First published in The Manhattan Mercury, October 31, 2006.

Strawn will provide enlightened leadership this region, state need

To the Editor:

I am a retiree who has spent a third of my life in Manhattan. I would like to see this region and Kansas move ahead more aggressively with enlightened leadership. That is why I volunteered to be Bob Strawn's treasurer in his campaign to represent the 66th District in the Kansas House.

If we had a computer design the ideal candidate, the result would be one with neighborly optimism, wisdom and a desire to improve things. Bob Strawn is that person. He possesses the boldness and independence that current times require, such as a call for a BRAC-type commission to examine the basic structure of Kansas government. We have more units of government than all but four states. For example, Kansas has about 165 legislators serving 2.7 million people; our neighbor, Colorado, has just 100 for its 4.6 million citizens. Money saved could be used for education and health care.

We need someone who can work with Republicans, who control the Legislature. Bob will reject blaming others while being a leader who will act before problems develop and not wait for a crisis.

Bob views on taxes, jobs and education are an important message to send, now that Manhattan is growing. He comes with a plan of action. That is why voters need to act. They need to know that when he is elected, the new thinking will move Manhattan forward. But, it will take a gutsy leader of the majority Republican Party to pull it off. I know Bob Strawn is up to the job. He is our best option in years. Join my wife, Marjorie, and me in voting for him on Nov. 7.

Arthur Loub
1517 Williamsburg. Drive