Letters To Editor
One-party state isn’t a democracy
Dear Editor, A one-party state is not a democracy. Especially when that one party is hell bent on consolidating their power to oppress their own constituents. It is the calling card of undemocratic regimes and it creates chaos. As I write this, it’s nearly the 4th week of the Missouri session and chaos is already…
Read MoreLetter to the Editor: Editorial response
Dear Editor: In this age of data mining, the last place citizens should be concerned about their personal data being online is from their own county government. Missouri citizens are required by law to report personal property and pay taxes. But our county officials are NOT required by law to publish those records online. Personal…
Read MoreForum Editorial: Weekend conservation shows the importance of new plant
There we all were, just minding our own business (well, most of us, anyway), when we were told to conserve water. There’s nothing quite like a crisis involving something we use every day and take for granted to really throw a wrench in things. Luckily, because of quick action by city of Maryville staff, users…
Read MoreShop locally county commission
How often do we hear, especially this time of the year, to shop locally, spend our dollars in our own community to enhance tax revenue, keep our employment up, and support our local businesses that pay a wide variety of taxes in the community. I believe that our county commissioners should “practice what they preach.”…
Read MoreReply to ‘A Word from Woehlk’
I want to offer my sincere Thank You to Geoffrey for writing his Opinion titled “County voters should seek to share responsibility for major projects”. Much of my professional working experiences have revolved around this similar approach of shared effort and shared responsibility. I do hope that others interested in the success of the three…
Read MoreLetter to the Editor: Taxpayers deserve better
Dear Editor, Earlier this year, Missouri homeowners received their reassessment notices on the value of their property. For many homeowners, the new values were quite a shock. In Jackson County, for example, the average assessment increase was 30 percent. Missouri’s Hancock Amendment is supposed to require tax rate rollbacks as assessed values increase. Reassessment is…
Read MoreWhat are the polls saying?
Many national polls show a majority of voters are dissatisfied with several Republican actions, especially on abortion, book banning, protecting LGBTQ+ rights and the defense of Donald Trump despite having no access to evidence, I wonder if they foresee problems in the 2024 elections? Probably not in Missouri. Our congressional representatives seem safe no matter…
Read MoreA memory of Phillips Hall
Upon my arrival to Maryville as an 18-year-old freshman from New Jersey in September of 1968, Wilson Hall was my first home. At that time the two air-conditioned high rise dorms, Phillips and Franken, were reserved for upperclassmen and women. Freshmen were banished to the lesser non air-conditioned ones. Girls occupied Hudson, Perrin, and Roberta…
Read MoreA conversation on the death penalty
I’d like to start a conversation about the death penalty. If anyone is interested, please join in. Today, July 2, is a good day to start this discussion, because today is the anniversary of the day the Declaration of Independence was signed Many of us know this bit by heart: “We hold these truths to…
Read MoreLetter to the Editor: Mozingo trails recommended
For those who enjoy a beautiful, peaceful and easy walk in nature with family or with your dog, I would suggest taking advantage of the walking trail at Mozingo below the spillway off US136. There are two parking lots to access it from either end just off the highway. It is well maintained by the…
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