Kansas Meadowlark

First-term, Democratic State Rep Gene Rardin continues the use of tax-payer funded mailings for his re-election campaign. In the last seven weeks, FOUR franked mailings have been used to put Rardin’s picture in front of potential voters. While Rardin was directly responsible for Mailing 3 (see below), which is common for all state legislators, the House Minority leader mailed the other three on Rardin’s behalf. All four mailings have been at taxpayer expense, and none of the mailings have a “paid for” notice. (more…)

Like Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, you’re against that dirty coal power plant in Western Kansas polluting our air with carbon dioxide? But being “green” is something for others especially when you can fly with the Governor on the State’s plane to a sports event?

Let’s start this story with a trip to New Orleans to watch KU in the NCAA Basketball Final Four in 2003. Wouldn’t you want to join Gov. Sebelius in this wonderful plane paid for by Kansas taxpayers:

The Governor’s Executive Airplane: N350KS

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Recently both the Kansas House Minority Leader, Dennis McKinney, and Kansas Senate Minority Leader, Anthony Hensley, abused their generous budget to mail items to Kansas voters. These mailings had less to do with helping inform constituents about what is going on in the Kansas legislature, and more to do with getting certain Democrats re-elected this year.

A reliable source tells the Meadowlark that House Minority Leader Mckinney will reimburse the State for postage for his recent mailings.

Update (Apr 27) : At least TWO senate districts and two house districts are known to be involved in this franking abuse. Why is the media ignoring this waste of tax dollars? Read the rest of this entry…

Why is the “non-partisan” Ethics Commission enforcing a state law only on the Kansas Speaker of the House? Why have the current and former Speakers not been more assertive in getting their appointment onto the Ethics Commission?

Recommendations are given to improve the transparency and accountability of the Ethics Commission.

Feb 13 Update: Speaker Neufeld appoints John Reimer to Ethics Commission.

Read the rest of this entry …