The state depends on many people working in various agencies, and this sort of infighting will do nothing to solve the current crisis. Rather than investing time and energy in attacking other state employees, it would seem more productive to work together and demand excellence from the legislators unwilling to address honestly the problems facing the state.

However, the budget crisis speaks to a larger concern for the state’s future. Even with bonuses, the salaries of many employees do not match what they could earn elsewhere. At $17.70, Mr. McKee makes more as a corrections officer than he would as an entry-level KDOT engineer, who makes $33,400 annually, approximately $16 an hour. There are simply few jobs to keep young people in the state. Platitudes will not solve the budget crisis, nor will they improve the economy. We deserve better from our elected officials, and should demand accountability and service.

Kirsten Drickey

Lawrence