Letter to the Editor:
 
 
As a concerned parent in Grain Valley, I am deeply troubled by an issue that plagues our children and threatens their well-being: the epidemic of bullying and cyberbullying. This pervasive problem extends beyond the schoolyard, infiltrating our homes through the screens of our children’s devices, and it demands immediate action from all of us.
 
Bullying, in its many forms, has always been a challenge for children. However, the rise of technology has introduced a more insidious variant: cyberbullying. This form of harassment can occur 24/7, leaving our children with no refuge from their tormentors. The anonymity of the internet often emboldens bullies, making their attacks more vicious and relentless.
 
In Grain Valley, we are not immune to this issue. Instances of bullying and cyberbullying are alarmingly common in our community, affecting children of all ages. The impact of these behaviors is profound, leading to severe emotional distress, academic struggles, and, in some tragic cases, self-harm or even
suicide. As parents, we must confront this issue head-on to protect our children and ensure their safety.
 
To address this epidemic, we need a comprehensive approach that involves parents, schools, law enforcement, and the community. Open communication is crucial. We must create an environment where our children feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment or retaliation. Regular conversations about their online activities and relationships can help us stay informed and vigilant.
 
Our schools are on the front lines of this battle. They need robust anti-bullying programs that not only address the symptoms but also the underlying causes of bullying. Teachers and staff must be trained to recognize and intervene in bullying situations promptly. Additionally, incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum can help students develop empathy, resilience, and healthy ways to handle conflicts.
 
Law enforcement and local government also have a vital role to play. We need clear policies and consequences for bullying and cyberbullying, communicated effectively to all members of our community. Moreover, providing resources and support for victims is essential for their recovery and well-being.
 
Community involvement is equally important. Grain Valley has always been a tight-knit community, and it’s time to leverage this strength to combat bullying. Organizing workshops, support groups, and awareness campaigns can help educate and unite us against this pressing issue.

In light of these concerns, I fully support the new ordinance introduced by Alderman Brian Bray of Ward III. This ordinance aims to implement stricter measures and provide more resources to address bullying and cyberbullying in our community. I urge all readers to support this initiative. By backing this
ordinance, we are taking a significant step toward creating a safer, more supportive environment for our children.
 
As a parent, I am committed to working with other parents, educators, and community leaders to develop and implement effective strategies to combat bullying and cyberbullying. However, this is a battle that requires the collective effort of every member of our community. Together, we can ensure that Grain Valley remains a place where everyone can thrive.
 
In conclusion, bullying and cyberbullying are serious issues that demand our immediate attention. By fostering open communication, supporting our schools, enforcing strict policies, and engaging the community, we can make significant strides in eradicating these harmful behaviors. Let us all commit to standing up against bullying in all its forms and creating a brighter, safer future for our children. Please join me in supporting Alderman Brian Bray’s ordinance and making a difference in our community. If you are interested in supporting this ordinance or want to learn more about how you can help, please contact me or Alderman Bray.
 
 
Sincerely,
Mykael Winfrey
[email protected]
​Concerned Parent, Grain Valley

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July 15, 2024

Letter to the Editor
Exempting Childcare Facilities from Taxes Is a Bad Idea

On August 6, along with voting in party primaries, Missouri voters are being asked to vote on a constitutional amendment to exempt all childcare facilities outside of homes from property taxes. While we all want more affordable childcare, this proposal is a terrible idea. Any small benefit to families with young children will be more than offset by higher property taxes on everyone else.

Many childcare companies are for-profit businesses. Nonprofit childcare facilities, like those in churches, are already tax exempt. I see no reason why for-profit childcare companies deserve a tax exemption, but for-profit auto repair shops don’t. Yes, childcare is important. So is having a functioning car to safely get to work. The argument that something should be tax exempt because, as the ballot language states, it “would support the well-being of children, families . . . and society,” is essentially meaningless. Nearly anything could be made tax exempt by that logic.
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Furthermore, this proposal does nothing to restrain government spending. Any reductions in the property tax base will result in higher property taxes on other entities that don’t have the special exemption, such as your home, your farm, and other businesses. The overall effect may be small, but it will be real.

The property tax base should be set as wide as possible so that the tax rates can be as low as possible for all taxpayers. Shrinking that tax base does real harm, no matter how sympathetic the cause may be. Missouri voters should keep that in mind when they choose in August.


David Stokes
Director of Municipal Policy
Show-Me Institute   

​Dear Editor:
 
Earlier this year, Missouri homeowners received their reassessment notices on the value of their property. For many homeowners, the new values were quite a shock. In Jackson County, for example, the average assessment increase was 30 percent.
 
Missouri’s Hancock Amendment is supposed to require tax rate rollbacks as assessed values increase. Reassessment is not supposed to be a tax increase. However, the high inflation of last year allows local governments to roll back rates far less than usual, if at all. Columbia announced it was keeping its city tax rate exactly the same, despite an eight-percent average valuation increase in Boone County. Don’t let your county or other local government do the same.

In September, counties throughout Missouri are setting their tax rates for 2023. Many of them are seeing large increases in the assessed valuations within their boundaries. Missouri taxpayers need to demand that their counties—and other taxing districts within certain charter counties—roll back rates to offset the otherwise large property tax hikes people will see later this year. Yes, this means local governments should roll back rates even more than is required by Hancock.
 
Large increases in assessed valuations don’t have to translate to large tax increases, but they will if local officials keep their tax rates the same or lower them by the bare minimum required. High inflation shouldn’t be an excuse to hammer taxpayers with large tax hikes. Taxpayers deserve—and should demand—better treatment from their county officials and other local governments.
 
Sincerely,
 
David Stokes
Director of Municipal Policy
Show-Me Institute
 
5297 Washington Place
St. Louis, MO 63108
314-454-0647

     As a GVHS student myself, I believe that this bond issue is a very important step to improving the lives and opportunities for all students. I myself have been involved in the band program ever since early middle school, and the most recent addition of a new fine arts wing has drastically improved the capabilities of all 180 members of our high school band. I am also aware that this new addition of a gym and field house will again drastically improve the capabilities for not only our national ranking band, but all sports and activities alike. This new addition will allow for much more time coordination abilities between all school activities, improving all relations, and time able to spent practicing or rehearsing.

- Nathan Stokes, Grain Valley