Dick Berkley colleague says the former mayor worked tirelessly for Kansas City | Opinion

Selfless servant

I was saddened to read of Dick Berkley’s passing. (Dec. 1, 1A, “Former Kansas City Mayor Richard Berkley dead at 92”) He was a dedicated public servant who understood that the key to success in political office was listening to and responding to the people who elected you. He did this tirelessly both as a councilman and mayor. His is a record of selfless service to the people of Kansas City.

I worked for Dick in 1978 and 1979, first as an intern when he was a city councilman, then as his administrative assistant during his first campaign for mayor. He was as he appeared, a congenial, bright, concerned yet exuberant promoter of Kansas City and its residents.

- Larry P. Bevan, Derwood, Maryland

No ropes, poles

A recent letter writer agreed that cursive handwriting should be taught in schools again. (Dec. 1, 6A) He also suggested several other things should be brought back, including climbing 30-foot poles and ropes in gym class.

I’m old enough to remember climbing those dangerous ropes and poles — and being absolutely terrified. Think of how seriously injured a child could be if he or she fell 30 feet to the hardwood gym floor. I hope this will be one tradition that is not brought back to schools.

- Diane Capps, Kansas City

New party

A Donald Trump-George Santos 2024 ticket might sound ridiculous, but consider this: Trump is the first president to be indicted, and his popularity among his avid fans has soared along with his campaign coffer. He has a commanding 60% approval in recent polling for the GOP primary and leads President Joe Biden in almost every national poll.

If you combine Trump’s and Santos’ federal fraud charges, you have the Fraudulency Party or the No Shame Party, where lying, deceit and vengeance replace propriety, morality and fairness.

Furthermore, there is evidence that the Republicans today do not really believe in rule by the people. You know, democracy. They solidly support an authoritarian man who openly called for Biden votes in Georgia to be thrown out so he could secure the victory.

In 2024, we will no longer be choosing liberal or conservative but rather democracy or autocracy. I pray for our democracy.

- Mike Enright, Lee’s Summit

Royals’ home

Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman and his partners are aggressively seeking a new stadium for their new playground. Plans call for a stadium near downtown on Kansas City’s East Side or across the river in North Kansas City.

Why not build it in the heart of downtown? The best location for a new stadium is on the old Kansas City Star press plant site, just south of the Interstate 670 loop. (Nov. 17, 1B, “Royals analyzing old KC Star press pavilion for stadium site”) Just imagine the T-Mobile Center beyond the right field wall, the downtown skyline above center field and the Power & Light building peaking over the left-field section. What a view, day and night.

The Power & Light District offers many dining and entertainment options, and the center is in need of more revenue to alleviate tax commitments. Other investors and entrepreneurs could provide additional entertainment choices, at no expense to taxpayers.

There is also a plan to build a garden over I-670 between Wyandotte Street and Grand Ave. Why not expand this idea to include a new stadium adjacent?

- Phil Brady, Kansas City