EDITOR:
The past few Landmark editions presented compelling commentaries greatly worthy of serious consideration regarding the financial implications of a proposed new jail for Platte County.
There is, however, a consideration, separate from the voters’ considerations on those financial implications and propriety of the new jail on the ballot. Namely, if the present jail system is as dire as the proponents of the ballot state, and a new jail structure does not happen, there’s the distinct possibility of the unelected structure of the federal courts imposing upon the Platte County taxpayers the burden of a new jail.
Is this a sure thing? No, not necessarily. Nor is it necessarily safe to assume it won’t happen.
Recall the Kansas City School District case some decades ago?
There, the judicial system determined and court-mandated adjustments were imposed on the District. The result was voices of other than teachers [in my opinion] having undue influence. Lawyers were paid prodigious [again in my opinion] fees. And, continuing in my opinion, the results were of profound disappointment to the educational advancement of the district’s kids.
Is the story of the school district south of the Missouri River now a model for possibilities on the matter of a jail north of that river? Time will tell.
But, the words “consent decree” could echo when checks for Platte County property taxes are written over many year ends to come. Again, time will tell.
--Ron Thiewes
Kansas City in
Clay County
