Lawrence’s Morris Kay, re-elected as state Republican chairman, said he’d rather try to be an engineer of electoral victories rather than anyone in “the driver’s seat.” He said he already was tuning up for the 1982 races but as a party chairman rather than as a candidate. There had been speculation he might again seek the gubernatorial nomination. He had been defeated in the 1972 governor race by Democrat Bob Docking, formerly of Lawrence.

Proposed uses for federal Community Development funds, including a new plan to renovate low-income rental property in Lawrence, passed muster at a public meeting. There was $864,293 available in CD funding for the coming year here. Many were enthusiastic about the prospects for the program and the money it provided.