Daily Archives: April 6, 2008

Abortion bill built for veto, campaigns

April 6, 20086:05 a.m.

abortionIn its timing, handling and everything-but-the-kitchen-sink content, the abortion bill that went to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius last week looked less like a serious effort to curb abortion than an invitation for another Sebelius veto — and an issue for fall campaign mailers. Allowing extended family members to prevent late-term abortions, letting local prosecutors access women’s medical records, adding more hurdles for patients — such proposals deserve thorough debate. Yet the bill was passed without review by a Senate committee. “It’s every legislator’s right to use the rules put in place to represent their district,” said state Sen. Phil Journey, R-Haysville. But lawmakers should exercise that right with greater care, or do reproductive rights mean nothing in Kansas anymore?

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (156)

Open thread 4/6

April 6, 20086:04 a.m.

thread

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Open thread | Comments (227)

Wanted: a superintendent rock star?

April 6, 20086:02 a.m.

rockstarWith a growing number of schools around the country struggling to meet the demands of the No Child Left Behind law, many districts are willing to pay rock-star salaries and perks for the right turnaround artist, according to a Christian Science Monitor article.

A suburban Atlanta district considered hiring a superintendent who was asking for a $275,000 salary, along with a $2 million consultant budget, a Lincoln Town Car — and a personal bodyguard.

Who knew being a school superintendent was a ticket to riches and superstardom?But long hours, politicized school boards and near-impossible accountability goals are driving away many qualified school principals and bureaucrats who once moved up to superintendent jobs, according to the article.

As a result, the dwindling number of quality candidates can command bigger paychecks and more lavish perks: Average annual salaries have nearly doubled, from about $110,000 a decade ago to more than $200,000 today.

Let’s hope the Wichita school board finds candidates who will settle for more modest perks — like free passes to Old Cowtown Museum.

By Randy Scholfield | Filed under Education | Comments (20)

Challenge from McCain

April 6, 20086:01 a.m.

mccain“If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them,” GOP presidential nominee John McCain challenged Americans Wednesday in a speech at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated. He suggested the military or elective office as ways to serve. “But there are many public causes where your service can make our country a stronger, better one than we inherited. Wherever there is a hungry child, a great cause exists. . . . Wherever there is suffering, a great cause exists.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (78)

Obama-Sebelius speculation ‘surreal’

April 6, 20086:00 a.m.

sebeliusA Reuters profile of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius found her further downplaying talk of being Barack Obama’s running mate, but taking care to close no doors. “It’s flattering and a little . . . surreal to have somebody talk about those sorts of ideas,” she said. “I don’t really think about it. That is not where my focus is.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (23)