By Sherman Smith | editor-in-chief
Good morning! Columnist Marcel Harmon makes the case for valuing our shared infrastructure, democratic norms and natural resources, and our partners at Stateline are writing about the impact of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down limits on how much money political parties can spend.
Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector
OPINION
For too long, Kansans have deferred maintenance of our shared infrastructure. There’s work to do.
By Marcel Harmon
Buildings and republics are both susceptible to deferred maintenance. The mold that develops from roof leaks addressed only with buckets, the concentration of power among wealthy elites and corporations resulting from unfettered dark money, and the loss of voting rights that comes from passing legislation designed to suppress the vote — these are all examples of how both buildings and democratic institutions deteriorate without proactive care.
Kansas land, water, wildlife, schools, universities, hospitals, courts, government institutions and our right to vote are all part of the commons — they’re all part of the shared infrastructure, democratic norms and natural resources. On Aug. 4 and Nov. 3, voters will make the call on whether to keep deferring that maintenance.
Emma Davis/Maine Morning Star
Political parties boast new clout and cash in midterms thanks to US Supreme Court
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision makes it easier for political parties to put their stamp on the most important campaigns, just as the struggle heats up for control of Congress in the midterm elections.
Simply put, the ruling “gives the parties more money to spend,” said David Kolker, senior counsel at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center.
In a 6-3 decision on June 30, the court struck down limits on how much political parties could spend in coordination with specific candidates.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
5:30 p.m. July 23, Emporia Arts Center. Editor-in-chief Sherman Smith will lead a discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. Host: Kansas Appleseed. Register here.
2 p.m. Sept. 27, Red Rocks Visitor Center in Emporia. Host: Red Rocks.
If you're interested in having us talk in your town, email Sherman Smith at [email protected].
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