Unfortunately, some Kansas legislators and other interested parties in Lawrence and elsewhere are engaged in an ego-driven, get-even, selfish political battle to try to keep former House Speaker Melvin Neufeld from becoming a member of the Kansas Bioscience Authority board of directors.
A vacancy developed on the board, and after Neufeld searched for a replacement and was turned down because of new ultra-restrictive and invasive requests for information required of KBA board members, Neufeld nominated himself. He was willing to go through the vetting process, and he has a deep interest in doing what he can to help develop and encourage the bioscience business and encourage entrepreneurs. As a farmer from the western Kansas town of Ingalls, he would like to encourage projects that would help his part of the state.
No other member of the KBA represents western Kansas.
The problem, in the eyes of those who are trying to keep him from becoming a KBA director, is that Neufeld knows too much.
He would be far more careful in the expenditure of KBA funds and would watch excessive compensation. He also would make sure the three major universities are treated equally in funding for strong, well-documented projects and would be sensitive to the needs of western Kansas.
Also, he would fight to keep the KBA from becoming a political tool for either the Democratic or Republican parties. Unfortunately, this has been the case with Gov. Sebelius who has used her influence to appoint board members who will echo her wishes and political agenda.
The KBA board needs a person such as Neufeld, who will not roll over and play dead for massive monetary requests from the universities. Tom Thornton, KBA president and chief executive officer, does not want Neufeld to become a board member.
Again, Neufeld knows too much!
He knows the history of the KBA and is fully aware of the political uses of the KBA and its huge potential cash reserves. He also knows how the successful National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility proposal was put together and understands the importance of keeping the many participants on the same track.
He is concerned about what seems to be an increasing number of executive sessions of the KBA board when there is an increasing public demand for openness in all government and government-related bodies.
Again, because he knows too much, Neufeld’s appointment and confirmation to become a KBA board member now is stalled for phony and selfish reasons. Some senior Republican senators should be embarrassed for their backsliding on this important appointment.
The residents of Kansas need Neufeld on the KBA board.
Comments
idiot_wind 4 years, 3 months ago
Hello editorial staff,
Noting that your newspaper maintains the highest standards when it comes to using facts to justify an opinion, can you please provide some examples of facts that support today's editorial:
"...He also would make sure the three major universities are treated equally in funding for strong, well-documented projects and would be sensitive to the needs of western Kansas. Also, he would fight to keep the KBA from becoming a political tool for either the Democratic or Republican parties. Unfortunately, this has been the case with Gov. Sebelius who has used her influence to appoint board members who will echo her wishes and political agenda..."
If you can't provide any examples, your editorial looks kind of silly. You know, an untruth. A made-up story. Oh look...I just saw some pigs fly by my window. Should I contact a news reporter?
BrainCase 4 years, 3 months ago
Other than being a legislator, what are Melvin's qualifications for bring on the board of the Kansas Bioscience Authority. What is his background in Bioscience, other than being a rancher? What is his college degree? Does he even have a college degree? It states in the article that Mr. Neufeld wants to ensure that there is balance between the three schools, but my observations lead me to believe that Mr. Neufeld has demonstrated bias towards one school and prejudice against another. Sorry, but this might be a political move by Neufeld - and it's appears coordinated with other political moves by a select few to make the KBA a private fund to reward those in the state that kiss their rings. C'mon folks - this wreaks to high heaven! There are plenty of folks out in western Kansas more qualified (and more objective) than this guy. We need technical people, people with a vision on the KBA board. I doubt Melvin Neufeld would know the difference between a Blackberry and a dingleberry.
Phogfan86 4 years, 3 months ago
My opinion of ol' Melvin was set the day he presided over a committee meeting that was debating huge cuts in funding to agencies that serve developmentally disabled folks. This was about 10 years ago. So, as one would expect, several agencies rallied the troops and brought tons of developmentally disabled people to the committee meetings. In the meeting, aloud, Melvin said, in reference to the agency consumers who were in attendance, "Most of those people don't even know why they're here."
So, I can think of at least one good reason: because the man is a provincial, closed-minded boob.
BrianR 4 years, 3 months ago
There is EVERY justification for blocking Rep. Melvin Neufeld’s appointment. He's an embarrassment and shouldn't even be a legislator.
merrill 4 years, 3 months ago
If he treats the industry with back door corruption such that was exposed in Lawrence,Kansas I'd say beware of those special interests in the know who make back door quiet investments because they know their behavior would be frowned upon.
Does Neufeld or his legislator friends and investor type friends have money on this project? Why does Neufeld have to be the go to guy?
Neufeld is a rather unusual legislator who does not understand the value of education public or higher ed.
TopekaBlade 4 years, 3 months ago
To correct your sub-headline:
There is no justification for approving Rep. Melvin Neufeld’s appointment to the Kansas Bioscience Authority board.
Much better.
konzahawk 4 years, 3 months ago
This editorial just blows me away. As the newspaper that is supposed to represent the best interests of Lawrence and KU, how in the world could the J-W support this idiot? Neufeld is the absolute worst choice for this position. The man does not even have a college degree and he unequivocally hates KU. We will never see a dime if he gets appointed. Well done, Dolph.
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