To the editor:

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum. Her years of public service reflected a faith in the representative democracy envisioned by our founding fathers, a government of checks and balances where civil discourse and compromise are often necessary in order to progress.

She believed in small government and recognized the power of capitalism to spur economic growth and innovation. She also demonstrated a profound understanding of the role the government must play to ensure that the rising tide of capitalism does indeed lift all boats. She understood that corporate executives are paid to maximize profits and cannot be expected to price our commonly held values and aspirations into the marketplace. We must depend on the government elected by the people to do that. Her bipartisan efforts with Sen. Ted Kennedy to improve our nation’s health care is but one shining example.

Kansans will elect our next senator in November. I hope we elect someone who works across the aisle to ensure that all of us who work hard and play by the rules will not be left behind. The lessons she taught us can and must be carried forward.

Frank Ross,

Topeka