Medicaid massacre

Here's a pretty good editorial in the Courier about Medicaid cuts in Kansas. This will force reductions in services to developmentally disabled in the cluster of community homes we have in Cowley County, not to mention the larger numbers of people, including seniors in nursing homes, who rely on Medicaid for health needs.

There is a paradox here in that we have created a system in which an entitlement program touches the lives of so many, and cutting it becomes not just about the poor but about the jobs of the people who help the poor. But the alternative, relying on charity to help the poor, creates beggar cities and third-world type poverty.

The cuts in Medicaid get less attention than schools or prisons, because the money goes to the poor and disabled, but it could have just as big an impact. It also shows why states don't like the part of the national health reform moving through Congress that would require a states to increase their share of Medicaid spending. The good news about that, though, is that it doesn't happen until 5 or 6 years from, now, so there is time to prepare.

Burford Bonanza

The Burford campaign reaching its fund-raising goals is quite an accomplishment for the arts, downtown and community building in general, especially during a recession. Looking around, it's not hard to see progress. In addition to the theater building, we've got hospital construction, major street repairs, school upgrades (including new stadium) and various private projects (ark valley credit union a good example).

Blood letting

You know things are bad financially when politicians don't want to crack down further on sex offenders, with an election year coming up. Stories are hitting the papers and news on the effects of budget cuts. Here's another one about the corrections system. Problems there could lead to closing Winfield Correctional Facility, which has roughly 200 jobs.

And of course schools are starting to cutback, with the possibility of classroom positions being left vacant, especially next school year.

Boomer town

Any guesses on where this mysterious sound is coming from? I think we'll have some possible answers in today's paper.

Prison still in jeopardy

How about bringing some Gitmo detainees to Winfield Correctional Facility, if state cuts force it to close? I think that town in Illinois expects 3,000 jobs to house 100 prisoners.

This is a joke, folks. Gallows humor.

School cuts

I still think state lawmakers should consider getting rid of some tax exemptions, on sales or equipment, perhaps, to soften the blow to schools, prisons, health programs, etc. Be too bad to start reversing the good trends at USD 470 if they had to cut academic support people and even classroom teachers.

Road to improvments

Second part of traffic problems near casinos. O-DOT will reduce the "official" speed limit and plan to build a turn lane in 2011. I still think it would behoove the tribes, an O-DOT to do more. A full gamit of turn and acceleration lanes makes sense. As does an access road, especially if growth continues there.

Casino crashes

Our look at the traffic problems created by the border casinos. Tomorrow's story will make a little news. O-DOT has some plans to improve things, although my personal opinion is that it doesn't go far enough.

Hospital unrest

The question behind this story is, why doesn't the hospital board want to keep Phylis Macy Mills as its CEO as it transitions to the new facility, and/or does she even want the job. Her comments, (some of which are not online) reveal real dissatisfaction. Not a good thing when you're spending millions in taxpayer money to build a new facility.

Tiahrt Trampolines

That's the verbage from Survey USA to describe how Tiahrt is now 3 points within Moran in the GOP primary for U.S. Senate.

Tiahrt was way behind. He's been using the "I'm the real conservative" strategy and recently made a false claim that Moran was endorsed by the USA communist party.

It would be sad if Tiahrt's gutter tactics are working. But, alas, this is politics. Will Moran go on the offensive now? Unfortunately, the GOP base that will control the primary is about as demagogic and extreme and as Tiahrthas become

Kerri Falleti

Big step up for Kerri Falleti, long the administrative assistant for Cowley First and now the director of the economic development partnership. Have no idea who the ex. committee interviewed, so it's just a guess that they decided to go with the hometown person who might make up in commitment and can-do attitude for what she lacks in experience.

Also, they need somebody who can work well with county administrator Leroy Alsup, who is the driving force behind Cowley First, which operates as a county department.

Medicare protectors?

You have to laugh at conservatives using liberal rhetoric to bash Democratic health care reform as being dangerous to Medicare and seniors. This Eagle editorial rightly points out that Democrats did the same thing when Republicans wanted to cut the program. But the idea that the GOP is concerned about keeping the government entitlement program whole is worth a good chuckle.

TIF time

My what a difference an election makes. The new commissioners, Jay Warren and Jean Snell, have changed the make up the Ark City Commission enough that Ark City Industries is back in the good graces of the elected board. The group is on tax increment financing for development in Goff Industrial Park, and possibly to construct new housing. As I've written before, I can see both sides of the TIF argument. What I think is real, and probably unfortunate, is that cities and counties and states HAVE to give sweet deals to get commercial growth, unless your a high-growth area where businesses are aching to come.

AC Industries is also trying to change its image, deserved or not, of being a tight-knit club of businessmen run by Home National Bank leaders, interested primarily in their own welfare. Part of the image problem is that it is for-profit and private, unlike say, Cowley First or Winfield Economic Development. But being private and for profit gives it more freedom to operate and probably makes private investment much easier.

Bureaucratic bruhaha

This story sounds like the agency set up to support group disability homes in Cowley County failed in its mission and might have spend taxpayer money unwisely. Good argument against too much government, and/or a case of county commissions asleep at the switch? But I'd love to hear more from the agency and it's director, Bill Brooks, to get the full story. It seems like this public hearing is only the beginning of the story.

Building boom?

Good problem to have.

Computer condundrum part III

As we say in the news business, there are always AT LEAST two sides to every story.

Budget busters

Seems like Kasha Kelley sees an opportunity to shrink government due tobudget cuts that must occur to balance the state's budget. This would be her agenda regardless of a recession, but it does beg the question about what should the state government be doing, in good times and in bad. I would agree that the state needs a reserve and that spending AND tax breaks need to be re-evaluated for their effectiveness. But much of the spending increase has come in education, which I don't think is bloated. Certainly USD 470 can make a case that they get big bang for the buck, based on studies that showed so.

JUNE 20, 2007
TRAVELER ARCHIVES

The Arkansas City Public Schools get an A-plus in efficiency in helping its students achieve high marks.

The local school district is among only 21 school districts in the state that ranked "100 percent efficient" by Standard & Poor's, a spokeswoman for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday. That is the highest ranking the state's 300 school districts could get.

The S&P Educational Efficiency Study identifies which Kansas school districts are maximizing their resources and how less efficient districts can make improvements.

"Kansas schools can learn a lot from each other, says a new report released today by Standard & Poor's, Governor Kathleen Sebelius and the Kauffman Foundation," Nicole Corcoran, press secretary for the governor, said Tuesday.

Ark City Schools Superintendent Ron Ballard said today he is pleased with the report, and he views it as a learning opportunity. He said he would issue a press release after he has read the report thoroughly.

"Ark City has come to the top of the list -- you can be as low as 60 percent (efficient)," Ballard said. "This shows we are cost-efficient in the way we are serving our kids."

The report places Ark City schools in the top 7 percent in educational efficiency in the state, he said.

"We have a great interest at some time to compare and contrast what we do with other top districts," Ballard said. "We would like to know what they are doing to serve their kids at a cost-efficient level.

"The governor's office is doing a great service to let us know whether we are meeting efficiency standards."

This S&P study follows up on an initial study in March of 2006, with the new data reflecting recent increases in Kansas' school funding, Corcoran said in a press release.

"These analyses are the first of their kind in Kansas, and are thought to be the first of their kind in the country," she said.

"We cannot spend our way to excellence," Sebelius said. "But we can achieve excellence through strategic investments in the right areas. This study is a road map of what works and what doesn't. Every Kansas child, in every corner of the state, deserves a first class education. This report helps us get the best return on our investment."

To determine a district's efficiency, Standard & Poor's analyzed multiple data points including how much the district spends per student; the district's performance on the Kansas Reading and Math Assessments; and the percentage of students enrolled in the district with economically disadvantaged backgrounds, disabilities or limited English proficiency.

Ballard said the report considers cost-per-pupil figures and factors those figures with academic state test scores in mathematics and reading.

"The final factors are (a district's) at-risk population, and the number of students with limited English proficiencies and those who need disability services," Ballard said.

The Ark City school district a high rate of at-risk students, he said.

Each school district was given an efficiency score, according to the press release. Kansas' scores range from about 60 percent to 100 percent efficient. This means that the least efficient district is approximately 60 percent as efficient as the most cost-effective districts. The average Kansas school system is approximately 85 percent as efficient as the most cost-effective districts.

Among the state's 300 school districts, there were 257 school systems that had adequate data for analysis.

Other districts that received a 100 percent ranking include: Ashland, Baldwin City, Brown County, Burlingame, Deerfield, DeSoto, Dodge City, Gardner-Edgerton, Great Bend, Halstead, Kismet-Plains, Lansing, Leoti, Lyons, Newton, Osawatomie, Rolla, Shawnee Mission, Waconda, and West Elk.

In addition, six districts achieved efficiency scores that exceed 99 percent. These districts include: Durham Hills, Olathe, Hays, Blue Valley, Scott County, Valley Center.

"There is considerable diversity in the student performance, spending levels, and enrollment characteristics of each of these districts," said Michael Stewart, director, Standard & Poor's School Evaluation Services. "It's because of this diversity that we believe improved efficiency is possible for any district that is willing to put forth the effort and learn from other districts that have successfully managed their resources."

The study was paid for by The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. It is being released in two parts: the first part includes an executive summary, key findings, and details about the methodology Standard & Poor's used to identify efficiency; and the second part includes comparative performance profiles for each of the state's less efficient districts.

"The efficiency analysis is a powerful tool that allows Kansas school districts to better understand how their use of resources influences student performance," said Margo Quiriconi, director, Education Research and Policy, at the Kauffman Foundation. "We hope that this tool will be important to local school communities in reviewing what they might do to improve the effectiveness of their districts."

A complete copy of the Educational Efficiency Study can be found online at www.schoolmatters.com.

Reality setting in

Cuts have consequences. Cowley County has become renown for taking care of developmentally disabled. Looks like the companies that do that are going to have to cut their budgets by 10 percent.

Tax increases on the table, Part II

My editorial from last week in the Traveler about whether tax increases should be part of the balanced budget discussions in Topeka.

Blast away, my conservative friends.

Computer conundrum

My editorial from last week on the computer problem. One thing that some people are asking is ... if the system is so bad, how come these problems weren't brought up earlier? I do know that old systems can have a hard time keeping up with new demands. But it's a good question and one I'd hope Steve Archer and city commissioners are asking.

Computer condundrum

My editorial from last week on the computer problem. One thing that some people are asking is ... if the system is so bad, how come these problems weren't brought up earlier? I do know that old systems can have a hard time keeping up with new demands. But it's a good question and one I'd hope Steve Archer and city commissioners are asking.

Whose-space?

This local story about a man accused of trolling myspace for young teens/girls cinches it for me — Lillian is not allowed on social newtork sites until she's 18!

More seriously, what's the best way for a parent to monitor this stuff? It would be hard to monitor myspace/facebook and everything else out there every day. But you can't just deny the access to this new method of communication.

Are things getting better?

This disappointing news about the local job center is offset a tad by this more upbeat news about jobs in Kansas. We complain about the lack of economic activity in our area, but when times are bad we don't fall to the bottom of the barrel.

The workforce center at Strother was always a bit of a strange bird. There were so many different agencies and layers of government out there it was hard to figure out exactly what it's mission was. I'm not saying it didn't do good work, because I know some of the folks who worked there and how they tried to help both businesses and employers. Hopefully something even better will emerge.

It also looks like Cowley First is moving toward getting whole again. This would be a good thing. We need stability and leadership in that program for it to survive.

Reasonable Republicans cont...

Do conservatives or the GOP or whoever have to reflexively oppose EVERYTHING Obama and Congressional Democrats do?

David Frum, former speech writer for Bush, thinks probably not. If we didn't do a stimulus or didn't bail out the banks (started under Bush) what would have been your answer to the worst recession and financial crisis in 80 years?

Cheap water

Should the city keep giving Creekstone a break on water rates?

Methinksso.

They use a lot of it and are the major employer in town. This makes much more sense than a full property tax exemption for an oil pipeline that will not produce any after-construction jobs.

Medicare for all

Very illuminating story on Politico.com about health care reform proposals in Congress. This story shows how non-radical the legislation really is, despite opponents doomsday rhetoric.

Seems like we're trying to put band aids on gaping wounds. Why doesn't the United States join the rest of the developed world and have a single payer, government run system — basically Medicare for all. Sure it would be imperfect, but it can't be more imperfect than thousands of people dying because they lack insurance and families and business going under because they can't afford private coverage.


Health is not a commodity that should be subject to the laws of supply and demand. Some worry about freedom being taking away by more government involvement in health insurance. Imagine the "freedom" from fear about rising costs and lack of coverage a single payer system could unleash.

Pipeline problems

County officials are right to be concerned about losing tax money on a proposed pipeline running through Kansas to Cushing Okla. There's a populist reaction that wonders how the heck can we give the oil industry tax breaks. There's the economic development view that they are needed to spur economic activity. And the truth is probably somewhere in between on whether they benefit the larger community, and whether this project will create more energy independence.


There does seem to be a good point being made about tax exemptions in general - everybody offers them to compete for business, but do they really bring the promises hoped for. Cities and counties are required to do a cost benefit analysis of property tax exemptions for a specific business. But as far as I know, there is no follow up or accountability if those jobs/economic benefits don't occur as promised.

Accounting mess

This story sounds like the city's office software is a nightmare. Makes you wonder what problems have NOT been caught. Seems to me officials should buckle down and find a way to fix this - if they have to forgo other services. The brain center's got to function for the body to perform.

Clean er up

The county several years ago created health and safety regulations to force clean up of blighted and trashed properties outside of city limits. They continue to enforce these rules and it's had a decent affect. The IXL area, for example, is much tidier than it was a few years ago. Short of zoning, this was step in the right direction to create some influence over property owners who let their place go and devalue the rest of ours, not to mention the safety and general aesthetics of the county.

KTPS

I'm going on KPTS's Kansas Week today. Channel 8 around here. Show airs at 7:30. Topics are:

1. Parkinson's call to consider tax increases to balance the budget
Not gonna happen

2. Sarah Palin speaking at Salina Chamber of Commerce
Probably torque some members of the chamber but will draw huge crowd

3. Tea Party rally in Wichita this week
They're going to save us from communism, or is it socialism, or is it nazism? One of the isms

I'll try not to disappoint my liberal base
:)

Ashcroft heart Tiahrt

Below is a pretty good endorsement for Tiahrt, trying to ensure the conservative mantle from Moran in their battle for U.S. Senate. Ashcroft was one Bush administration official who managed to keep full integrity intact by refusing to reauthorize the domestic spying program.

I noticed that Tiahrt was not mentioned in the Eagle story about the Tea party stop in Wichita yesterday. Probably smart for him to avoid too direct contact with that group. He's using their rhetoric, though, and perhaps would have been there if things were not so busy in D.C.





TIAHRT SECURES HIGH PROFILE ENDORSEMENT FROM JOHN ASHCROFT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former Senator and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft (R-MO) today endorsed Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) in his bid for the U.S. Senate. As U.S. Attorney General, Ashcroft led the Department of Justice after the attacks of September 11, 2001 and under his leadership the Department was successful in the disruption of over 150 terrorist plots around the globe.

“Todd Tiahrt is a principled fiscal and social conservative who understands what it takes to keep this country safe,” said Ashcroft. “He fights for the conservative values he believes in and does not waver in the face of tough opposition.”

“Conservatives across this country are yearning for principled conservatives in Washington,” continued Ashcroft, “I feel strongly that Todd Tiahrt can help provide that common sense conservative leadership in the Senate.”

A staunch conservative, Ashcroft was elected Governor of Missouri by record breaking margins and remains the only Republican Governor to be re-elected to a second, consecutive term in the Show Me state.

Ashcroft joins the growing list of conservatives who have endorsed Tiahrt including Sen. Jim Inhofe, former Sen. Rick Santorum, Congressman Mike Rogers, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, former Congressman Jim Ryun, and conservative talk radio icon Mark Levin. Tiahrt also has the support of groups such as; Concerned Women for America, Kansans for Life, Family Research Council PAC and Eagle Forum.

Tiahrt the tea partier

Todd Tiahrt has flipped his lid, and decided whole hog to join forces with the paranoid, tea party crowd, if these comments from Wichita Eagle editorial page are correct.

Since Obama was electd, Tiahrt has become a radical partisan, demagoguing about communism and socialism and betting on a revived conservative movement to win the GOP primary for U.S. Senate.

Is he right?

GOP rocks the vote

Republicans won big governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey. How the tide changes in just a year.

The most interesting race, though, was for Congress in upstate New York, which featured a "tea party" candidate who pushed out the moderate Republican, and then lost to the Democrat. What both Republicans, and to some degree Obama's Democratic Party, are failing to realize, is that politics is won and policy is made in the middle, where MOST people think and feel.

Compromise and practicality are GOOD things.

Palin to Salina

Wonder how much the chamber of commerce in Salina will pay to have at their annual banquet. Seems awfully political. Retired politicians makes sense, or perhaps even sitting politicians from your own city or state. But Palin is a lightening rod in American politics right now. Local chambers are usually pretty careful to avoid taking political sides.

On the other hand, she'll draw a big crowd.

Maybe Ark City can get Rush Limbaugh

Tax increases on the table?

Guess you can talk about tax increases if you aren't running for re-election. Some people are reflexively against raising taxes of any kind, but with the state in the budget hole its in, they should at least be part of the discussion. Gov. Parkinson is being a responsible elected official by stating this early on in the process.

Sidewalks rock

I think this is a great idea for north Summit. Glad to see the commission on board and pushing sidewalks for both sides of the street. That retail area was built for the car but you see people trying to walk to stores, crossing driveways and lawns with no safe path to help them. The street is surrounded by residential areas where people could walk from if sidewalks guided them. Sound also like a good opportunity to leverage funds from the state.

Tiahrt trouble

Tiahrt campaign donations are part of an ethics probe involving a bunch of Congress members, mostly Democrats.

Pandering the public option

Some conservative lawmakers are already pushing for a constitutional amendment in Kansas to prevent a public health insurance option, if the federal government passes one that allows states to opt out.

Nice to see the Kansas GOP base protecting us against horrible things like government run health insurance. Guess we should do away with Medicare the Veterans Administration health program, both government run, while we make ensure the health care monopolies in Kansas keep jacking up premiums and out of pocket costs while families and businesses are devastated.

Good plan.

Perhaps Democrats and moderate Republicans should propose a constitutional amendment guaranteeing affordable health insurance for every American?

Speed it up

Is 45 the proper speed for this road?

Faux News Part Deux

As I said, Fox news ANCHORS reflect the bias of their 100 percent conservative-led opinion shows way more than any other station or news outlet. You might LOVE Fox's news political slant, which is fine and dandy, but to argue that the station doesn't report news from a blatantly conservative point of view is to deny reality.

Tiahrt vs Moran

Fascinating article about Moran stealing some conservative support from Tiahrt, due to Moran's living at the now-famous C Street apartment house in D.C. There's been some scary things written about this place, which might not serve Moran well. But this Politico article is about Moran's personal relationships with some conservative senators giving him conservative cover, even though Tiahrt is fighting hard to cast himself as the ideological and social conservative in the race (which is all too true.)

Go Mell

As regular viewers of this blog know, I'm no Mell Kuhn fan. But on his commitment to stricter code enforcement and holding property owners accountable, I say "Go Mell." This is one area where his outspokenness I think is needed to set a tone for higher standards of appearance. Wish all elected officials would follow suit.

You won't see his comments in the link above because they come toward the end of the story. Just check your Traveler for that day.

Faux news

I didn't think any reasonable person thought Fox News was a traditional media outlet. Or "fair and balanced," as they ridiculously claim. MSNBC does what they do from the left now, although MSNBC news anchors, not the pundits, are much more down the middle than Fox anchors.

Ms. CASA is missing

CASA of Cowley County is doing an Ark City Trivia Night this month, after years of doing one just in Winfield. Normally in Oct. is the Ms. CASA pageant, roiled in controversy last year after the then-mayor of Ark City spoofed an over-the-top black women with a sexist name, and won the contest!

Apparently they've dropped the event.

CASA is a great organization and the pageant was fun and successful event. But the risks inherent in cross-dressing fundraiser probably make sense to move on to something else.

Judgement House

Looks like some Oxford churches are putting on a "Judgement House" for Halloween. (Story below ran in Action and in Traveler previously) These things popped up a few years ago by religious fundamentalist who think Halloween is a Satanic holiday and somehow a threat to their beliefs. Ridiculous, in my view, and what puts off so many people about fundamentalism — believe as I do or you're going to hell! These types of attractions also push Christian political beliefs without really advertising them as such. Ark City had one a few years ago. Sometimes they're called Hell Houses. What happened to the old fashioned "Haunted Houses" that offered a kids a good, wholesome scare?



JUDGEMENT HOUSE PRESENTED AT HALLOWEEN IN OXFORD
 
The combined efforts of the Oxford churches will present Judgement House from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 30 - 31, and from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 1, at the First Baptist Church, 113 E. Myrtle St.  
Judgement House is a dramatic walk-through presentation about the truth of people’s choices and their consequences both in this life and the next. 
The program is an evangelistic tool for reaching those who are reluctant to attend traditional church services and outreach events.  Since 1983, Judgement House – spelled with an “e” by the national group – has been attended by over three million people with 390,000 choosing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Judgement House, based in Clearwater, Fla., can become an “agent of change” for the guests, the community and the group presenters. 
Judgement House is a Christian alternative to a Halloween spook house. It is not meant to scare people, but to make real the consequences of life decisions.
The drama takes place in a series of eight rooms that tell a story about people whose lives have been cut short through some kind of tragedy.  Each room tells part of the dramatic effect of those deaths on their families and of their experiences beyond the grave.
Each small group of 10 or more enters the program every 15 minutes and the tour lasts about one hour. 
The presentation is not recommended for children under 10.
A suggested donation of $4 per person will be taken at the door. 
For information and reservations, call (620-) 218-9579 or e-mail oxfordfbc@embarqmail.com. 
 

Cocaine blues

Whatever the truth, this story doesn't make the ACPD look too good. Several questions linger, including why the county attorney would decide to file charges knowing the gaps in police work would be difficult to explain. And, why it can take so long to get results on possible illegal substances. On the first, I suppose Chris Smith believed the police and thought the suspect should be prosecuted despite the mistake, which makes sense. On the second, I have no idea. But I would think the system would want to speed things up to make sure drug crimes are dealt with swiftly.

Blind bigorty part II

Again, another blatant display of racism against Obama by somebody who says they are not a racist.

Casino junction

My editorial Sat. about the unsafe Casino entrances on 77.


Gambling for an accident

When is somebody going to do something about the death trap at the casino entrances off U.S. 77?
Last week, two people died when a car pulled in front of a semi-tractor existing the Seven Clans Travel Mart.
It's hard to image how two large businesses that attract so many motorists could be built along a state highway with no turn/merge lanes or slowing devices.
And the influx of traffic since 2006 created by the cluster of casinos has made the narrow, two-lane highway between the Kansas state line and Newkirk a more dangerous passage.
We haven't seen any traffic counts or even an accident history, but common sense will do — these intersections are dangerous and an invitation to deadly accidents.
And we're not sure who bears the most responsibility — the state of Oklahoma, or the Otoe-Missouri and Tonkawa tribes that own the casinos and related businesses.
It would be in everybody's best interests — drivers, businesses, customers — to make that road and those intersections safer.
Extending the four-lanes from Kansas to Newkirk should be considered for safety and economic development benefits. Especially if the Ponca and Pawnee tribes fulfill their vision for even more border casinos.
The first casino along 77 went up more than three years ago. The negligence is baffling. Those responsible for our road safety need to do something.

Hospital costs

Ground breaking of hospital coming soon after city commission approved the project cost. Mel Kuhn voted against it largely because he doesn't like the $300,000 contingency fee. Odd, because Kuhn takes credit for keeping the project alive by advocating a design-build project instead of a project manager, which saves several million dollars. Even Kuhn-critic Pat McDonald gives him some credit for this. But now, in the end, he opposes the deal with the general contractor to build the hospital. Will he become known as the commissioner who voted against the hospital?

You never know with the mercurial Mel Kuhn.

Blind bigotry

Couple of race-related stories in the news today. This one is shocking and outright unconstitutional — sounds like a story from the 1930s. This one is constitutionally protected free speech. Offensive, but happened here in Kansas.

Fascinating to me how people who commit obvious acts of racism or bigotry always say they're not racist or they didn't mean to be racist. They don't see it, perhaps in some cases because they can't see it, based on the limitations of their own experiences. But in these cases you have an elected state official and a judge.

Danger zone

When are Oklahoma and the tribes going to do something about the dangerous traffic problem created by large casinos along a two lane highway with no turn lanes?

Tiahrt touts ...

Endorsements from a relatively unknown congressman and a right wing radio talk show host, Mark Levin, who's anti-Obama rants are typical wingnut stuff. Seems a bit odd to advertise the fact that a radio blow hard endorsed him, (Would be like a Democrat touting a Keith Oberman endorsement) unless Tiahrt is appealing to the hard care, fundamentalist elements of the GOP in the primary. Which he seems to be doing.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 785/249-8095





TIAHRT SECURES ENDORSEMENTS FROM REP. MIKE ROGERS AND TALK RADIO LEGEND MARK LEVIN



WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) gained two key endorsements today from Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Michigan) and talk radio icon, Mark Levin.



“In Congress, when we pull together to stop liberals like Nancy Pelosi from taxing our families into poverty or our children into years of debt, Todd Tiahrt stands with us” said Rogers. “Todd’s conscience and Kansas values are his guide, and that’s something you don’t see much in Washington.”



Rogers is a vocal opponent to the government-run healthcare plan currently pushed in Congress by Speaker Pelosi and President Obama. His rebuttal to the healthcare bill has garnered more than 4.5 million views on YouTube and turned Rep. Rogers into a national spokesman for the overwhelming majority of Americans opposed to the government takeover of our healthcare system. Rogers was also the primary sponsor of the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act which was signed into law by President George W. Bush.



“Our nation yearns for the principled leadership of somebody like my friend, Todd Tiahrt,” concluded Rogers.



“I am honored to have earned the trust and support of Congressman Rogers,” said Tiahrt. “He is a respected conservative leader who I proudly stand with in the fight to protect our families against the Pelosi/Obama power grab and government’s current growth explosion.”



Congressman Tiahrt also gained the endorsement of talk radio great, Mark Levin. Levin is an outspoken conservative commentator, constitutional lawyer and author of the New York Times bestseller: Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto.


Levin stated on his top-rated radio show, "Ladies and Gentlemen in Kansas, Todd Tiahrt, he's our man."

Once upon a GOP

There used to be practical Republicans from Kansas. Bob Dole supports health care reform moving through the Senate. Dole could be tough, but he wanted to get things done and understood that conservative principals had to bend some with the needs of the country. Where are you Pat Roberts — a once-champion of bipartisanship?

Uphill for Tiahrt

4th District Rep. Todd Tiahrt is pretty far behind 1st District Rep. Jerry Moran in a Survey USA poll. This is WAY early and certainly things will tighten, but it's interesting to see Moran, considered the more moderate congressman from western Kansas, have more initial support than Tiahrt, the ideological, Christian conservative from the Wichita area. In the end the two probably aren't much different on policy issues. Here's a great preview of the race from Congressional Quarterly.

Fluoride in drinking water

I wasn't here 10 years ago for the fluoride in drinking water debate in Winfield, but apparently the winning side is staying on their toes.

Does this mean we are being poisoned in Ark City, where we put fluoride in as an additive?

Come to think of it, I don't think I've had a cavity since I moved to Ark City from California 5 1/2 years ago. (I did have to redo a root canal) I had a bunch of cavities as a kid in Winfield. Wonder if we could county cavities of people in Winfield and Ark City and compare to see who's right?

Arson follies

This local story reminded me of a fascinating article in the New Yorker about a guy put to death for allegedly setting his house on fire to kill his three children. Evidence now suggests that the arson investigator at the time used outdated and even mythical methods to determine whether arson had been committed. The case has gotten some TV news coverage lately as Texas looks into whether it was the first state to KNOW for sure it put somebody to death erroneously.

(I'm not saying the local story has anything to do with bad fire investigations. It just reminded me of the New Yorker story)

RINOs?

Three former GOP leaders of the Senate say they would support reform similar to what Senate is working on. This does seem to lend credibility to the idea that the near 100-percent opposition to Obama and Democratic-led health care reform is driven largely by political motives. GOP sees victory next year and wants to keep the heat on .....

More sanity from the right

I can't see why anybody would take Glen Beck seriously. And it looks like some folks on the conservative hierarchy are calling him out. Beck's outing of Vance Jones' past statements gave him some mainstream credibility, but even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while...

I remember watching him on CNN Headline News when he first came onto TV. He seemed ignorant and demogoguic, but was self-depricating and kind of kid-like, almost like it was all a joke anyway. Entertaining, in a roadkill kind of way. It's the same kind of appeal of a good ghost story, or story about an alien sighting. You wake up the next day and think, "I almost bought that ...."

Health reform watch

A local retired doctor in Winfield rebuts Congressman Jerry Moran's criticism of Medicare and the idea that Medicare should be offered to all Americans. Not surprising because polls findmost doctors support the creation of a government-run insurance option of some kind. Most Americans do, too.


Here's the letter to editor by Dr. Bruce Wells that ran in Winfield Courier yesterday:

MEDICARE-TYPE PUBLIC OPTION MAKES GOOD SENSE

Dear Congressman Moran:

Having read your opinion article, “A Medicare-type Public Option Makes No Sense,” in the Sept. 21, 2009, Winfield Daily Courier, I want to respond to some of the points you made.
I don’t think Congress will allow Medicare to go bankrupt at any time, and to say so is clearly a scare tactic. The program is well-liked by Seniors, and the fallout from discontinuing the program would be disastrous to Congress. Putting all those in Medicare on private health insurance would severely impact the healthcare quality to all. The cost would be prohibitive and the 20 to 30 percent of overhead costs of those companies is pure wasted money when one considers that the administrative expenses of Medicare are less than 10 percent.
I am not clear where you get the $38 trillion figure, since the amount of Medicare payment in in 2007 was $432 billion (2008 HHS annual Medicare Report). Furthermore, it is my understanding that the projected costs of Medicare will be only $2 trillion in 2019. It seems to me that your figure is yet more hyperbole.
As a primary care physician for 34 years, I can truthfully say that Medicare never grossly underpaid me. Yes, Medicare paid less than most private insurances, but I never felt that I could not afford to take on another senior patient. Private insurers do pay some specialists considerably more than does Medicare, but, then, maybe these private insurers are grossly overpaying the specialists.
Contrary to your statement about Medicare’s regulations being an onus on doctors, I found Medicare to have fewer denials of tests and treatments, have no prior authorization requirements, never restrict my choice of referral physicians and to pay at least as quickly as most private insurances.
Needless to say, I find universal Medicare to be as good a solution to our health care problems as any yet proposed.
In my opinion, to continue our current system without a significant public insurance option is a major disservice to all who have and don’t have health insurance now.
Finally, covering the cost of insuring everyone will definitely require increasing taxes, but eliminating as much waste in Medicare by using currently-available treatment guidelines, having good comparative effectiveness research to validate new treatments and tests, and eliminating the Medicare Advantage Program and its huge overpayments to insurance companies would go a long way to offset the added costs of insurance.

Bruce W. Wells, M.D., ret.
Winfield

Dead Rivalry

Should we hold a funeral for the Ark City Winfield sports rivalry with Winfield going to 4A?

No 5A regional game? No Arkalalah game? The world has spun out of orbit!

How much will this actually diminish the rivarly, or has it been diminishing in recent years anyway? And will this lead to more county-cooperation in the long term if residents of both towns don't feel like they compete with the other?

Roundabout centerpiece?

Seems like something attractive should go in the center of the roundabout? Here's a poll of choices that come to mind

a) Landscaping - flowers/plants
b) Gary Kahle sculpture (He does the shiny metal pieces you see around town)
c) Bull dog statue
d) Fountain
e) Other

Round we go ....

The new, big traffic circle at Kansas Avenue and Bypass opens tomorrow. I personally like roundabouts, but you here a lot of criticism and uncertainty about them. Basically, everybody goes slow enough, kind of like a parking to avoid wrecks or make wrecks minor fender benders.

Property taxes

This story in the Eagle showed the Sedgwick County property owners don't have that high of a tax burden compare to the rest of the country, and even the rest of Kansas. You hear a lot of complaints about property taxes in Kansas, and Cowley County, especially as it compare to Oklahoma. Unfortunately this study did not include counties with populations under 60,000. It did show that Kansas ranks 26 in terms of property tax burden, which is right in the middle, which doesn't sound too out of line.

Public Plan Debate

Liberal Democrats are pushing for the public insurance plan. This seems a bit fruittless considering there aren't enough Democrats, much less Republican, Senators to vote for it. Hopefully the debate will highlight the problem of costs, which are burying small businesses and workers.

Health care watch

Another year, another 20 percent hike in health insurance cost. Our newspaper company's insurance rep. says they want 20 percent increases for the same coverage. A public health insurance option, similar to Medicare, to compete with these monopolies sounds pretty good right now.

More smoking ban benefits

Public smoking bans apparently reduce heart attacks, study shows. The reasons to ban smoking keep mounting. It's only a matter of time before the state bans public smoking. It would be nice, though, if Ark City were ahead of the curve...eh em, City Commission.

Bill heart Obama

Conservative bloviator Bill O'Reilly, like most Americans (according to scientific opinion polls) would like to see a public insurance option.

Health reform watch

A new studysays 35-44,000 Americans die each year from lack of health insurance.

Obama derrangment syndrome

Sanity from the right.

Racist undertow?

Jimmy Carter says Joe Wilson's outburst, and some of the harsher attacks on Obama, are fueled by people disdainful of a black man in the white house. Seems pretty obvious that racism is an element of the opposition, but how much is hard to say.

Ren-again?

Heather Ferguson outlined the upsides of the Renaissance Festival last month, which lost a lot of money but had good crowds and was, speaking as an attendee, pretty neat and kid friendly. With tax money scarce, though, I'm sure elected officials would question continued support for this event.

Ark City Industries

Union State Bank owner Bill Docking was nominated to the board of AC Industries earlier this month. This is a significant development because of the perception that AC Industries is arm of Home National Bank and works for the interest of its board members. Bill's presence gives ACI more legitimacy when it claims to advocate and pursue projects for the good of the overall community — aka home improvement stores and TIFF bonds.

Sensible on speech

Winfield schools met to discuss the speech controvery and decided to let teachers show it, if it fit into their schedule and allow parents to take students out of they wanted.

Andrew Lawson blog

City reporter Andrew Lawson has started a blog. It provides some good info on stuff that doesn't quite make the paper, such as the rumor that the Kansas Ave. railroad underpass project was scraped. View it here.

School sanity

Finally some sense of reason on the right on this school speech flap.

Stimulus effect

Editors of the Wall Street Journal approved this story on the success of the stimulus plan. Socialism, or sincere attempt to boost economic activity?

School dazed

Some people are raising a stink about Obama making an address about the importance of education to school children. With the birthers and communist conspiracy theories out there, it does seem a noticeable sliver of the American public has broken from reasonable society and lost any sense of diplomacy. I suppose these are the folks who circulated the Obama is a Muslim and baby killer lies during the campaign. They were chastened by defeat, but now are full throated since the shine has worn off the new President.

Too bad

A second downtown institution falls this year, Bryant's Hardware being the first. In this economy, people aren't buying high dollar stuff like cars and furniture much, although we don't know the reason yet Bob is closing. I do know he is a true gentlemen and a solid KU fan! :)

Elections change?

I like Steve Archer's point in this story" about primary elections generating more interest among voters. The $1,000 cost doesn't seem too great for stirring public involvement.

Avery taxes

Donna Avery is paying off back property taxes. Some folks might question why this story was inside the paper instead of on front like the Kuhn-tax story. The question has several answers: Donna is making payment arrangements with the county; she is less high profile than a city commissioner who champions fiscal responsibility; and she was not dismissive of the fact that her taxes were not paid on time.

Quote of the day

“The Internet is like closing time at a blue-collar bar in Boston. Everyone’s drunk and ugly and they’re going to pass out in a few minutes," - Leon Wieseltier, literary editor of TNR.

Alsup retirement

County Administrator Leroy Alsup's says he'll probably retire soon.

Do you think, as the Cowley County's first chief executive, he's done a good job and shown that the county administrator position is worthwhile?

I would say yes based on the success of getting the new jail built, establishing Cowley First, settling a tax dispute with GE, getting a property clean-up program going, and other things...

Paid up

Mell paid his back taxes, which is good. It might be wise for Mell, politically, to issue a mea culpa. Something on the grounds of how every citizen should pay their taxes on time if they are capable and he, especially, should have known better as a city commissioner who watches over others taxes.

Taggart's internship

Taggart is certainly qualified and would likely do a great job as intern for Cowley First. The concern, though, is the appearance of favoritism and deal-making. It looks little insider trading. The question for Wall, County Adminstrator LeRoy Alsup and other elected officials who oversee Cowley First is .... is employing Taggart and fostering some suspicion worth it? Also, it does not appear that the position was advertised to see who else might be qualified out there who is not an elected official.

Arrest secrecy

For some reason, Kansas officials are scared to release the subpoenas officials file to get arrest warrants to the public. Most states do this, and it shines light on what law enforcement is doing to justify arresting citizens. But Kansas is being mossback on this and sticking to secret ways that engender distrust and distance between authorities and citizens.

The media and other first amendment interests will keep fighting for this, I'm sure.

Mell taxes

This one leaves me almost speechless ....

Almost

What kind of example does this set when an elected officials is dismissive of deadlines for paying taxes? Guess we can all just pay our water bills when we feel like it.

Beer-alalah

Commission approved the beer garden. Churches pretty quiet about this deal. We'll see if any boycott the parade again.

Hospital humming along

Hospital took a big step today with sale of bonds and hiring of designer-contractor. There are big hopes for this project, both in terms of better health and economic development, and I don't see why they won't be realized. Not to mention a nice economic stimulus (created right here at home) when construction starts.

Health care craziness

I don't understand all this nuttiness over health care and the criticism of Obama. It's become clear that you can't pass a plan with a public-run insurance plan in the Senate, where you need 60 votes. Obama recognizes this, and liberals go crazy , adding to the craziness of the hard right, which is just mad in general that a Democrat is in charge (not to the mention general discontent across the country about the recession, unemployment, etc.) Our former governor says the media is creating the story, which holds some truth because Obama has never said the public option is a make or break thing.

Housing rehabs

This story could signify that the Neighborhood Housing Revitalization program is working as planned, although some of the property owners Foss Farrar spoke with weren't aware of the program, which provides a tax rebate on increased taxes if you improve your house.

There was a bit of controversy a couple years ago when the commission extended the program to nearly the whole city. We'll see if we can get the stats on how many people have taken advantage of the program. In any case, it's nice to see some of these blighted properties getting a make over. Delapidated housing is a big problem in Ark City.

Kuhn vs. McDonald, Wallace

Mell lashed out at Patrick McDonald as a commission workshop yesterday for telling the press about emails Mell sent to city officials criticizing a gun purchase in the police department. There's long standing static between these two. We've got the email exchange online, or at least part of it. What's interesting but hasn't really been reported is a broadside critique of Police Chief Sean Wallace for, Kuhn says, being egotistical and trying to turn the police department into a SWAT team.

Beer garden is back

Check today's Traveler or Web site later. Chamber asking permission to host an outdoor beer garden, like they did in 2007. As I recall, there weren't any problems associated with it, and many people enjoyed it. But I think at least one church boycotted the parade due to it.

Stimulus working?

Lots of criticism about federal spending right now, but the stimulus package is protecting jobs and creating work, including here locally. City of Ark City, County have received money for infrastructure projects. Sheriff has applied to fund two deputies. Cowley College and of course the local school districts have benefited. The local arts council received a stimulus funded grant to make up for funding cuts to keep positions. I know of several small businesses taking advantage of no-interest Small Business Administration loans to help pay of debt.

Could it be that, in the end, the deficit spendingwill have keep us out of a deeper recession and saved people's livelihoods?

Hill resigns

This was expected. Too bad to see Heidi go. Public probably will never know what happened. The question for the public again is, what happens to Cowley First?

Smoke Free? or Free to Smoke?

This is a good letter by Ralph McDonald. It does seem that business owners should have the right to allow smoking, but there are waiters, cooks, delivery people to consider, and the occasional non-smoking customer who finds him or herself in a smoking establishment due to appointments, or trying to accommodate a friend. Seems like when you look at it from a public health standpoint, smoking bans over ride the choice issue.

Boon or boondoogle?

Cash for clunkers is getting cars sold including here in Cowley County but car dealers are still skeptical
Is this the stimulus at work boosting the economy or is this government waste and interference?

Reasonable Republicans

Nine GOPers in the Senate approved Sotomayor. She did make some questionable statements in speeches, but her judicial record was not extreme or out of the mainstream, according to experts, and in fact some liberal voices thought she was too moderate. What will the consequences at the ballot box be in the Latino community..

At it again ...

Mell Kuhn trying to assert himself again. This is familiar to his criticism of the type of ammo Chief Wallace was trying to buy a couple years ago.

Birther affect

This is what happens when you watch too much cable TV. The flip side would be something nutty like the Democrats who believed that George Bush was getting drunk in the white house all the time. But that didn't make the mainstream news like this one. And beneath this accusation is not-so-subtle prejudice to paint Obama as a foreigner, outsider and unAmerican.

GOP moderation?

Can a moderate Republican win a primary for a Congressional seat in South Central Kansas? The bet is against it, but it sure would be nice. Jean Schodorf, who heads the Senate Education committee in the Kansas Senate, will probably join the race to replace Tiahrt.

Cowley First

This thing could drag on, apparently. The more it does, the worse is it for the image and productivity of Cowley First. Protecting somebody's privacy is good, but it also breeds suspicion when no words is given on these matter.

I don't fault Alsup or Hill. The problem lies in Kansas public records law, which allows too much secrecy in personnel matters of public officials, in my opinion. We should at least be able to know WHY, she was placed on leave. At least a general reason for such dramatic action by our government officials.

Two amigos

Can't help but point out this local political cartoon. I laughed out loud when I first saw it. It reveals through comedy what is a good point — the TIF forces are strong and outweigh the anti-TIF forces, at least on the commission.

Moran endorsements

Below is a blog entry from KC STAR columnist Mike Hendricks.

"Don’t overlook the significance of last week’s endorsement spree by U.S. Senate hopeful Jerry Moran.

In his battle with fellow Republican Todd Tiahrt in Kansas’ 2010 U.S. Senate primary, the impressive list of Johnson County mayors that Moran trotted out ranks as a hugely significant development.

Seven Johnson County mayors backed Moran: Overland Park’s Carl Gerlach, Lenexa’s Mike Boehm, Leawood’s Peggy Dunn, Olathe’s Mike Copeland, Shawnee’s Jeff Meyers, Prairie Village’s Ron Shaffer, and Mission’s Laura McConwell.

Yeah, it’s just a bunch of endorsements. But with Moran hailing from Hays and Tiahrt from Wichtia, Johnson County Republicans are as valuable as Satchel Paige autographs.

The mayors’ verdict will reverberate all over the state’s most populous county."

Downtown improvement

Foss Farrar's story about financial help for downtown/historical buildings in Ark City. With a Main Street association, we'd be on top of these type of benefits, and more, and be able to promote/highlight what outsiders see as the jewel of the city. One obstacle is buildings owners having to pay dues. But it appears they payoff can be significant.

Tacky Todd

Kind of tacky for Rep. Todd Tiahrt to go around suggesting certain people, including the president of the united states, could have been aborted if abortions were cheaper. His other example of a great mind that could have been aborted was Clarence Thomas.

I understand that Tiahrt is an anti-abortion crusader (in fact this is a good reminder that he is a product of the 1990s Christian Coalition) but Tiahrt makes it sound like mothers would abort more black babies, in particular, just to save a few bucks.

Cowley First director on leave

With Cowley First trying to gain foothold as the legitimate entity for county-wide economic development, this won't help. As expected, officials are tight lipped about why Heidi Hill was put on leave.

Supreme denial

Watching some of the confirmation hearings for Sonia Sotomayor, it seems like both she and GOP senators are trying to dance on a pin by denying that people's personal views and life experience affect their view of the law. Judges may try to separate that out, but personal views and how they view the law OBVIOUSLY influence judges — otherwise they'd agree all the time. GOP Senator Lindsay Graham, from S.C., breaks through the denial and offers a dose of reality yesterday. Here's what he said, reported by Politico.com:

".....Graham also pulled the curtain back a bit on what he suggested was the artificiality of statements by Sotomayor and senators on both sides of the aisle that good judges simply apply the rule of law without any regard to their personal views.

“You hire judges for their judgment, not their personal views or what their sense of what the outcome should be. You hire--you appoint judges for the purpose of understanding whether they respect law, whether they respect precedent,” Sotomayor said Thursday.

“I don't doubt that you respect the law, but you're going to be asked, along with eight other colleagues, if you get on the court, to render a decision as to whether or not the Second Amendment is a fundamental right shared by the American people,” Graham replied. “There is no subjective judgment there?”

After Sotomayor launched into a lengthy answer about “stare decisis” and “incorporation,” Graham reiterated his view that legal principles alone would not dictate the result—a view strikingly similar to President Barack Obama stance that a judge’s “heart” would control in 5 % of cases.

“I do believe, at the end of the day, you're not going to find a law book that tells you whether or not a fundamental right exists vis-a-vis the Second Amendment, that you're going to have to rely upon your view of America, who we are, how far we've come and where we're going to go in our relationship to gun ownership,” Graham said. “You may not agree with that, but I believe that's what you’re going to do, and I believe that's what every other justice is going to do.”

Here's the full story

To TIF or not to TIF

That is the question in my story Sat. about a new attitide toward tax increment financing on the AC commission

Dusty Dan

Could Dan Glickman come out of retirement and seek revenge against Tiahrt for beating him in 1994? It's getting some buzz.

The Palin chronicles

Amazing to me that some people think she's capable of being a national political figure. Her resignation/quitting shows that she really was never up to the job. Some GOPers are getting the idea, too.

The conservative choice

Tiahrt is touting his win in a straw poll in Olathe over Moran in the Senate race. This isn't a big surprise, as Tiahrt will be the choice of the religious conservatives, who dominate the GOP in Olathe.



June 29, 2009 316.265.2517

WICHITA – Todd Tiahrt’s decisive 165-46 victory over Jerry Moran in the Olathe Straw Poll Saturday capped a great week for the Tiahrt campaign. Not only did Tiahrt show strong support in a conservative bastion of Johnson County, his campaign organization demonstrated its ability to mobilize volunteers, get out votes and most importantly, to win.

Earlier in the week, the biggest endorsement of the Republican primary went Tiahrt’s way on Thursday, when the state’s most influential pro-life group, Kansans for Life, endorsed Tiahrt. That was followed the next day with dual endorsements from well-known conservative Tony Perkins and Family Research Council. Coupled with the previous week’s endorsements from Phyllis Schlafly, Eagle Forum and Concerned Women for America, Tiahrt had wrapped up early support from some heavy hitters.

There are more than thirteen months before the August 2010 primary and time for many highs and lows for both campaigns. However, until election night, it is hard to imagine either campaign having a better week than Tiahrt did last week.

GOP implosion

Obama's poll numbers are slipping, but the GOP can't seem to catch a break.

Mozittis closed?

It appears one of ark city's nicest restaurant's has closed. No official confirmation yet. UDPATE: It's closed. Probably for good.

Health care debate part II

New poll finds big support for public insurance option, similar to Medicare, for everyone. And this blogger asks where Sebelius is in this fight? Republicans are countering on the cost and deficit front - recent polls show Americans also worried about debt and over spending.

Making sense of Iran

Nice to see this traditional news story, making some sense of the splattering of Twitter and YouTube accounts coming from Iran. The NY Times writer is apparently one the of the few Western journalists left in Iran.

Mell's latest

Clean Air organizers are propogandists and racketeers in Mell's world.

Sheesh

The great health care debate

Getting bogged down in the Senate. Obama wants bipartisan legislation, but don't see how that's possible. This could come down to Arlen Spector, who appears willing to horsetrade with Obama

Sam the man

Looks like Brownback's walk to the gov. mansion just got even easier.

Lowe's lives?

We've heard some rumbling that Lowe's and/or the developer who sought to bring a Lowe's to Ark City in 2007, has revived their interest because of the change in the city commission.

Good joke

Desperation of Kansas Demos Everybody I've talked to seems to have no idea who the Democrats will run for Gov. Maybe Mark Mangino is a Democrat?
:)

Sebelius says talks, but no offer

From the Associated Press


Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has confirmed that she talked to Bill Snyder about serving as her lieutenant governor in 2006 during his break from coaching Kansas State football.

But she said Friday while attending a health care event in
Omaha, Neb., that the talks with Snyder never reached the offer
stage.

Synder told a crowd of boosters Wednesday in Winfield that he
was Sebelius' first choice for lieutenant governor after he retired
from coaching in 2005.

But he said he turned Sebelius down after Sen. Pat Roberts and
former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne advised him against
taking the job.

Sebelius chose Mark Parkinson as her running mate in June 2006.
And Snyder agreed to return to coaching at Kansas State late last
year.

Gov. Snyder?

At the catbackers dinner last night in Winfield, Coach Bill Synder told a story about Gov. Sebelius asking him to become lt. gov. for her second term. He finally decided against it after Sen. Pat Roberts reminded him that Sebelius could go to D.C., leaving him in line to become Gov. Sebelius told him he didn't have to move to Topeka and could champion a few causes he really believed in.

How about Snyder for Gov. in 2010? He's probably the only one who could beat Sam Brownback. He never did say his party affiliation.

Tiahrt leading the way

Rep. Tiahrt is a true believer in evilness of government. Here's a press release about his failed effort to repeal the stimulus bill, which was mostly political stagecraft because it had no chance of passing

Will Tiahrt credit the stimulus if we start gaining jobs later this year or early next?


Tiahrt Fights for Repeal of Obama ‘Stimulus’ Plan

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (pronounced TEE-hart), R-Kan., today led Republican efforts to rescue taxpayers from the Obama administration’s budget-busting stimulus spending. Tiahrt offered an amendment during a House Appropriations Committee meeting to rescind unobligated money in the Democrats' stimulus spending bill, calling it a miserable failure at helping workers and our economy. The Tiahrt amendment could save taxpayers from borrowing an estimated $600 billion.

Despite unanimous support from Committee Republicans, Democrats voted down the Tiahrt amendment on a straight party-line vote. Tiahrt said he was determined to continue leading the fight to put an end to out-of-control borrowing and spending that has plagued Washington.

"The Obama administration, aided by congressional Democrats, has an insatiable appetite for borrowing and spending taxpayer dollars for failed government programs that do nothing to help our economy or struggling workers find jobs," said Tiahrt. "Today I offered a proposal to get us out of this spending quagmire. Unfortunately, Democrats are unwilling to part with their massive government spending ways.

"Disguised as economic recovery, the so-called stimulus plan has miserably failed the American people. Quite simply, it has not worked. Consider that 1.5 million Americans have lost their jobs since the Obama stimulus bill became law, and then ask yourself why we should borrow money to fund programs that fail to perform.

"I voted against the Democrats' stimulus bill, and now I am leading the effort to repeal it. Kansans are fed up with the broken promises of a better economy, and all taxpayers deserve to get their hard-earned money back. True economic stimulus puts money back in the pockets of Americans, not bigger government programs. That way we can grow the economy from the ground up instead of pursuing the incompetent idea of growing the economy from the government down.

"The government is borrowing money it does not have, inflating programs we do not need, and making promises it cannot keep. I am determined to continue taking this fight to Congress on behalf of every taxpayer who is fed up with what they see coming from Washington."

The Tiahrt amendment, offered during the House Appropriations full committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill, targets Division A (discretionary funds) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Tiahrt will be introducing a stimulus rescission bill for consideration by the full House later this week.

Poor health

Kansas health institute says Cowley County isn't very healthy - ranked 86 out of 105 counties. Looks like we don't fare too badly in health care and physical environment, but not too good in healthy behaviors and socio-economic factorsHere's the report on PDF. Here's the map.

Language of abortion

Does the incendiary languageof the hard core anti-abortion movement encourage violence against abortion providers?

Open meetings

My story on the possible violation of open meetings laws by Ark City commissioner(s). This looks fairly innocent. I am glad to see the local prosecutor taking it seriously, though, to nip anything worse in the bud.

Course Mell is defiant and churlish as ever ....

Tiller murdered

We'll know more about who killed Dr. Tiller soon, but if it turns out to be the likely scenerio of a fervent abortion opponent, it will be an act of terrorism — meant to strike fear in those living within the law

The dark lord

Fascinating take on the argument that Cheney is bending history and facts to defend his advocacy of torture.

Oh, Pat

Senator Roberts is jumping the gun a little here, isn't he?

Sotomayor skeptics

Some right wingers are pressing hard on the "racist" charge against Obama's Supreme Court nominee for one single comment in a speech she made several years ago. But apparently some liberal groups are now questioning her left wing bona fides ..... Sounds to me like Obama may have gotten this one right - she's somewhere in the middle (left of middle, I'm sure) of the extreme views that get all the headlines

Limbaugh or Powell Republican?

The intra-party fight over the ID of the GOP continues. Powell represents moderate Republicans, of which there aren't many any more. It's what Mark Parkinson was until he switched to the Demos. Some GOP leaders probably wouldn't want Eisnenhower in the party if we were around today.

Leven charged

Everybody in Kay County knew this was coming. If he's found guilty,it will be a sobering lesson in abuse of office by an elected official.

Darth Vader strikes again

Guess you have to vigorously defend torturing and rendering people to other countries for torture once you go down that dark path. Reminds me of the end of the latest Batman movie, in which the narrator says that the people of Gotham don't need a hero, they need a protector, willing to be the villian and take the blame.

Collections

This may sound a little like big brother, but if the city is owed water bill payments they should get it, otherwise the rest of us are subsidizing the operation. (except the fines imposed during the short draconian period) Patrick's problem with it being brought up just before, or during a City Commission meeting, seems like minor process issue. Frankly it would be nice if elected officials threw out proposals or ideas more at the regular meeting (for discussion).

'round we go

I've heard a lot of people grumble or complain about the round-a-about coming in on Kansas and bypass. I think people are pretty uncertain how they work, but once you drive around them a couple times, they seem to work nicely and they do slow people down. The city has been showing a KDOT video to people to explain them.

Who's this guy?

Troy Findley is the new Lt. Gov. of Kansas.
This pick doesn't sound like one meant to set up a formidable candidate for Gov. on the Demo side

Photo-gate

Obama is dead wrong here. Security trumps transparency im many cases as it should. However, just because you think something will upset other people and "might" fan flames of anti-Americanism are not a good reason for secrecy. This only piques the curiosity of the public and makes them suspicious of what the government is hiding. Too often officials responsible for security and confidentiality take the easy route and put that over public trust.

Dearth of Democrats

(Thanks to the viewer who corrected my mispelling of dearth [dirth]. Hope the insult and snarkiness that came along with it make you feel better!)

While the national GOP is staggering, things look OK for Republicans in Kansas. A Republican will likely take Brownback's seat (Tiahrt or Moran) and Brownback will be a strong candidate for Gov. Meanwhile, Demos don't have anyone announced for either of those spots. Parkinson probably will announce soon his Lt. Gov. pick, who will likely be the Democratic frontrunner for Gov. But who will it be? People always throw out the Docking name, but I don't think either Jill or Tom Docking are on in the mix.

Miss-speak California

This whole affair seemed ridiculous to me. So she spoke against Gay Marriage in a beauty pageant — most people do oppose gay marriage, even in California. I did hear one good point about the matter - most young people 30 and under, support gay marriage and so she turned out to be a young voice against it that the anti-gay rights lobby hoisted up as a hero.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em

In his oh-so-tactful way, Mell compares smoking to tailpipe emissions and fireplaces. I'll say it again, Mell's rudeness gets in the way of his positions and builds resentment rather than respect.

The facts are that cities are banning smoking indoor public places and the state probably will soon. Smoker's rights end when they starting forcing others to smoke.

Why fired?

Liked this letter to the editor by Steve Lenox that ran Sat. I understand the position of elected officials when they do not release personnel records, but sometimes there are overriding public interests and some information can and should be given. The law does not appear to forbid the release of such records or information, but rather it allows them to be exempt from release.

The great compromiser

The new Gov. steps and BAM, brokers a popular compromise to a seemingly endless stalemate of the coal plants. Very impressive and the kind of practical governing that I think Kansans admire.

Stimulus-us

Wonder if getting some money locally helps change some people's mind about the stimulus bill. It also will fund at least one county road project, I believe, and of course will help the state balance its budget, soften cuts to prison system, and lessen education cuts. More could be taken advantage of, including money for public transportation (rail) (Folks are also getting extended unemployment and possibly extended health coverage if they've been laid off recently)

Spector the defector

This seems like mostly self-interest on Spector's part, but it does underscore GOP problem of keeping moderates in the party and the hardening, shrinking of the Party.

Another Ten Commandments Controversy

When will good folks of Christian faith come to understand that this country was founded by people who were mostly Christian (not all of em) but is not a Christian Nation, in the sense that government does not follow any specific religious doctrine or text?


Senate votes for 10 Commandments monument
RON JENKINS
Associated Press Writer


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Senate voted overwhelmingly Monday to allow a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds after heated debate over good and evil and political expediency.

Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, said his bill merely tried to recognize the Ten Commandments as a historical document that formed the basis for the country's laws.

"It's like the Liberty Bell," Brogdon said.

Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, however, charged that the measure was a political ploy aimed at getting Brogdon elected governor, playing to "uneducated people" who "do not understand anything other than wedge issues like this.

"If it's not God, if it's not gays, if it's not guns, they don't care," she said.

After Senate Democratic leader Charlie Laster spoke to McIntyre, she said: "I apologize, Sen. Brogdon, for calling your name. But I still say this is a bad bill and the intent is very, very mean."

She said it put the state's "backward thinking" on display for the rest of the country.

Brogdon, who officially announced his candidacy for governor at the state GOP convention on Saturday, said he did not know how to respond to the allegations of McIntyre, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Constance Johnson, D-Oklahoma City.

Johnson said she found the intent of the bill "very offensive" and "hypocritical." She said she had not been able to get a hearing on a proposed monument honoring blacks' contribution to the state's political history.

Brogdon said McIntyre knows he is not a hypocrite and expressed dismay he had been referred to as having "mean" and "evil" intent.

He later said he was "tired of being called a racist on the Senate floor," accusing McIntyre and Johnson, who are black, of "hysteria" and interjecting race into the arguments over the bill.

"We're talking about the Ten Commandments, for crying out loud, and they brought up race. That's quite a stretch," he said.

McIntyre and Johnson said Barack Obama, the country's first black president, has been held up to ridicule in Oklahoma through legislative resolutions and politically inspired demonstrations.

"If we're not careful, we'll have another civil war," McIntyre said.

Sen. Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, said the law is "obviously unconstitutional," despite arguments the Supreme Court has upheld a similar Texas law. Wilson said "the facts are much different" in Texas, where the Ten Commandments was located in a monument park for four decades.

Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, voted against the bill, saying it violated the Oklahoma Constitution.

Adelson said that as a Jewish person, he is offended by efforts to "secularize" the Ten Commandments.

"It is clearly a religious symbol; I would not have it referred to any other way," he said.

Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow, said the Ten Commandments all involve moral issues that can guide the nation, apart from any religious aspect.

"I think our country can stand and live on moral issues," he said.

The bill must return to the House and Brogdon indicated it would go to a joint conference committee.

Obama poll wackiness

Alright, whose trying to skew the poll by notifying email lists? We've never had close to 1,000 votes in less than 48 hours.

How do you think President Obama has done in his first three months? [1111 votes total]

Great (48) 4%
Good (56) 5%
So-so (53) 5%
Terrible (954) 86%

Endorsements

Dottie Smith told me the other day she thought a newspaper endorsing candidates for local office was wrong. That the local paper should stay neutral and that endorsements are unfair. She thinks perhaps people just see the endorsement and so "I'll go with it."

I defended the endorsements as something most papers do based on an attempt to help others form opinions and influence events in their community. I also said I've been told some people don't want the Traveler endorsement because they think it will hurt them
:)

What do you all think?

Adios amigo cartoon

We've taken a little heat for this political cartoon. Inappropriate?

Tea party post mordem

Is this tea party protest thing going to last or just a fringe element with a general aversion for government

Gun safety

Is this story a case of careless kids or a general cavalier attitude toward guns?

Classy

Check out Scott Margolius's ad in Thursday's Traveler if you haven't already. He congratulates the winners and thanks his supports and is overall very gracious in what was a pretty contention campaign, for local standards.

Another change election

The last three Ark City Commission elections have been change elections. Incumbents have lost in all three of them. These are unsettled, active times in the city between the rivers.

Don't see how you can see this election as anything other than a rebuke of current commission majority, most notably Mell Kuhn, whose brash, sometimes crude style alienates some people.

Tiahrt for Senate

Tiahrt Files to have Name Placed on 2010 Ballot as Official US Senate Candidate

WICHITA-U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today took the third and final step in making his candidacy for the United States Senate official by filing with the Kansas Secretary of State to have his name placed on the ballot in 2010. Tiahrt announced his candidacy in front of hundreds of Republicans gathered in Topeka in late January. In early February Tiahrt filed official papers with the Federal Election Commission through the Secretary of the Senate. Thursday's filing is the final step in officially getting Tiahrt's name placed on the Kansas ballot in 2010.

Tiahrt filed his paperwork at the Sedgwick County Courthouse and was joined by his wife Vicki and a group of more than 20 supporters wearing red Tiahrt campaign shirts. Tiahrt said his travels across the state meeting with Kansans in recent months has been encouraging and has given him a new excitement to take his vision to the U.S. Senate.

"It has been an honor traveling our great state meeting with Kansans who want conservative leadership they can trust," said Tiahrt. "Today's filing will place my name on the 2010 ballot as a Senate candidate, and I am excited about meeting with more Kansans in the coming months to share my vision for how we can renew the dream for a more prosperous future.

"I hear from Kansans every day who support my campaign because we need leaders who have courage to take common-sense conservative principles to Washington . We need bold leadership to counter the liberal agenda of a Democrat-controlled White House and Congress. With the growing support of Kansas voters, I will fight to make sure our state has another strong voice in the United States Senate."

Tiahrt is the Dean of the Kansas House Congressional Delegation and has served in the House of Representatives since 1995.

Kasha and health care

Here's Traveler editorial that ran last Saturday.

KELLEY OUT OF TOUCH ON HEALTH CARE

Kasha Kelley is way off base when it comes to health insurance for children.
In the House budget committee, she worked against expanding government-assisted health insurance for children, known as SCHIP.
SCHIP is funded mostly by the federal government with a small match from states.
Thankfully the full House put the measure into the budget it approved this week. Hopefully the Senate will follow and Kansas can reach another 8,000 or so children of working families.
Expanding SCHIP would cover children of families making 250 percent of federal poverty levels.
According to the Hawver Capitol Report, Kelley said a family of four earning $55,000 a year could tithe to a church and still afford private health insurance.
This view is out of touch with the struggles of working families, many of whom live in fear of going to the hospital.
Private health insurance costs have sped way past income gains in recent year.
That family of four can easily spend $10,000 a year on out-of-pocket costs if they purchase private insurance.
Businesses large and small are pushing more and more of their health insurance costs to workers because of the soaring costs.
This is one area that demands government action.
The least we can do is aid in the health care of children from families of modest means.

Cancer cluster?

Kanyon Gingher with KACY has asked city commission candidates about whether they think there's a high rate of cancer in Ark City? I've heard this rumor before but never seen any evidence. I think it arose after a few publicized cases of cancer in children occurred in a short amount of time. If anybody knows where she's coming from and what might be driving this rumor, let us know....

Also, her questions about whether Ark City should have a strong mayor and rotating city attorney are interesting, although don't think those changes are under any serious consideration. Strong mayor would be like New York city, where a Mayor sets the agenda and has control over administration. I guess you could elect a Mayor without those powers, but then it would be similar to mayor now. I'm guessing Mell already thinks he's a strong mayor :)

Crap

Bad news for area economy.
Perhaps Cowley County manufacturers looking for good workers have an opportunity, though

Minimum wage

Kansas might finally up its mim. wage for those who fall through the federal min. wage laws. As for our local reps. Ed Trimmer voted for it, Kasha Kelley voted against it.

Here's Associated Press story.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill raising Kansas' lowest-in-the-nation minimum wage won House approval Wednesday, moving Democrats, labor unions and anti-poverty advocates closer to a long-standing goal.
The vote was 104-21. The Senate passed the measure last month but must consider changes made by the House before the bill can go to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who supports it.
The Kansas minimum wage is now $2.65 an hour, and the legislation would raise it to $7.25 an hour next January.
An estimated 17,000 to 20,000 workers are covered by the Kansas minimum wage. Most of Kansas' 1.4 million workers are covered by the federal minimum wage, which is increasing in July to $7.25 an hour from the current $6.55.
"The minimum wage is fundamental respect for people who go to work every day," said Rep. Jim Ward, a Wichita Democrat. "These are the people who have two jobs. These are the single moms. These are people who struggle to hold their heads above water."
The House added provisions allowing employers to pay workers who are less than 20 years old just $4.25 an hour for their first 90 days on the job and to automatically raise the state's wage whenever the federal government increases its figure.
Forty-five states have a minimum wage, but only six, including Kansas, set it below the federal rate, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Twenty-seven states set their wages higher than the federal rate; in 12 states, the figure mirrors the federal one.
Democrats and their allies have been pushing to raise Kansas' minimum wage for two decades, arguing it's an embarrassment. But business groups and many Republicans, who have consistently held legislative majorities, have opposed the idea.
Groups such as the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business argue that increasing the wage only raises employers' costs, causing them to cut low-wage, entry-level jobs.
Republican Rep. Mike Kiegerl of Olathe, a businessman who taught economics at four area colleges, cited a 2005 federal study showing more than 600,000 job lost in the U.S. from a 1990s wage increase.
"Minimum wage legislation is a bad idea. It is bad economics," Kiegerl said. "You have less opportunity for an entry-level job. Is that the message you want to send?"
But this year, some Republicans in both chambers decided to stop fighting the issue, saying it's only symbolic anyway.
The state law applies only to companies that have less than $500,000 a year in annual revenue and don't engage in interstate commerce.
Some Republicans argue a business falls under the federal law by engaging in interstate commerce if it accepts credit cards or buys out-of-state supplies. They questioned whether any workers fall under the Kansas law, whatever the state's estimates.
They also acknowledged increasing the minimum wage has popular appeal, especially with unions and anti-poverty groups pushing it.
"To be bluntly honest with you, the will of the people in the communities we represent, they said we need to bring this forward," said Rep. John Grange, an El Dorado Republican. "We need to take it up."

Commission Forum--breakdown

Quick impressions from last night's Traveler forum for city commission candidates. Read the story today for full scoop.

1) Lots of experience and smarts as group of candidates. Voters have good choices.

2) Big Box proposal won't go away

3) Running against Kuhn. Mayor Mell Kuhn was not there but it seems clear that Snell, Warren and McDonald are running, in part, against his leadership.(Which will of course end next month)

4) Friendly group. There are some deep divisions but the candidates remained diplomatic last night. Even when tempted by a 3 amigos questions, they all remained pretty diplomatic. Scott Margolius was the only one who didn't tip toe around it, but he was not defensive. Jean Snell did say he thought the current majority was too controlling and had recruited candidates to maintain control.

4a) Voting records show unity - Margolius had a vote break down of he and McDonald that showed he actually voted less often with Mell and Dotty Smith than McDonald did. That said, the big box vote was worth about a hundred votes. And, after thinking about it, Doug Russell's departure divide the commission. He was hired by McDonald and Hockenbury, and left after the "amigos" came aboard.

4) Jay Warren struggled at the podium. He's new to this. He did say he's running to restore integrity and common sense to the commission, which is a pretty strong slogan and I thought a direct reference to Kuhn's antics.

5) Gordon Fry, Mathews and Snell were impressive in their experience and knowledge.

6) Margolius was the most articulate speaker.

7) Pat McDonald was the most emotional and passionate

8) Fry's license plate – one question we didn't ask last night from the audience was why does Fry's license plate still have Montgomery County on it. I asked him after the forum and he said that he's been told by the tag office that Montgomery County would have to reissue the plate because it specialized. He said he moved back to Ark City three years ago.