Government Structure

This is my fourth commentary addressing political issues that affect your November 7th vote in Manhattan's 66th District House of Representatives race. I have previously outlined my platform; spoke to the unfairness of sales tax on basic foods and the need for capping property taxes for seniors on social security; and outlined my medical care position. You can find these articles on our web site at www.votebobstrawn.com.

Today, I will spend some "Free Press" on the structure of Kansas government.

As part of my consideration to run for this seat, I spent many hours talking with citizens both in and outside government. County commissioner Bob Newsome provided one of the more colorful background moments, as he told me how Kansas counties were first formed. It seems they were sized so that a cowboy - remember this was in the 1800's - could travel by horse to the county seat and back to the ranch the same day. And so today in an era of superhighways, jet aircraft, and the internet, are we stuck with a "horse & buggy" government?

It doesn't stop there.

How about 165 legislators serving 2.7 million Kansans? Our neighbor Colorado has just 100 for its 4.6 million citizens - 70% more people, 40% less cost for representation. Californians fund 120 to legislate the needs of 37 million people. Using that lawmaker-to-citizen model, we should have about 10 reps in Topeka. Sarcasm, yes, but there is a far smaller number conducive to efficient government than the present 165 in Topeka.

There's more.

The U.S. Census reports Kansas has more units of government than all but 4 states in the Union. Units are counties, school districts, townships and the like. Colorado has 64 counties to our 105 and overall half the units of government. By the way, their tax burden ranks 37th to our 15th. It is irrational that Kansans are burdened with these kinds of governmental excesses.

So, I have called for a BRAC-type commission - aside from politics - to examine the fundamental structure of Kansas government.

Additionally, we badly need citizens in the legislature willing to address the cost side of governance (among other things). We need citizen legislators not worried first about their own re-election but about the good of the state and those who live here.

Remember these examples when you talk to your friends about the importance of voting November 7th.

First published in the Manhattan Free Press, October 25, 2006.