Now it would seem that we might consider rethinking of some or all of those benefits, which we received with the reductions. Could this not be a possible resource for providing the necessary and proper funding of our state? The drastic cuts we read about for education, the universities, social services, etc., are not options that I want to accept for our people. Kansans are not that kind of people, I believe. It was good to have the cuts, but those cuts are unworkable now.

Advocating return of some assessments is not easy for me. My property taxes increased 24 percent last year (assessed evaluation went up 15 percent), and the latest assessed valuation is up another 7 percent. I wonder how much my bill will be this year.

It is time for leadership. I am disappointed that leadership in our governor and in our representatives fails to step forward to advocate for necessary and proper income for the state. That means taxes, and I believe Kansans will listen to leadership. Piecemeal chipping away and negative attitudes belie leadership. I apologize that I have not written sooner to call for statesmanlike leadership.

Don Conrad,

Lawrence