Topeka ? The busiest place in state government these days is probably Gov.-elect Kathleen Sebelius’ transition office. It’s the place job-seekers, well-wishers and constituents converge as the staff prepares to take the reins of government during the worst budget mess in modern Kansas history.

“You need to multi-task,” said Nicole Corcoran-Basso, a spokeswoman for Sebelius. “There are so many issues that are being brought up that need our attention.”

Sebelius’ staff is preparing a proposed budget for consideration next month by the 2003 Legislature, assembling a Cabinet and going through nearly 400 resumes of people seeking employment in the administration.

Sebelius, a Democrat, was elected last month and will be sworn in to office Jan. 13. She succeeds Gov. Bill Graves, a Republican, who was prohibited by term limits from seeking another term.

Despite the party differences between administrations, Sebelius’ crew says Graves and his staff have been generous in helping with the transition of power.

A core staff has taken up business residence on the second floor of the Capitol in offices across the hall and next door to Graves, filling out cubicles, a committee room, former offices of the secretary of state and Department of Administration and an abandoned vault area, which houses the toll-free number for Kansans to call with money-saving ideas. The number is (877) KSWORKS (579-6757).

Busy days make for long nights at Gov.-elect Kathleen Sebelius' transition office. About 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Sebelius Chief of Staff Kathy Greenlee called it a night and left for home. With the aid of her staff, Sebelius, a Democrat who will be sworn in to office Jan. 13, is preparing a proposed budget for consideration by the 2003 Legislature, assembling a Cabinet and reviewing hundreds of job applicants.

The transitioners mostly come from Sebelius’ campaign and staff from her tenure as insurance commissioner. The transition effort is led by Joyce Allegrucci; Sebelius’ chief of staff is Kathy Greenlee; chief counsel is Matthew All; policy director is Jeremy Anderson of Lawrence; director of constituent services is Vickie Buening; and information-technology chief is Denise Moore.

Sebelius is retaining Graves’ budget director, Duane Goossen.

The transition has not been without its bumps.

Sebelius’ appointment of teams to review state government behind closed doors has been challenged by media groups, including the Lawrence Journal-World. A court hearing on the issue is scheduled for today before a judge in Shawnee County.

Corcoran-Basso said Sebelius was spending most of her time in meetings, many of them focused on the budget with Goossen. Because of the slumping economy and drop in tax revenues, the state is facing an estimated $800 million shortfall in the next fiscal year.

“The governor-elect has been here burning the midnight oil. She has never been a nine-to-fiver,” Corcoran-Basso said.

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