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Letters
CONSERVATIVELY SPEAKING
Although I don’t often agree with Jack Cashill’s
views, his observations about the "moderate" Republicans in
Kansas were right on the mark (Between the Lines, "Misunderstanding
Kansas," May issue).
The old political adage that "you can’t beat something with
nothing" could not be more apt for this group. Paternalistic and
almost comically incestuous, the moderate political organization depends
mostly on endorsing each other, supporting public money for themselves
and their friends, and demonizing the "conservatives," who consist
of anyone who isn’t part of this insider crowd. Bereft of ideas and
public purpose, they regularly get stomped in the primaries. But why would
anyone vote for them?
The mess in Kansas has taken place with Republican moderates in the governor’s
office and in every major leadership position in the legislature. And
we constantly hear that everything would be fine if only the conservatives,
rural legislators and Democrats would just do as they’re told.
Kansas Democrats may be a weak minority, but at least occasionally some
of them stand for something.
William L. Kostar
Mayor of Westwood
FORTY UNDER
FORTY
RAINMAKERS
Congratulations for bringing together yet another outstanding
group of 40 of Kansas City’s finest young leaders (Forty Under Forty,
April ‘02). While all these young people are deserving of such recognition,
I find particular interest in learning about the people who are creating
new businesses in our area and new jobs and opportunities with them.
Names like Chad Boeger, Gregory Gragg, Laurence R. Jones and Edward Nelson,
to name just a few, have all resisted the temptation of the corporate
"comfort zone" and stepped up to the plate to take their chance
to create Kansas City’s next Sprint, Marion Labs or Black & Veatch.
While every member of this year’s Forty Under Forty deserves the
recognition, as an entrepreneur, I know that these creators of business
deserve to be singled out for their courage and originality.
The individuals are excellent representatives of the true spirit of Kansas
City”
Brad Justice,
KANSAS CITY REMINISCING
Last night
I read Ingram’s from cover to cover and enjoyed it. I have appreciated
receiving your magazine through the years. I have also passed issues on
to others interested in K.C.
As I am reaching my 80s, my interest is in the country now. I miss Kansas
City, but it is not the K.C. I remember and enjoyed in my earlier years—there
always is progress! The downtown shopping area is not the same even to
drive through the familiar streets I once walked.
God bless you for allowing me to write. Thanks again for the enjoyable
years with Ingram’s.
Arisa Newland
Newland Statuary
GOLF COURSE ETIQUETTE
I would like to thank Ingram’s Magazine for your
gracious contribution to my kids’ golf program. (Corporate Care,
"Hitting the LINCs," May issue). I don’t think I could
have a more quality support factor than your magazine.
On behalf of the kids and the Woodland School, and all the other schools
that I represent, thank you for a splendid job.
Ernie Ingram,
Golf Instructor
DAZED WITH DYSFUNCTION
I read with great interest
Ingram’s industry focus on the Kansas City School District in the
May issue. Of the many articles and news reports I’ve followed over
the years, I’ve never read such a comprehensive report on the dysfunctional
conditions within the school district, and how lackluster test scores
prevail despite the many efforts to improve them. I wonder if this will
(or can) ever change? On a favorable note, it appears there might be progress
on the horizon, but I’ll hold that judgement until we see gaugeable
results in student test scores and restored stability among teachers and
administration.
When I first read this report, I assumed the participants served on the
school board. While I understand all of these folks did not, I might pose
the question... "Should they?"
I want to commend these participants and Ingram’s for venturing beyond
the comfort zone and tackling perhaps KC’s most significant issue.
We’ve been plagued by this little problem for years. I only hope
that it’s not too late to fix this mess.
Susan Wilson,
A Concerned Citizen
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