Here’s what Hereford House could do to restore customer trust after contamination | Opinion
Regain trust
One way for Hereford House to attempt to regain patrons’ trust would be to host special events for those affected by the recent blatantly criminal alleged food adulteration acts. (May 10, 1A, “Court docs say restaurant worker allegedly contaminated food”)
I do not have a strong opinion about the quality of the food, service or dining experience at the restaurant, but I do recognize it as a traditional Kansas City establishment where many people, including myself and my family, have gathered for special events. It has also frequently been the favored destination of groups for socializing and holiday celebrations.
Those affected by these recent events have not been promised refunds or any other recourse directly by Hereford House. Offering several exclusive events for affected guests could go a long way toward restoring trust and confidence. Besides exquisitely prepared special meals, the events could include live videos of the food being prepared, introductions to restaurant management, chef and kitchen staff and tours of the kitchen, within local health department guidelines. And a voucher for a future meal wouldn’t hurt.
- Claudette Borchers, Olathe
Hope ahead
An advertising section in the mail this week from Price Chopper caught my attention. It was a colorful, newspaper-sized full page, front and back, congratulating 354 “Price Chopper teammates” throughout the Kansas City area who are graduating from high school and college this year.
It took me a while to read and then tally all 354 names, many I’d be hard-pressed to pronounce. But in this graduation season marred by angry student protests and so much hatefulness, that list of students’ names strikes me as what could be a lovely testament to our collective future.
To me, it shows there are still plenty of young people from all backgrounds who are hardworking and, even more important, who can work together. Let’s all hope the rewards of teamwork and cooperation stay with that list of 354 graduates long after their days in the grocery business are over.
- Judie Becker, Leawood
Got it right
The headline on the front page of the May 5 paper was “What went wrong?” on a story about the failure to pass taxpayer-funded upgrades for Kansas City’s professional football team and an all-new stadium in the Crossroads for its baseball team. To me, that meant The Star was implying that the outcome of this election was “wrong.” Instead, I think the voters got it right.
Billionaires own those clubs. Let them build whatever they want without making the taxpayers of Jackson County foot the bill.
- James Mercer, Kansas City
Stadium questions
What will or could happen to Kauffman Stadium if the Royals do not renovate it and replace it? What is the cost of tearing down the existing stadium, and who would bear that expense? I have not seen any detailed information on these questions, but I think it should be part of any Royals request for taxpayer funding.
The Royals have stated they do not plan on using the stadium through the current tax period. If that is the case, would those tax funds for the last years of the existing lease agreement with Jackson County be used to tear down or renovate the existing stadium?
- David Bahner, Lee’s Summit
They’re trash
Getting right to the point: Why did Kansas City need the new trash carts? I talked to my neighbors and to the people who pick up the trash. We all agree: The new containers make it more difficult for everyone.
If you agree, too, call City Hall.
Can we get our money back?
- Jim Kilen, Kansas City
Biden fails
Remember President Joe Biden’s claim that he was going to unify America? When does he plan on starting? More Biden lack of leadership on full display. This guy is a total disaster.
- Bob Berry, Oak Grove
Drug prices
Access to affordable medications is critical, especially to the impoverished in underserved communities that the federal 340B drug-pricing program was intended to help.
Patients on the receiving end of this program already face significant barriers to care, including being unable to afford treatments, residing in rural communities with fewer care facilities and various adverse health outcomes.
There is growing concern that the program’s lack of oversight is allowing bad actors to charge patients higher prices and pocket the difference or use the profits to invest in unrelated programs. When prescription drug discounts don’t reach patients, the program is not functioning as it should.
We are encouraged that reforms to help address these unintended consequences are advancing in the Missouri General Assembly. Sen. Minority Whip John Thune also recently said progress is being made in Congress, and legislation could be released later this month.
It’s imperative that our elected officials keep the interests of Missouri’s most vulnerable patients at the forefront of all discussions concerning the 340B program because it is a lifeline for many impoverished Missourians.
- Connie Farrow, Executive director, Patients Come First-Missouri, Columbia
Hear us all
Amid all the public shenanigans and kerfuffles that have dominated the second half of Missouri’s legislative session, a simple bill, a bright, shining bipartisan do-good nugget hangs in the balance. This little bill is not sexy enough to be a player in the political budget game, but it’s a solid fix for a real and immediate need for everyone: hearing health care.
If you’re blind, pregnant, under 21 or in a facility and use Medicaid via MO HealthNet, you can get a hearing aid or cochlear Implant, but others can’t. Missouri kids are aging out of their ability to hear. Aging Missourians are experiencing the side effects of untreated hearing loss, including isolation, impacts on earnings and employment, increased risk of falls and the worsening of dementia.
Missouri House Bill 2626/1918 has enjoyed overwhelming support and a smooth ride to the state Senate, and is now dangling on the sidelines. Members of the General Assembly should set aside their rancor and deliver something good for their constituents before time’s up.
People are asking for this. Don’t you hear them?
- Cathy Brown, Executive director, Center for Hearing & Speech, St. Louis
