[Readers’ forum] Otto is the one

opinions

July 30, 2010 - 12:00 AM

I’ve always been of the opinion that in general, what’s good for Kansas businesses is good for Kan-sas residents. Until recent years the same could be said for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber used to conduct listening tours prior to the beginning of each legislative session. They would float the Chamber’s position, which had been developed through committees to the general membership in each region of the state. They would poll the membership and refine their position before submitting their legislative agenda to the board for approval.
It appears that the state Chamber has been taken over by a few special interest groups with an agenda that is questionable in my mind, and has alienated many of its present and former members. The majority of these special interest groups have no ties to southeast Kansas.
I harbor no ill feelings toward Bud Sifers, to the contrary, I’ve heard him speak at two tea party rallies, and have the same concerns as he regarding government regulation and spending. However one has to ask why so much effort and money is being put into an election in District 9 by outside interests to defeat incumbent Bill Otto, who has voted the best interests of Kansans knowing he would face a firestorm from the state Chamber this election. As recent anti-Otto campaign ads will attest, Bill hasn’t always voted the way big business and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce would like, but I consider that a testimony to his impartiality.
I know he struggled with the state sales tax issue, and in the end, he voted what his conscience told him was in the best interests of both Kansas businesses and Kansas residents. When I enter the voting booth next Tuesday, I’ll do the same by voting for Bill Otto, and I urge you to do the same.

Walter H. Wulf Jr.
Humboldt, Kan.

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