, Mount Hope
Trust Erickson
Elections bring us the opportunity for positive change. Renee Erickson is definitely worthy of your vote in Kansas Senate District 31.
My husband and I have been educators in Kansas for years, so we are definitely concerned about the state of education in Kansas. I trust Erickson to make choices that are good for Kansas education. She loves students and teachers and wants to see them succeed, and will work to help that happen.
Erickson is also fiscally responsible and will make good decisions regarding taxes and state finance. She supports upholding the Constitution. She proudly supports Second Amendment rights. What I appreciate most is her strong work ethic and integrity that is the hallmark of all she does.
A vote for Renee Erickson is a vote for what is good and right for Kansas.
Julie S. Diepenbrock, Moundridge
McGinn clear choice
An ugly smear campaign against Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, is underway in Kansas Senate District 31. Funded generously by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce-backed Main Street Kansas political action committee, glossy mailers oddly proclaim McGinn a liberal. Nonsense.
McGinn’s conservative credentials are impeccable. She’s pro-life, a Second Amendment advocate, has voted against tax increases, and has worked diligently to fairly and responsibly fund Kansas schools. In short, McGinn is a thoughtful conservative who will work with colleagues across the aisle to craft politically balanced policy; that’s not liberal, just good government.
As a longtime and well-paid public school employee, Renee Erickson, McGinn’s opponent, has a curious ambivalence toward her profession. Supported by the anti-public school Kansas Chamber, she feels that Kansas schools are sufficiently funded, and has opposed efforts by school districts to seek redress through the courts. As a Newton school board member, she has been difficult to work with. Her unwillingness to compromise is a product of her rigid conservative beliefs, a behavior that is ill-suited for a legislator. A diverse district deserves a representative who will listen and not dictate.
Carolyn McGinn is the clear choice.
Timothy Adams, North Newton
Humphries excellent
On Aug. 2, Susan Humphries will stand for election in Kansas House District 99, where I live. I’ve known Humphries for more than 20 years. I have also had the privilege to serve under her leadership as an assistant cheerleading coach at Trinity Academy. I have the utmost respect for her focus on excellence, her integrity and her winsome but direct style. I believe she would be an excellent state representative.
As a full-time mother of four and a part-time coach, I am deeply committed to outstanding education experiences. I know that Kansas public school funding will involve contentious debate in the upcoming session. Humphries’ personality and collaborative approach will be ideal to represent District 99 constituents.
I commend Susan Humphries to voters.
Kathy Morris, Wichita
Letters deadline
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This story was originally published July 27, 2016 at 12:04 AM with the headline "Letters on polite police, Erickson, McGinn, Humphries."