Common sense always needed

Sometimes all you can do is play by the rules.

Frankly, I desperately need to comment on the state arbitration board’s ruling about property issues related to the Independence school boundary change. It’s only right. This is one of the city’s biggest news stories ever, and I’ve got a well-documented (and loathed) body of opinions on the subject. Who better to weigh in with a strong thought on the subject than yours truly?

Alas, I can’t. See, one of the rules of my partnership with The Examiner is I can’t talk about the school boundary issue. The reasoning is remarkably simple. I work for the Kansas City, Missouri School District, and that affiliation could give readers the impression that I’m biased about my opinions on the boundary change. The newspaper’s position would be common throughout the journalism industry. Despite the concrete rule, I love the partnership so I’m willing to silence myself. I’ve done everything short of cold-cocking myself to play by the rules.

So, how does one columnist’s dilemma affect you, the reader?

Well, instead of hearing about property rights and lopsided legislation, we’ll explore other local issues such as:

• Fireworks. Speaking of topics with a well-documented track record for yours truly, this is definitely one of them. However, instead of giving you my annual browbeating of Independence for its kind-of, sort-of ban on fireworks, we’ll focus on the kids.

When it comes to fireworks use, employ common sense. If your youngster can’t read above a fourth-grade level, they shouldn’t pop firecrackers or otherwise directly ignite explosive devices. Similarly, any explosive device that includes the prefix “M-” or the phrase “half-stick” isn’t something you want to ignite for fun.

Following the rules above is a problem for the majority of us. However, these rules are important because somewhere on Friday in Eastern Jackson County, some child will be burned because they got careless with a firecracker. Also, someone’s car or other piece of property will be damaged when some overzealous reveler breaks out the M-80s. Please use your brain July 4, be safe and let everyone have a good holiday.

• Light rail. Many folks, including a few of my colleagues, wouldn’t mind a regional light rail line with stops in Eastern Jack. The idea sounds environmentally friendly, futuristic and would help keep EJC connected with the rest of the metro area.

Don’t believe the hype. Maintaining such a system, even with a dedicated sales tax, just isn’t worth it. EJC currently has a pretty efficient way of moving people – it’s called Interstate 70. Further, if you’re looking for mass transit, there’s plenty of service available through Kansas City Area Transportation Authority buses. It doesn’t make sense to provide another mode of transportation when the current bus system isn’t over capacity.

As EJC continues to grow, perhaps one day they’ll be a strong enough need to justify a slick light rail line. Until then let’s just enjoy what we have and, if the spirit and gas prices move you, get on the bus.