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Yael T. Abouhalkah writes about Kansas City metropolitan issues and his columns are published on Thursday. To reach him, write in care of the Opinion desk at 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108, call (816) 234-4887 or send e-mail to abouhalkah@kcstar.com.

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RECENT COLUMNS

A tete-a-tete with mayor ends without fist bump

Jul 25, 6:53 PM

Sly James was one ticked off mayor at the start of our face-to-face meeting Tuesday afternoon, after I had written about a mailed advertisement supporting the half-cent sales tax increase on the Aug. 7 ballot, then used two words to describe the ad: “shameful” and “deceitful.” The mayor made it clear he was hurt I had questioned his ethics.

Waiting for more details on KC’s sales tax plan

Jul 19, 2:50 AM

Blunt promises have been made in the last year to reform Kansas City government, but the results so far haven’t been nearly as impressive as the rhetoric. That’s why I and many other Kansas Citians are still evaluating whether to support the permanent half-cent sales tax increase Aug. 7.

Tax supporters still must offer a convincing case

Jul 11, 7:18 PM

Just minutes after the All-Star Game ended Tuesday night, I tweeted a thank you to Mayor Sly James for his passionate work on behalf of Kansas City during the recent festivities.

Forget fear of ‘flyover’ curse, I’m proud of KC

Jul 3, 2:43 PM

Kansas City’s tiresome and unnecessary inferiority complex risks wider exposure as the Major League Baseball All-Star Game activities roll out over the next few days.

‘Run for your life’ works, but just don’t overdo it

Jun 30, 6:25 PM

Unless I drop dead on my planned eight-mile training run this morning, I’ll continue to believe that strenuous exercise is one good way to stay healthy and live a full life. I believe so even though the public just got a dose of bad news about exercise, about how too much of it can lead to formation of scar tissue in hearts that increases the possibility of dangerous rhythms.

To catch more criminals, victims must speak up

Jun 20, 6:55 PM

Plenty of people insist the problem of uncooperative shooting victims is an ages-old one — complicated by racial issues and mistrust of law enforcement officials — that can’t be solved. Kansas City’s first black chief, Darryl Forté, says he’s going to try to do that, and more power to him. But plenty of factors are working against the effort.

KC taxpayers should get ready to ante up again

Jun 13, 3:09 PM

Sewer and water bills are soaring in Kansas City, where the economy is still in the doldrums.

KC water customers’ pain is private sector’s gain

Jun 6, 6:53 PM

When customers rip open a monthly water bill, they aren’t happy to see sewer and water rates marching higher. But private companies see something far more positive when they look at the Kansas City Water Services Department. A cash cow.

Once again, rail plans hang in the balance

May 30, 5:50 PM

This could be a great year for transit in the Kansas City area. Unless, of course, it turns out not to be. Failure wouldn’t be a big surprise for this region, still one of the most backward and underserved in the nation when it comes to alternative forms of transportation. But it sure isn’t for lack of trying.