Month: February 2012
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Who has the economic power?
Though there is often much focus on the richest private individuals in the United States, the U.S. Congress actually has far more economic power.
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‘Occupy Koch town’ ignores the facts
As director of corporate communication for Koch industries, I’ve read and heard much about this company and its shareholders that is dishonest, distorted and derogatory. And while we continue to try to bat down the falsehoods, as quickly as we quash one, another rears its ugly head. As Winston Churchill once said, “A lie gets…
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Sedgwick County Commissioner to present on sustainable development
Sedgwick County Commissioner Richard Ranzau will deliver a talk on the topic of sustainable development.
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Occupy Koch Town protestors ignore facts
Occupy Koch Town protesters show no concern for facts or reason in their politically-motivated attack on Koch Industries, capitalism, and human progress.
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Wichita Downtown Development Corporation shouldn’t campaign
Campaign activity by the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation appears to be contrary to several opinions issued by Kansas Attorneys General regarding the use of public funds in elections.
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On Streeter and Anderson
This morning I appeared on the “Streeter and Anderson” program on The Big Talker: 1480 KQAM Wichita. I covered the STAR bond project in Wichita, the special election on February 28th regarding the Ambassador Hotel, and the new home purchase tax rebate program. All in ten minutes.
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Wichita Intrust Bank Arena profit, in perspective
When evaluating information released by Sedgwick County regarding the financial performance of Intrust Bank Arena, citizens need to look beyond the presentations made to commission members. Important facts are available, but not presented to commissioners and the public.
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Wichita convention business
Is the pursuit of convention business in Wichita at great expense to citizens a wise course for economic development?
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Kansas education data collected but not shared to inform policymaking
Would you purchase a refrigerator without comparing models and reading reviews? How about buying a car without a test drive or a home without an inspection? If you’re a taxpayer or parent of a school-age child in Kansas, that’s what your elected representatives have done with public education that spends more than half of the…
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Fact checking Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer
Last week Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer appeared on the KPTS Television public affairs program Impact to discuss his recent State of the City Address for 2012. While the mayor didn’t say much that is factually incorrect, examining some of his statement in a larger context is a valuable exercise.
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Wichita HOME program has negative consequences
The Wichita City Council will consider a program designed to boost the sale of newly-constructed homes. While this program was undoubtedly developed with good intentions, government intervention almost always has many other effects other than the desired effect. Unfortunately, many of these unintended consequences have a negative impact, often far exceeding the good that the…
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An ill wind blows in Kansas: The politics of renewable energy
Kansas Representative Charlotte O’Hara, who represents Kansas House District 27 in southern Johnson County, offers a look at the politics surrounding wind power in Kansas.