Former state legislator Kenny Wilk is a good choice to lead Gov.-elect Sam Brownback’s transition team. Wilk brings a strong reputation for skill, integrity and vision to this important job.

Wilk described the transition team announced by Brownback on Thursday as an “eclectic and talented” group. It is a mix of people who are known as moderate and conservative and includes several people who have returned to private life after serving in the Kansas Legislature. Wilk, of course, is one of those, as is former Sen. Nick Jordan, who was Wilk’s partner in developing the Kansas Economic Growth Act, which set the stage for much of the success the state has had in the bioscience industry.

Other moderate voices on the team include former House Speaker Kent Glasscock of Manhattan and current Sen. Jay Emler of Lindsborg, who may be in line to become the Senate majority leader, replacing Derek Schmidt, who was elected as Kansas attorney general. Rounding out the transition effort are a number of local office holders and state Rep. Lance Kinzer, a conservative and an outspoken abortion opponent from Olathe.

When he takes office, Brownback will have a strong Republican majority in the Kansas Legislature, and it would be greatly to his advantage to find ways to help the conservative and moderate Republican factions work together. The “eclectic” team he has chosen to lead his transition to office appears to be a step in that direction.