LTE: Chief Rick Smith was great

I want to commend Michael Bushnell for his recent article taking a stance on behalf of former Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith. Chief Smith is one of the good guys and he’s been a very effective leader who has done an extraordinary job in arguably the most challenging time in law enforcement in decades.

Losing a leader of his caliber only exacerbates the leadership vacuum sucking the life out of this city, and it goes well beyond the police department.

As readers and even regional journalists, perhaps we give too much attention discussing The Kansas City Star and the “woke” editorial judgments that have contributed to the cratering of its readership. It’s well on its way to irrelevancy as a news medium in this region. Perhaps a buyer could step in to salvage things, but it would have to be a local source. If a large, distant newspaper chain were to step up and buy it, expect the same pathetic performance. As I told the current owner and operator, this city deserves a much better newspaper.

Just as dispiriting as the loss of a once-proud source of news has been, Kansas City suffers from a dysfunctional City Council and municipal government. I’m not sure what they think the KCPD will look like in the future, but this year alone, retirements on the force are close to four dozen, far outpacing the norm. This, I believe, has to do with loyal team members leaving concurrently with Chief Smith’s retirement, and the administration’s failure to support the KCPD.

If we thought we had issues during the civil unrest of 2020 and that first year of the pandemic, wait and see the erosion of staff, morale and effective policing if we can’t find a successor who can match Rick Smith’s commitment.

Here’s an example of life as it exists in Kansas City right now, and a measure of what Chief Smith, the KCPD, and law-abiding residents have been up against. On Sunday night, while working at our Freighthouse District office, the window of my truck was smashed. My wallet, tools and more was stolen. We quickly and thoroughly networked to locate where my credit cards were being used, and have obtained the cooperation of several retailers to share their high-definition videos.

I believe we have the evidence needed to apprehend and convict these pests. We intend to catch the bad guys and to prosecute. We’ve been victimized before, including the thefts of four—four!—Ford Super Duty trucks over the past seven years. Before Smith became chief, the response from the police to other incidents could best be described as indifference. Big change on his watch. I pray to God that we’ll not see a return to complacency within the department.

This city deserves a great newspaper. It also deserves a great police chief, and a responsible and trustworthy mayor and members of the City Council. I’m genuinely worried about what Kansas City looks like in the future, under the irresponsible control of those who think social justice can’t be achieved without tearing down our societal pillars.

Respectfully,
Joe Sweeney
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher
Ingram’s Magazine
JSweeney@Ingrams.com

Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!
Enter your email address and click on the Get Instant Access button.
We respect your privacy

Comments are closed.

  • Movie Review of ‘Nelly Don: The Musical Movie’

    September 29th, 2023
    by

    By Dorri Partain, Contributor Opening at select art theaters across Kansas City on Friday, September 29, Nelly Don, The Musical […]


    I-35 shutdown due to cattle truck, SUV collission

    September 28th, 2023
    by

    If you are southbound on interstate 35 this morning headed for downtown, you may want to find an alternate route. […]


    Record numbers turn out for John V. Mesh Scholarship Fundraiser

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Michael Bushnell Publisher Over 200 shooters turned out on a stormy Saturday morning at Powder Creek Shooting Park in Lenexa, Kan., […]


    Nelly Don: The Musical debuts for local viewing

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Dorri Partain Contributor A new, locally filmed production, “Nelly Don: The Musical” recounts the life of Nell Donnelly Reed, who found […]


    Mattie Rhodes opens health clinic to serve Jackson County’s Latinos population

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover  Managing Editor Last Friday, Mattie Rhodes Center announced the grand opening of its health clinic that will provide […]


    Developers break ground on Columbus Park Townhomes

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover Managing EditorMichael BushnellPublisher Developers broke ground on the long-awaited Columbus Park Townhomes project on Pacific Street Friday morning, […]


    Book Review: Mafia Dreams by Frank Hayde

    September 27th, 2023
    by

    Michael Bushnell Publisher As an amateur Kansas City historian, pretty much any book that offers a glimpse into the city’s past […]


    Scarritt School repurposing conversation continues

    September 21st, 2023
    by

    On Thursday, Sept. 21, Kansas City Public Schools’ (KCPS) Repurposing Initiative staff sent a message updating the community on the […]


    Bally’s Kansas City casino expansion opens

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover  Managing Editor Bally’s Kansas City officially opened its land-based property expansion in the East Bottoms on Friday. The […]


  • Truman Road pawn shop owner sentenced for $744,000 scheme to sell stolen items online

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Criminal Conspiracy Profited Most During COVID Pandemic Abby Hoover  Managing Editor The owner of a Kansas City, Mo., pawn shop […]


    Families who rely on interpreters find Kansas City area schools can come up short

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Federal law requires that schools provide interpretation for families. But technology glitches, tight budgets and staffing issues can pose barriers […]


    Familias  recurren a intérpretes consideran que las escuelas del área de Kansas City se quedan cortas

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Ley federal requiere que escuelas ofrezcan interpretación a familias. Pero fallas de tecnología, presupuestos ajustados, y escasez de personal imponen […]


    Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center hosts KC Police Chief Stacey Graves for community conversation

    September 20th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover  Managing Editor Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center (SURHC) on Euclid hosted Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) Chief Stacey […]


    Secretario de Educación, Congresista Cleaver, visitan Mattie Rhodes Center para promover la participación de padres 

    September 14th, 2023
    by

    Escrito por Abby Hoover, directora editorial Traducción por Daisy Garcia Montoya, reportera de educación Mattie Rhodes Center en Northeast Kansas City […]


    Secretary of Education, Congressman Cleaver visit Mattie Rhodes Center to promote parent engagement

    September 13th, 2023
    by

    Abby Hoover Managing Editor Mattie Rhodes Center in Northeast Kansas City hosted U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05) and U.S. […]


    Festival to highlight urban agriculture and healthy eating

    September 13th, 2023
    by

    Dorri Partain Contributor From sweet and tart to savory, visitors to the 3rd Annual Ground Cherry, Garlic and Good Times […]


    KCU’s Score 1 for Health screens 400 students on Thursday

    September 13th, 2023
    by

    Michael BushnellPublisher Over 400 charter school students from Northeast-based Scuola Vita Nuova (SVN) were guests at the Kansas City University […]


    Kansas City man sentenced for role in multi-million dollar meth distribution ring

    September 6th, 2023
    by

    Michael Bushnell Publisher Trevor Scott Sparks, 34, of Kansas City, a federal prison escapee, was sentenced in Federal Court on Wednesday […]


  • Northeast Newscast


  • Remember This?

    Remember this?

    September 27th, 2023
    by

  • Want articles sent directly to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!
    We respect your privacy and will not distribute your information.