To the editor:

Kansas is clearly a “red” state. In any election, a Republican candidate could probably campaign in a swimsuit, speak an unknown language, and still be elected. Within the city of Lawrence, the converse is true. Ironically, the results are the same. Electoral patronage hinders pluralism and encourages hubris and nepotism, benefiting wealthy donors, insiders, friends, and family. Moreover, a city and county can tax, spend, and plea bargain without regard to public opinion, knowing that a majority percentage of affiliated voters will blindly re-elect them anyway.

There is an upcoming city election. It is not affiliation-based. It would be wonderful if turnout were high, with results based on candidate qualifications and not presumed political color.

Mike Warner,

Lawrence