House speaker wants legislative review of 'gambling czar' position / LJWorld.com

Kansas Legislature

July 6, 2007

Topeka — House Speaker Melvin Neufeld says the Legislature needs to be involved in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' request to establish a new position to oversee gambling expansion in Kansas.

"While it is probably a valid request, I believe the Legislature will want to review such a position, its responsibilities, and make it subject to Senate confirmation," Neufeld, R-Ingalls, said.

Earlier this week, Sebelius said she would like to create a new post - Chief Gaming Officer - and she wants Robert Krehbiel, currently on the Kansas Corporation Commission, to fill it.

Sebelius said the position is needed to oversee the new gambling law, which will allow four resort-type casinos in Kansas and video gambling machines at pari-mutuel horse and dog tracks.

"The goal is to ensure the process proceeds smoothly and that proper oversight is maintained at every step of the way," Sebelius said.

"Having one official who's responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Expanded Lottery Act just makes sense, as does appointing someone like Bob who has the knowledge, experience and integrity needed for this important job," she said.

But Neufeld said the governor's request should be an "interim recommendation" that the Legislature could then review when it meets in January.

Sebelius said appointment and the salary of the position would be up to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

Sebelius said she wants the new position to oversee the new gambling facilities, coordinate all forms of gambling in the state, serve as a liaison with the Legislature and between the Kansas Lottery and Racing and Gaming Commission, and report to the commission and governor.

Krehbiel, 60, is a former legislator from Pretty Prairie who served in the Kansas House for 12 years to 2000. He then became a lobbyist for independent oil and gas producers before Sebelius appointed him to the three-member KCC, which regulates utilities.

If appointed to the new position, Krehbiel would have to leave the KCC. His term has already expired, and Sebelius has said she will name a new commissioner soon.