Kansas lawmaker questions length of interim leader’s service

? A top Kansas lawmaker is questioning an arrangement that has seen a state agency’s interim leader in the position for more than six months.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Tim Keck has served as interim secretary for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability since Jan. 1.

Democratic state Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley says a state law appears to prohibit acting secretaries from serving more than six months.

“The issue here, I believe, is we went through an entire legislative session where we could have confirmed Tim Keck to be secretary of KDADS, and we didn’t do that. It’s a mystery to me why the Republican majority or governor wouldn’t pursue having Mr. Keck confirmed,” Hensley said.

Gov. Sam Brownback’s office said the six-month limit doesn’t apply in this case because Keck in an “interim” secretary, not an “acting” secretary.

Keck began serving as the interim secretary before the legislative session and hasn’t been confirmed by the Senate. He also hasn’t been nominated by Brownback.

The Senate does have a process to consider appointments when the Legislature is not in session. State Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce chairs the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee, and said Tuesday that he will request time for the committee to discuss the issue.

Hensley said that he is not suggesting that Keck step down, but that Brownback needs to correct the situation and submit Keck’s name as permanent secretary.

Keck took over as secretary after Kari Bruffett resigned to become the Kansas Health Institute’s policy director.