To the editor:

I notice in the Nov. 15 J-W that citizen committees, under the behest of our governor-elect, have been formed to solicit suggestions for ways “to save taxpayer dollars and streamline Kansas government.” Of course, one of the main goals is to reduce the budget deficit. I am proud to announce that long before Election Day I was brainstorming ways to reduce Kansas state debt. I have been doing this without a state salary, inflated or otherwise.

True, my good ideas are really excellent. But as in all creative endeavors, I came up with a few that should be relegated to the discard file. Still, these ideas are, if nothing else, entertaining and make good copy. I thought J-W readers might enjoy my top five ways not to raise funds to reduce the state budget deficit:

5. Incorporate the state and file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; then ask for debt relief from the federal government even though it’s in debt, too.

4. Pass strict laws against the teaching of evolution. Close all high schools and universities that break the law and turn them into state-run for-profit mental institutions and penitentiaries. (Students should like this one. I can hear some of them yelling, “They’ve already done this!” )

3. Lower all city speed limits to 5 mph and raise speeding tickets to $1,000.

2. Reinstitute Prohibition, close all Kansas bars, and fine anyone caught drinking $2,000. (Definitely don’t drink and drive if this happens. )

1. Burn the Statehouse for the insurance money.

Chas Gilmore,

Lawrence