30-03-2025
General aviation crucial for businesses and communities, but privatization could harm
Since the recent tragic aircraft accident near Washington, D.C., discussions about air traffic control privatization have resurfaced. Although improving aviation safety is vital, privatization could inadvertently shift resources from smaller airports, potentially hurting businesses and communities across Kansas. Maintaining congressional oversight is essential to ensure equitable access and reliable services for all aviation users.
At Berry Companies, headquartered in Wichita since 1957, general aviation is integral to our daily operations. With more than 60 branch locations across nine states, our aircraft enable us to swiftly reach remote suppliers, maintain strong internal communication and quickly respond to business opportunities. General aviation isn't simply a convenience; it's a necessity that allows us to conduct essential customer visits and manage extensive operations effectively.
Congressional oversight of air traffic control helps preserve the critical connections provided by general aviation, keeping Kansas businesses competitive and communities connected. It ensures that air traffic control resources are distributed fairly, maintaining access for smaller airports that are often lifelines for rural and regional economies. Without such oversight, vital services and opportunities could be compromised, making it more challenging for businesses and communities to thrive. Let's continue to protect these vital resources and maintain public accountability of our airspace.
- Walter Berry, President and CEO, Berry Companies, Wichita
Betty Jane Frizzell's May 31, 2023, guest commentary 'Poor, rural women fueling Missouri's prison growth' (8A) was a horrifying glimpse into Missouri's legal system. It concerned a rural, employed single mom who was pulled over by her local sheriff for not using her turn signal. He claimed he saw cannabis and was able to search her car without a warrant. He found none. He did find a plastic bag with methamphetamine dust (zero drugs — only dust). This was her first offense.
Yet she suddenly plummeted through a trap door of rapidly escalating legal fees and imprisonment. I wonder two things:
1) How many affluent-appearing white men have been pulled over for not signaling a turn, let alone been subjected to a search?
2) How could we have better served the self-reported casual meth user as well as the taxpayers? Surely there are more constructive, humane and just ways to apply the law.
The Missouri Department of Corrections reports the state has the fastest-growing female prison population in the U.S. in recent years. Who is benefiting from imprisoning our poor rural women?
- Mary Schultis, Kansas City
MORE2, the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, urges Kansas Citians to vote yes on the Kansas City Public Schools bond request April 8.
KCPS has regained accreditation. Test scores in reading and math are trending up. Graduation rates are at 90%, and enrollment is growing. From all corners, progress is being made.
Funds from this bond request would maintain buildings, put a middle school in the former Southwest High School building, significantly renovate several other buildings, expand Hale Cook Elementary and fund building projects in multiple charter schools.
The KCPS website states its purpose is to 'provide a quality education that prepares all of our students, regardless of background or circumstances, for success in college, career and life.'
To do this, the district must have the resources required to achieve that purpose. If Kansas City truly wants to be world class, the education of its most vulnerable population must be one of its highest priorities. Voting for this bond request is a good start.
Now is the time for the people of Kansas City to show their students that they support the great work being done throughout the district. Vote yes for the bond issue April 8.
- Ron Carter and Jan Parks., MORE2 Education Task Force, Kansas City
President Donald Trump bases his assault on the government and our Constitution on the false claim of a mandate from the American people. He asserts this lie repeatedly, hoping it will be accepted.
He doesn't have a mandate from all the people. He won the election, but fewer than half of the 155 million who voted, more than 78 million, voted against him — hardly a mandate.
Congress best represents the political will of the people. Republicans have only narrow margins in the House and the Senate. This is why Trump relies on executive orders. He knows he doesn't have enough votes in Congress.
Trump has a mandate from his most loyal supporters, but some independent voters and perhaps even some from his base regret voting for him, given the chaos and damage he's caused. He's risked inflation and recession, aligned us with adversaries, set us crossways with our neighbors and allies and put many Americans at risk by destroying institutions and programs.
Instead of making us great again, Trump is isolating us and making the rest of the free world view us negatively. Autocrats, of course, think we're great.
- Mike Souder, Prairie Village
