TOPIC 1: JUDGING JUDGES!
Voters will consider a constitutional amendment this fall dealing with how judges for the Missouri Supreme Court and Appeals Courts are selected.
This is seen by critics as a plan to enhance a governor’s influence.
TOPIC 2: UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Unable to resolve key issues, the Kansas Legislature began another week still debating the budget, a tax plan, and redistricting. The legislature is dominated by Republicans and the governor is a Republican.
TOPIC 3: LGBT BIZ/GAY MARRIAGE
There will soon be a Gay/Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in the Kansas City area. Already, numerous cities have chambers as do ethnic and racial groups. Is there a need for such an organization and how would it differ from the other chambers?
This announcement follows (coincidentally) word that President Obama supports gay marriage, but sees it as a state, not federal issue. We talk about the chamber matter first, then segue into the gay marriage ramifications.
TOPIC 4: FULL HOUSE
After a protracted series of problems, it now appears Union Station, funded in part by the 1996 Bi-State tax, is starting to thrive. For the first time, the facility has been able to lease all its available space.
First question: What’s the principal lesson area leaders can learn from Union Station’s struggles? Mary.
(We can also add to this discussion any other major local story that emerges, including the JO issue in Johnson County.)
