Kansans should hope that a change in leadership at the Kansas Department of Transportation will be accompanied by a change in attitude toward the public.

Excerpts from a Garden City Telegram editorial concerning the Kansas Department of Transportation’s record of working with the public may be of special interest to residents in and around Lawrence — especially those who have followed negotiations concerning the South Lawrence Trafficway and U.S. Highway 59.

The Telegram writes:

“Deb Miller steps into a challenging position as the state’s new director of the Kansas Department of Transportation. In addition to taking over management of the state’s transportation program on the roads, she has the task of repairing a relationship with the citizens who travel the state’s roads.

“KDOT has demonstrated an indifference, sometimes morphing into arrogance, toward its citizens. And it’s time to put the brakes on that culture.

“The examples are numerous. But most recently, a man in Lawrence was forced to go to court to get KDOT to release the minutes of a public hearing.

“A public hearing…

“Change is needed. KDOT is implementing a massive transportation program all across the state. Initially tabbed at $13 billion, it may be trimmed back because of the state financial problems. Nonetheless, it is a significant expense involving public roadways.

“Public roadways.

“KDOT’s willful disregard for public interest to its activities obviously won the endorsement of Miller’s predecessor. Now that there is new leadership at the top, a fresh and inviting approach would be a welcome change.”

Miller already has announced she will hold back further state investment in the SLT while regulatory and court challenges are dealt with. This isn’t an unreasonable tactic, considering the state’s tough financial situation. Hopefully, she will take a similar reasonable approach to deciding how and when the project can move forward.

Lawrence residents also will be interested in Miller’s approach to the U.S. 59 project, which prompted the trip to court, referred to in the Telegram editorial, to force KDOT to release minutes of a public hearing. Throughout the process of selecting a route for the new U.S. 59, KDOT officials consistently ignored the public input they contended was so essential to their decision-making process. Even if the road is built on the route that has been selected, perhaps Miller can learn from the process and instruct her staff to do a more sincere job of listening to the public.

Overseeing the state’s transportation system is a challenging task, but Miller brings strong qualifications to the job. Hopefully, good listening skills will be among her strengths.