Could Sedgwick County see a real district attorney race this fall? In a SurveyUSA poll of 1,000 adults last weekend for KWCH, Channel 12, 19-year incumbent Democrat Nola Foulston garnered 51 percent support, compared with 45 percent for Republican Mark Schoenhofer. Beyond partisanship, the poll showed a strong preference for Foulston among women, 50-plus and pro-choice voters.
It’s no big deal that Wichita businessman George Fahnestock doesn’t live in the Wichita school district but will take a lead in advocating that district voters approve a proposed $370 million bond issue. As owner of Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC & Electric, Fahnestock is a Wichita employer who pays USD 259 school taxes and will pay more if the bond issue passes Nov. 4. And the more Wichita or any city grows, the more likely its prominent citizens will live in its burgeoning suburbs. But the discussion of Fahnestock’s Andover address demonstrates that, to be successful, the pro-bond campaign will need a broad range of business leaders on its side.
A poll released last week by Survey USA and sponsored by KWCH, Channel 12, quantified the challenge USD 259 boosters have leading to the May 6 vote on a $350 million bond issue to build new schools and improve fine arts and athletics facilities: 51 percent of those polled said they think $350 million is too much money; 34 percent said it’s just about right. Asked about the school board’s handling of tax dollars, 47 percent said the board has been “mostly irresponsibleâ€; 39 percent said it has been “mostly responsible.â€
As Wichita looks to another school bond issue, Wichita County is dealing with another school bond defeat — the third in five years. The latest proposal, which lost last week by five votes, would have built a $5 million elementary school by raising property taxes an average of $8.43 a month in Leoti. Bringing the outdated and termite-damaged school up to code could take $6.5 æmillion, but the naysayers prevailed. “People need to understand,†said supporter Charlie Ayers, “if you don’t pay for your community, your community dies.â€
The “What’s Wrong” guy from the annual Gridiron show is back, and he is taking calls from Donald Trump, Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and others. It’s the latest satirical video produced by The Eagle’s opinion staff and starring Bucky Walters. Enjoy.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
Today is a key date in the local expanded gaming debate. That’s because the Kansas Lottery Commission has on its agenda today whether to certify Sumner County’s 2005 referendum vote supporting expanded gaming. The Kansas attorney general’s office already has issued an informal opinion that the vote complies with the requirements of the law.
If the commission accepts the vote, as expected, that means if Sedgwick County voters decide against expanded gaming, a large casino likely will be built in Sumner County. So the Sedgwick County vote on Aug. 7 won’t be about whether a casino and its social costs should come to the area. The question will be where the casino might be located — in Sedgwick County or to the south.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
The question before Sedgwick County voters Aug. 7 seems simple enough, until you actually see the question, or rather questions. (The first is about whether to allow a casino. The second is about whether to allow slot machines at the Wichita Greyhound Park.)
Proposition No. 1:
Shall the following be adopted?
"Shall the Kansas lottery be authorized to operate a lottery gaming facility in Sedgwick County?"
Proposition No. 2:
Shall the following be adopted?
"Shall the Kansas lottery be authorized to place electronic gaming machines in Sedgwick County?"
Posted by Rhonda Holman
In his preshow remarks at Music Theatre of Wichita’s performances of "Disney’s High School Musical," producing director Wayne Bryan has sounded a caution about the rumors of a possible Century II casino in a subtle but effective way. He mentions that the 77 talented area young performers in the exuberant staging are cause for celebrating that the "beautiful" 38-year-old building is used for its intended purpose. Judging from the positive vocal response his comment has drawn from the sold-out crowds, lots of people agree.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Casino and real estate mogul Phil Ruffin, in a phone interview this week with The Eagle editorial board, said he remains serious about bringing a Trump casino to Wichita — and that friend and business partner Donald Trump “is excited about it,” too.
As a market, Wichita is “on the edge” in qualifying for a Trump casino, Ruffin said, but he thinks it can work here. A downtown location is still his preference, but he’s hedging his bets and looking at other sites as well.
Kansas Lottery executive director Ed Van Petten told The Eagle that Kansas law, which forbids a dog track owner from also owning a casino, probably wouldn’t prevent Ruffin from doing the project, but Van Petten has asked Attorney General Paul Morrison for a legal opinion on the matter.
Ruffin said local anti-gaming groups are “totally wrong” to argue that a casino wouldn’t attract tourists and economic development.
A Trump casino, known for its opulence, would “bring people in from Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri,” he said, and bring dollars into the community.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
The morning after Carl Brewer’s election as mayor of Wichita, our editorial called him the “first African-American to become mayor of Wichita via a citywide vote.” That prompted at least one reader to ask: What about A. Price Woodard Jr.? The key words were “via a citywide vote.” Woodard, an attorney, became the first African-American on what was then called the Wichita City Commission in 1967, then the first African-American mayor when he was chosen for that job by his fellow commissioners. He was mayor from April 14, 1970, to April 13, 1971, and died in January 1972. His name adorns a downtown park, and the Legislature honored him with resolution calling him “a man of good humor, great courage; who could tell the truth and look the world right in the eye.” In 1989, Wichita voters began electing their mayors directly.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Elizabeth Bishop made a solid showing in the District 2 Wichita City Council race against incumbent Sue Schlapp, who received 54 percent of the vote to Bishop’s 45 percent.
Because Schlapp is term-limited, though, Bishop’s groundwork in this election could put her in a good position to win the seat if she decides to run in four years.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
Congratulations to Wichita’s new mayor, Carl Brewer (in photo), who defeated incumbent Carlos Mayans 61 percent to 37 percent. Wichita City Council winners were Sue Schlapp, Paul Gray and Jeff Longwell. Now Brewer and the Council members must show that they can work together to move Wichita forward.
The tightest Wichita race — and I mean tight — was for the at-large position on the Wichita school board. Incumbent Kevass Harding is ahead of Karl Peterjohn by only 41 votes (out of 36,013 cast) with 46 write-in votes yet to be counted.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
The Sedgwick County Commission decided today to hold a special election on Aug. 7 on whether to allow a destination casino in the county. It picked the date because, in even-numbered years, the first Tuesday in August is primary Election Day. "People are familiar with that day," Commissioner Tim Norton said. That’s true. But August primaries also tend to have low turnout and favor social conservatives, who — to their credit — are faithful about going to the polls.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
The upcoming elections are nonpartisan. Yet the Sedgwick County Republican Party sent out a mailing this week urging citizens to “vote Republican April 3rd.” It listed the GOP candidates for Wichita mayor, Wichita City Council and Wichita school board. In the District 5 City Council race, it said that both candidates are Republicans and encouraged voters “to support the candidate of your choice.” Gee, thanks.
Don Younglund is one Wichitan who received the mailing and didn’t appreciate the injection of partisan politics into city and school elections. “I am totally livid,” he said.
With good reason.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
A Survey USA poll contains grim news for Mayor Carlos Mayans: He hasn’t made up much ground since his double-digit loss to Carl Brewer in the mayoral primary. The poll found that 58 percent of likely voters plan to vote for Brewer and 36 percent for Mayans. And as in the primary results, Brewer led across the board, in every demographic category.
That’s a huge gap for Mayans to close with less than one week left before the general election.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
My column on today’s Opinion pages notes how Wichita Mayor Carlos Mayans’ bad-mouthing and unsubstantiated allegations have cost him the trust and confidence of most of the City Council and many in the business community. Be sure to watch the accompanying video excerpts from The Eagle editorial board’s interview last month with Mayans. He accuses council members and the city manager of trading votes and city staff of being out to get him.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
Michael O’Donnell II made a well-spoken, enthusiastic candidate for the Wichita City Council, which is why he advanced to the general election against Vice Mayor Paul Gray. But O’Donnell showed poor judgment in thinking he could run for City Council in southwest Wichita while mostly sleeping at his parents’ house in Bel Aire, where he was still registered to vote until days after he became a candidate. That’s why he just lost his place on the April 3 ballot to third-place primary finisher Les Osterman. If O’Donnell wants to run for some office again in a district in which he has roots and more than a technical residence, he could do well. Meanwhile, let this be a lesson to would-be carpetbaggers: Sleep and register where you run.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
You shouldn’t make too much out of an election that drew only 13 percent of registered voters. Still, there’s nothing good in Tuesday’s election results for Wichita Mayor Carlos Mayans. The incumbent received only 25 percent of the votes, while challenger Carl Brewer, a City Council member, received a whopping 57 percent. Even with a low turnout, that’s a statement.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
Before the primary election fades away, a few observations:
Yard signs for Mayor Carlos Mayans were among those posted in violation of the city’s right-of-way rules — meaning city workers were in the position of having to confiscate the mayor’s signs. He and his supporters should know better.
In television ads, mayoral hopeful Darrell Leffew repeated his harsh criticism of the downtown arena. Granted, there is a lot of confusion on this point — some of it willful — but the arena isn’t a project of the city of Wichita. It’s a project of Sedgwick County.
David Grebenik, candidate for Wichita City Council, District 2, demonstrated that a campaign yard sign still has the power to surprise. His drew double takes by seeking votes for the "incredibly handsome David Grebenik." The candidate told The Eagle editorial board he was looking to get his name out; he also thought about doing another sign describing himself as "extremely nice."
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Could Sedgwick County see a real district attorney race this fall? In a SurveyUSA poll of 1,000 adults last weekend for KWCH, Channel 12, 19-year incumbent Democrat Nola Foulston garnered 51 percent support, compared with 45 percent for Republican Mark Schoenhofer. Beyond partisanship, the poll showed a strong preference for Foulston among women, 50-plus and pro-choice voters.
