Comments on: Public servants should let public in

By: ksfarmgrrl

ksfarmgrrl — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:47:01 +0000

“JWink
Posted October 12, 2008 at 7:38 am | Permalink”

That’s a great post, Wink.

And I agree.

NO INCUMBENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: ksfarmgrrl

ksfarmgrrl — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:45:53 +0000

IIRC, the Kansas Press Association called their loss on the Open Meetings law a victory, even though it made the weak existing law even WEAKER by making it easier for two or more public officials to discuss public business in private.

Oh well. What would you expect from the Kansas PRESS Association? The campaign season is their harvest. They know how to spin a loss in Topeka and a weakening of the Open Meetings laws as a victory.

Spin is their game!

By: LonnythePlumber

LonnythePlumber — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:01:11 +0000

I feel the northwest bypass should have only been closed for the property acquisition portion. We do need to keep encouraging open meetings. While Schlapp will be term limited from running again, Brewer just seems to be getting better and better. Incumbents mean experience to deal with staff who often impact us much more than do our elected officials.

By: JWink

JWink — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:38:20 +0000

SO bottom line in November 2008: VOTE NO INCUMBENTS.

Some exceptions in my mind but when you begin listing exceptions, the overall message goes down the drain.

Frankly, incumbents soon begin operating as employees of the governmental unit which they are supposed to represent and over which they are supposed to provide oversight. Most elected representatives are too timid to yell “there’s a wolf at the door!” Or to act against the tide, or challenge the status quo. Incumbents get drawn into a comfort zone, furtively picking up their monthly pay checks and keeping their collective mouths shut.

An occasional timid “peep” is about all incumbents emit. Brings up the question, “Is a timid ‘peep’ issued by a politician in the woods when no one is around to hear it …. really a sound?”

Incumbents, if they are really service minded, can continue to participate as volunteers.

So, the message is loud and clear: CONTINUOUSLY REFRESH THE POOL OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES.

RE-ELECT NO INCUMBENTS.

By: JWink

JWink — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:27:36 +0000

Strange that outgoing lame duck Sedgwick County Commissioner, Tom Winters, who was recently discharged by Sedgwick County voters is involved in any sordid secret meetings involving taxpayers money.

I guess its that old feeling of unearned self importance by outgoing politicians.

Interesting that the other three politicians listed, Norton, Brewer and Schlapp could be history in elections during the next two years, carrying their “office-holder secrets” with them.

Politicians seem to forget they are elected to represent the people, not their private concerns.

There is really very little justification for secret meetings.