History may show that one of the best things to happen for the future of Kansas was former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius accepting an invitation from President Obama to become secretary of Health and Human Services.
This triggered Sebelius’ resignation as governor and Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson moving into the governor’s office.
This took place in April, and almost immediately there was a noticeable change in Topeka and throughout the state relative to partisan politics and a general good feeling about the state’s governor.
Sebelius was a tough, partisan fighter. She knew what she wanted. She wanted to build an apparatus that would give her power and control, and she used most every technique to achieve her goals. There wasn’t much softness or “feel good” about her. She received great national attention for being a Democratic governor in a Republican state. Her supporters were quick to tout what they considered to be meaningful Sebelius accomplishments, failing to note that the Republican-controlled Legislature played a significant, if not the most important, role in bringing about the changes or improvements attributed to Sebelius.
There was little genuine cooperation between the governor’s office and the Legislature. There was a lot of finger-pointing about who was trying to be cooperative and who was being stubborn in keeping the state from moving forward.
When Parkinson moved into the governor’s office, there was a huge change in the signals being sent out to legislators, as well as residents of the state.
The former Kansas Republican Party chairman, turned Democrat, made it clear he did not intend to seek election for a full term as governor. He would fill out Sebelius’ unexpired term but then step aside.
He would lower partisan politics as much as possible. He would base his executive efforts on what he thought was in the best interests of Kansas and its residents.
One of his first actions was to open up the possibility of a new coal-fired power plant to be built near Holcomb, in southwest Kansas.
This has been a contentious, highly debated matter, brought up and defeated two years in a row in the state Legislature and pitting western Kansas and its needs against the “haves” of eastern Kansas. Sebelius was adamant in her opposition to the coal-fired plants.
Parkinson hadn’t been in office long before he indicated a willingness to take another look at the matter. Immediately, the bitterness, tensions and mistrust among those on various sides of the issue lessened. He didn’t say he favored new coal plants, that he didn’t care about air pollution or that those favoring a coal plant were wrong and dumb.
He merely said perhaps there is a way we could have one coal plant if we can figure out how to handle the emission problems. He realizes solar, wind and other sources of energy are fine but that coal is needed to meet the state’s energy demands. Aside from those who are 101 percent opposed to any kind of coal-fired plant, most other players are pleased there could be a reasonable discussion about the issue and what would be best for Kansas.
It is understandable that Kansas Democrats would want Parkinson to change his mind and seek a full term as governor. He is smart and he wants the best for Kansas. Also, he prefers to get along with people rather than be confrontational.
Likewise, it is understandable that a certain number of Republicans would like to see him in the governor’s office because he brings many talents and the proper mindset to the position.
But he says he intends to stick by his original decision. Maybe this is one big reason he is so popular.
For the remainder of his time as governor, it is expected he will take great interest in the quality of education being provided by the state’s higher education system, the role of the Kansas Board of Regents, the performance of the university chancellor and presidents, how to attract new industry to Kansas and how to make the state more attractive to its young people rather than see them attend our schools and then leave for greener pastures elsewhere.
He will work hard to improve the economic picture in Kansas and try to encourage more residents and private business people to take an increased interest in the welfare and strength of the state. Along with this, he is likely to encourage more individuals to become involved in civic and elective positions.
The effect of a sound, cooperative, visionary and productive 20 months in office is likely to make a major impact on the state.
A successful Parkinson administration will demonstrate or serve as an example to all Kansans that there can be positive, good, productive and balanced leadership coming out of the governor’s office, which pays major dividends for the state.
A successful Parkinson administration could set a standard for his successors to try to emulate. The public would have been shown the benefits of an administration focused on cooperation and doing what is in the best interests of the state rather than governing by strict, politically partisan guidelines.
After seeing such benefits, hopefully the public would demand more or replace those officeholders who fail to measure up to the type of leadership Parkinson displayed.
Currently, Republican Sen. Sam Brownback seems to be far ahead in his quest for the governorship, if Parkinson does, indeed, bypass the 2010 race. No favorite has emerged on the Democratic ticket, but there are sure to be Democratic challengers and perhaps someone in the GOP who may test Brownback.
Whatever the case, and whoever wins the 2010 election, it is hoped Parkinson will have governed in such a manner that he has set the stage for his successor, a stage that will demand a governor who truly governs and leads on a basis of what is in the best interests of the state and its residents rather than what favors and rewards political pals, the largest financial contributors or what makes the governor look good. A governor can have strong principles and beliefs but he or she also should be open and receptive to listening and considering the opinions of others.
Kansas has many assets, but its residents and their many talents, their willingness to work hard and their dreams for the future represent the state’s best asset. They and the state need honest, practical, enthusiastic, inspiring leaders. Hopefully Parkinson can provide that leadership over the next 20 months. If so, he will have given a valuable and badly needed gift to all Kansans.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
cato_the_elder (anonymous) says…
Excellent editorial - and an insightful commentary that demonstrates, perhaps unintentionally, why term limits are needed and needed now.
Southwester (anonymous) says…
Kansas governors are term limited. Problem solved.
nomansland (anonymous) says…
The people of Kansas better hope and pray (no pun intended) that Brownback doesn't get elected.
ENGWOOD (anonymous) says…
lets all pray that brownback is elected!!!
He is the Ranking Member on the Joint Economic Committee, Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, and Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resource Subcommittee on Water and Power. He also serves on the Helsinki Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, co-chairs the Senate Cancer Coalition and the Human Rights Caucus, chairs the Senate Values Action Team, and is a founding member of the Senate Fiscal Watch Team. good for kansas!!!!!!!!!! good for america!!!!!!!!!!!!
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
"lets (sic) all pray that brownback (sic) is elected!!!" === Let us not. If Brownback leaves the Senate, he loses all his clout and won't be bringing it back Kansas. He will, however, bring the AmericKKKan Taliban to our fair state. Run again, Mr. Parkinson.
srj (anonymous) says…
I always thought Brownback cared more about foreign affairs and Africa over Kansas. Granted at least he does not have any skeletons in the closet (except basically John McCain bought his endorsement, McCain backers paid off his debt a day after).
Brownback is governor, we have to accept it, it stinks I know, the quicker we accept it, the quicker we can get over it.
blindrabbit (anonymous) says…
Nomansland and Engwood: You are diametrically opposed on Sam Brownback. If you have not read "The Family" by Jeff Sharlet, I recommend it. The chapter entitled "Sam", is a chilling insight into what drives him. Also the Rolling Stone article about him.
Wonder how much ownership Dolph has in coal to energy generation.
JHOK32 (anonymous) says…
blah....blah....blah.....blah......blaw.......more Republican rhetoric......same old .....same old......same old..........Look at where the Great & Wonderful Republican Party has put this country.......and yet we still listen to the same old.....same old.....same old.....blah.......blah......blah..........need I say more?
Akreed (anonymous) says…
I think you have to say something before you can ask if there is a need for you to say more.
jumpin_catfish (anonymous) says…
I will vote for Sam and be proud to do it. The liberals hate him so he's just the man we need and engwood's comment above was right on the mark. Deal with it haters. Sam Brownback has served our state very well.
cato_the_elder (anonymous) says…
Southwester, since a major import of the article was apparently lost on you, you obviously didn't understand the import of my comment either.
yourworstnightmare (anonymous) says…
There is a reason Parkinson switched to the Democratic Party.
The GOP has gone so far to the right that a moderate like Parkinson had no place in the party and indeed was chased from the party, as many moderates have been nationally.
Parkinson is an excellent example that the Democratic Partly now represents the moderate middle and the GOP represents right-wing extremism.
Mr. Simons' "better than Sebelius" is no ringing endorsement of the man. I suspect Mr. Simons and other GOPers do not like Parkinson one bit, but like him better than Sebelius.