LETTER TO THE EDITOR, James C. Dodge, Liberal

I write in response to the recent letter signed by a group of Kansas attorneys endorsing the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. While supporters portray the measure as an expansion of voter choice, it raises serious concerns about judicial independence and the growing role of politics and money in Kansas courts.

Kansas did not adopt its current merit-selection system by accident. It was created in response to the infamous 1956 “Triple Play,” when a series of political maneuvers allowed former Gov. Fred Hall to obtain a seat on the Kansas Supreme Court after losing a primary election. Public outrage over that episode led voters to establish the Supreme Court Nominating Commission in 1958 to reduce political influence and restore confidence in the judiciary.

L&T Publisher Earl Watt

Some believe since we don’t vote for U.S. Supreme Court justices, we shouldn’t vote in Kansas, either.

Here’s the difference:

The president, nominates a justice, and then the Senate has to confirm the choice. There are 100 U.S. senators.

Both the executive branch and legislative branch have to agree on a legislative appointment.

GUEST COLUMN, Don Scott, Liberal and former Seward County Attorney

I have practiced law in this community for more than 30 years, primarily as your county prosecutor. I have appeared before the Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court close to 100 times. I take this opportunity to share some thoughts on the proposed amendment concerning election of the Kansas Supreme Court justices.

The function of judges and the legislature are very different. Legislators are expected to have and express opinions and positions on views of the day. We are able to select them based on whether their opinions and views coincide with ours.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Susan Lukwago, Liberal

Did you attend the State of the City of Liberal Address and Luncheon last week? I hope so because it was so good. If you missed it, let me tell you a little about it.

First of all, it was very well organized. It was announced and invitations spread far and wide. On the day of the event, everyone was welcome. There was a lovely lunch that was suitable to whatever dietary considerations may be important to you. We were each welcomed and thanked for coming and made to feel special.

The best part though were the presentations. First, Ms Diseker, our City Manager presented the overall state of the City of Liberal with an emphasis on where our funding comes from and where it goes. And the presentation was done in 5th grade English. It was not economics in Latin.