Stinnett deserves more credit than letter gave
I attended Rep. Melanie Stinnett’s Aug. 31 transportation panel and left with a very different impression than the Sept. 11 letter described in your paper.
Transportation-related funding was discussed extensively. City Utilities addressed rising costs, federal requirements and the need for continued state advocacy. We discussed Abilities First initiatives, accessible vehicle costs, Show Me Loans and other barriers and potential solutions. Most importantly, a self-advocate shared how transportation directly affects his employment and independence.
The letter read more like a partisan attack than a true critique of the town hall and the valuable discussion that occurred that night. In fact, the contents of that letter are now being used by a political
PAC to attack Stinnett. Coincidence?
Stinnett’s disability advocacy did not begin when she entered the Capitol. Stinnett founded TheraCare Outpatient Services — a clinic that has provided pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapy to thousands of Springfield children. Her career has been devoted to empowering individuals with disabilities and supporting their families. Her work in the capital has included expanding therapy access for children with disabilities, increasing access to care through telehealth, and addressing barriers within "Ticket to Work" legislation so people with disabilities can work and advance without jeopardizing needed support services.
I believe in holding elected officials accountable, regardless of party. But accountability also means accurately representing productive conversations. This panel brought together different perspectives, identified real transportation barriers and gave advocates additional areas where our work needs to continue. It was a much needed discussion in our community and I applaud Rep. Stinnett for putting it together.
Courtney Leader, Ash Grove
Why is Eric Burlison hiding?
Rep. Eric Burlison's campaign literature — "Paid for by official funds authorized by the House of Representatives" — lists his accomplishments during his House tenure since January 2023. He boasts of "Voting numerous times to pass the SAVE America Act" and introducing "the Great American Healthcare Act to expand health savings accounts."
He says nothing of his support for the tax cuts which add to the deficit, the SNAP benefit cuts which hurt struggling constituents' families, or the reduction in health care subsidies that also hurt families, all that he voted FOR in "The Big Beautiful Bill!"
- Where is his work on the years-old Republican promise for better, less expensive, health insurance?
- How is he working to cut costs for gas, groceries, housing, utilities, medical care, education, and childcare?
- What is he doing to cut the ballooning deficit?
- What is his plan to work toward an end to the war in Iraq?
- What is he doing to curb the unlawful behavior of President Trump, who seems to know no boundaries in signing executive orders like the one directing the US Postal Service to interfere with mail-in balloting, then filing frivolous lawsuits — at taxpayer expense — when he doesn't get his way?
- What is he doing to call out President Trump for all his lies and profiteering while in office?
- What is he doing to insure the Constitutional right of freedom of the press as Trump kicks reporters out of the White House?
- What is he doing to encourage the Department of Justice to follow the law and release ALL the Epstein files?
- And the list goes on ...
Now the House of Representatives is in recess — again — this time to avoid a vote on articles of impeachment, filed by a Republican colleague, for Pete Hegseth! As of Sept. 17, 260 days into 2026, the House has been in session for only 72 of a possible 178 voting days. That is 40% fewer days than Burlison's working constituents are expected to show up for their jobs! What does he do with all the non-working time? He has held NO town halls, has NOT been a part of any constituent forums, nor has he answered his opponent's request for some sort of debate/question answering session!
With all Burlison's hiding from the public, southwest Missouri voters are left with no way to ask simple questions or hear him explain his priorities in person!
Please consider his opponent, Missi Hesketh, who WILL represent ALL District 7 voters! She has had town halls, made appearances to answer questions — in all District 7 counties — and continues to invite all voters to inform themselves of her plans for truly representing them! Check out missiformo.com for a list of all her priorities and upcoming LIVE, in-person, events!
Vote for Missi (Hesketh) for MO on Nov. 3!
MJ Grinstead, Springfield
Global warming an act of God?
The other day my neighbor mentioned in passing the extremely hot weather we've had this September. Sitting down in my oven-hot car I replied, "It's global warming." You'd have thought I'd just socked him in the jaw.
He's a local churchgoer, testified by his t-shirts, and what I said offended him. I didn't mean to ... I think of myself as a Christian, too. I read the scriptures differently.
Global warming is true. I believe that God is using the hand of man to destroy the Earth. Human activity has caused it, at God's own direction and will. He's causing and doing all good and all evil, bringing to pass His judgements (Deuteronomy 32:39, Isaiah 45:7 NKJV). Is the Lord a sadist? No.
He has a plan. He's already ordained a new heavens and new Earth someday (Isaiah 65:17-66:22 and Revelation 21:1 and 2 Peter 3:13 NKJV).
Both liberals and conservatives disagree with me on this, but the Holy Bible says what is says. So be it!
Kevin Corbin, Springfield
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Letters to the Editor: Candidates earn kudos and complaints
