Letters for Aug. 31, 2015

Letters for Aug. 31, 2015

Bettejo a beautiful voice for Dr. Sims memories

I’m sure everyone is missing the very talented and lovely Dr. Scott Sims. Thank you TGI for your continuing coverage and a special thanks to Bettejo Dux (Other Voices, TGI, Aug. 27) for your always unique musings about Dr. Sims and “Aristotle.” Whenever I read something Bettejo writes, it’s a special moment away from the current world dramas going on and worry about our disastrous weather. Bettejo, please give us more of your unique stories.

Karen Navratil

Kapaa

Don’t be too proud to listen to citizens

In his Aug. 21 editorial “Legality of legislation needs to be scrutinized better,” Walter Lewis continues his fine common-sense opinions of what this county needs to do to solve their problems.

The frustration that Mr. Lewis and many others continue to have is that no one in authority seems interested in listening to or at least trying some of his suggestions.

There are so many fine issues and suggestions in these Forum letters by our citizens. But because Mr. Lewis spent his career as a lawyer he has the advantage of not only offering corrections to our problems but knowing the legality of them and whether or not they can be passed.

In his latest column he delves into three hot-button, controversial subjects that have been ongoing with the public: GMOs and pesticides, barking dogs and a change to a county manager form of government.

And his advice, learned and legal makes so much sense. He advises, “The council should establish a procedure that would compel prior to its first reading for any proposed bill to receive legal review and a staff examination of potential issues.”

As he notes, our council as well as our administration often acts before considering all of the consequences and this “ready, fire, aim” mode frequently creates animosity and divisiveness in the community. The smoke bill was a great example.

Why are those in power so afraid of taking advice from people like Walter Lewis? They pay consultants hundreds of thousands of dollars for their advice (with little proof that the money gets results) but ignore sensible pro bono advice.

Are Kauai leaders so afraid to take ideas from our citizens that could work better than the status quo because it shows their possible incompetence and failure of the political system that they cling to?

We need open-minded elected officials whose No. 1 priority is representing the welfare of the people who put them in office.

People who will listen to Walter Lewis and help get us a new county manager form of government.

Glenn Mickens

Kapaa