By Matthew Palcher, Kansas City Star Reader Advisory panelist

President Obama's decision to close the Gitmo prison leaves an important question unanswered: where do they go now? Some have suggested they be transferred to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., but both Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback oppose this proposal.

For one, Leavenworth does not have the facilities to support an influx of prisoners. It would require greater security, more resources, and alterations to the facility to provide for such detainees.

Secondly, as a resident of Kansas City, I would feel unsafe that a group of possible terrorists would be situated less than 40 miles away. These prisoners would stop at nothing to wreak havoc on innocent American civilians.

Especially with so many military installations in our area such as Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Riley, such locations would be likely targets for possible terrorist attacks. One can look no further than the plans to attack Fort Dix, New Jersey to see the scope of their evil intentions.

Finally, there are better locations, if not in America, but in other parts of the world where such prisoners can be transported. If this is truly an international war on terror, then our European allies must get involved in both the prosecution and punishment of such violators of freedom and democracy.

America has other viable alternatives than Leavenworth. How about sending them to the middle of the desert, like say Death Valley, California or maybe it is time to reinstate Alcatraz island?

President Obama and the Justice Department must find an alternative to Gitmo prison, but it is high time that Kansans join together and tell the administration: NOT IN OUR BACKYARD!