The latest SurveyUSA poll regarding Wichita’s water fluoridation ballot vote found the proponents’ side still leading but uncertainty growing. In the poll of 549 likely voters last week, 47 percent said they planned to vote “yes,” compared with 35 percent who said they’d vote “no” and 18 percent who weren’t certain how they’d vote. In late September’s poll, also sponsored by KWCH, Channel 12, 46 percent were “yes” voters, with 40 percent planning to vote “no” and 14 percent undecided. In August, 62 percent of Wichitans polled said they would vote for adding fluoride, with 31 percent against and 7 percent undecided. Those looking for more debate on the issue will get it this week, when the Sedgwick County Commission hears from speakers at its Wednesday meeting and KPTS, Channel 8, airs a debate from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. The League of Women Voters also will hold a forum on fluoridation at noon Oct. 23 at the Central Library.
Whatever the reason, it’s a serious concern that the number of absentee ballots requested by military service members is much lower this year than in 2008. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., brought welcome attention to the issue last week, accusing the Defense Department of failing to adequately assist service members in voting. “The Department of Defense has an obligation under federal law to assist those voting on military installations overseas. No effort should be spared to make certain the men and women serving our country in uniform – and the families by their side – can exercise their right to choose the leaders responsible for sending them into harm’s way in defense of our democracy,” Moran said in a statement. According to an August inspector general’s report, the Pentagon hadn’t set up on-base voter-assistance offices, as required by the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act of 2009.
Though he officially started on the job on July 1, and unofficially began before then, congratulations to John Bardo on being inaugurated Friday as president of Wichita State University. Bardo has been a whirlwind of activity since returning to Wichita (he taught at WSU from 1976 to 1983). His goals for the university include increasing student enrollment, building a new residence hall in the center of campus, expanding research, turning more research into products in the marketplace, and improving the quality of student experience.
“Congratulations Paul. Well done. You were respectful & truthful, unlike your opponent who was cranky & rude. Time for leaders w/character.” – Rep. Mike Pompeo (in photo), R-Wichita, on his Pompeo for Congress Twitter account, complimenting Rep. Paul Ryan’s debate performance
“The backwater word is: ‘Do not send too much to make him look like a nut.’” – Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, on how aggressive Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration wants to be in passing anti-abortion legislation next session
“My position is really more apolitical, just trying to be a good insurance regulator. His is more of a political position, and I understand that.” – Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, on Brownback’s unwillingness to have anything to do with the federal health reform law
“When you don’t agree with the facts, then you just label it scare tactics.” – Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, on Republicans’ reaction when Democrats mention the revenue shortfalls forecast because of the governor’s tax cuts
“They do a good job but not that good.” – Rep. Tom Arpke, R-Salina, a Kansas Senate candidate, calling the legislative researchers’ predicted red ink “a red herring”
The latest SurveyUSA poll regarding Wichita’s water fluoridation ballot vote found the proponents’ side still leading but uncertainty growing. In the poll of 549 likely voters last week, 47 percent said they planned to vote “yes,” compared with 35 percent who said they’d vote “no” and 18 percent who weren’t certain how they’d vote. In late September’s poll, also sponsored by KWCH, Channel 12, 46 percent were “yes” voters, with 40 percent planning to vote “no” and 14 percent undecided. In August, 62 percent of Wichitans polled said they would vote for adding fluoride, with 31 percent against and 7 percent undecided. Those looking for more debate on the issue will get it this week, when the Sedgwick County Commission hears from speakers at its Wednesday meeting and KPTS, Channel 8, airs a debate from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. The League of Women Voters also will hold a forum on fluoridation at noon Oct. 23 at the Central Library.
