No need for term limits in Topeka

Why does the 2007 Legislature retain only 24 representatives and four senators from the 1996 session? In a Topeka Capital-Journal article, some said the turnover is welcome evidence of a healthy “citizen Legislature” and, when lawmakers aren’t re-elected, of engaged voters. Others point to the comparatively low pay, business pressures, inflexible schedules, family responsibilities and, for some, onerous commutes. “It’s a burdensome lifestyle,” said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence. “Term limits? We have them.” Still, leadership can take a while to germinate.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

4 Comments

  1. KS Meadowlark
    Posted January 10, 2007 at 1:15 am | Permalink

    From the cited Cap Journal article:

    “Rep.-elect Rocky Fund, who will fill a seat vacated by retiring House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, said he wasn’t certain whether he would last a full decade.”

    But is Rocky Fund from State Rep District 50, and didn’t House Speaker Mays represent District 54? So, isn’t Joe Patton, the new State Rep for District 54, the replacement for Doug Mays?

  2. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted January 10, 2007 at 10:09 am | Permalink

    Leadership germinates at the local level and then hopefully, rises to the top. But I dont even know why we are talking about leadership. We elect the best followers to Topeka, not the best leaders.

    Witness “governor leadership” following her party masters toward that star at the national level.

    Unfortunately, the legislature is made up mostly of “fortunate sons” who can afford the time away from the business of making a living and from family, etc. All for less than $25,000 per year plus benefits.

    And the farther west you get, the more that is true. My rep is a four hour drive, one way, from Topeka. Others out here are a five hour drive.

    That drive will wear ya down week after week, even if we are supposed to have a “part time” legislature.

    No wonder we continue to elect farmers, big irrigators and retired people.

    No one else has the time or money.

  3. JM
    Posted January 10, 2007 at 12:24 pm | Permalink

    Tis a problem, isn’t it.

  4. dave
    Posted January 10, 2007 at 5:54 pm | Permalink

    Is bankrupt Sharon Shwartz your legislator ksfarmgrrl?