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- Remove politics, and redistricting map falls in line May 27, 2012 · 54 comments
- National group seeks repeal of 'Stand Your Ground' law in Kansas May 27, 2012 · 166 comments
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012 · 277 comments
- U.S. military sees new appreciation May 28, 2012 · 47 comments
- Sound Off: How much does the city’s transit system collect in fares compared with how much it costs May 27, 2012 · 137 comments
- Tax gamble May 26, 2012 · 95 comments
- God, marriage May 25, 2012 · 200 comments
- On the street: How did you spend your Memorial Day? May 28, 2012 · 37 comments
- Brownback tells federal judicial panel to toss legislative redistricting maps May 29, 2012 · 7 comments
- Brownback signs bill blocking use of Islamic law May 25, 2012 · 256 comments
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012
- Thread of pain ran through Jackson’s career June 28, 2009
- Friends mourn Lynn Bretz, former voice of KU May 28, 2012
- Hilltop executive director Pat Pisani stepping down May 28, 2012
- Town Talk: UPDATE: Frank Male files for county commission; keep an ear open for local sales tax talk; city hires new city engineer; wholesale water district buys land near Kaw; weekly land transfers May 29, 2012
- KU ace Duncan proves value May 23, 2012
- How to help: Guides needed for Lamplight Tour of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park May 27, 2012
- Disciplinary action taken against Haskell employees after investigation of student-athlete test scores May 15, 2012
- City, county mull upgrade to emergency radio system May 28, 2012
- Experts: Remedial college classes need fixing May 28, 2012
A Kansas town looks across a border and wonders, why not us?
Back in the 1970's, the El Dorado school district put chat all over the elementary school playgrounds. My, how times have changed! I remember how that stuff always left a fine, white powder on your hands and clothing. I guess they didn't know it was dangerous -- or didn't care. It was probably cheap.
March 22, 2007 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Driver in bus accident not licensed
Violation of a statute, rule, or ordinance is a factor in proving a negligence case, but it is by no means the only one. Is the driver's record newsworthy? You bet! Props to the best newspaper in Kansas for printing the truth.
Bob Pottroff used to be city prosecutor in Manhattan. When he was in that position, he wouldn't cut anybody any slack. Big piles of snow in every available off-street parking space? That didn't matter to "Law-'n'-Order" Bob who refused to dismiss a ticket I got for parking in the street without a permit. It has been at least 20 years ago, but I still remember.
Now, Pottroff must explain why he apparently failed to make any investigation whatsoever into the driving history of the person he entrusted with the lives of passengers on the Cat Tracker. He told the Manhattan Mercury that he didn't know anything about Simonsson's driving record. Sorry, Bob, but -- like my excuse about the parking violation -- your excuse is just not good enough.
A reasonable person who allows another to operate his commercial vehicle asks the driver to provide a copy of his driving record BEFORE allowing that individual behind the wheel. Check with any delivery service, trucking company, or taxi service and they'll tell you the same thing. Pottroff is an attorney and a former prosecutor who dealt extensively with Kansas traffic laws for many years. He should have known better.
This was a horrible, preventable tragedy that was likely the fault of more than one individual. I'm sorry for the victims and their families, but insofar as Bob Pottroff is concerned, well, you get what you give.
November 29, 2006 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )