Two weeks ago I presented some information that had been sent to me that stated on August 27th planet Mars would appear in the sky so large that it would appear we had two moons. I asked for any amateur astronomers to verify or repudiate this claim. I am pleased to report several of you contacted me to reveal this as a hoax; I have proven there are people actually reading these updates.
The slate of joint interim committees has been published and the 20 or so committees are meeting in Topeka and around the State of Kansas. The Judiciary, Federal and State, Transportation committees to name a few will meet 8 times to hear testimony on issues that were not acted upon last session or to discuss passed legislation that may need a few changes next session. The committee membership includes Senators and House members.
These meeting are normally held in two-day increments and last 6-8 hours a day. These are used to judge interest between both parties and the Senate and House members. I have served on the Judiciary and Taxation committees the past two years and this year I have a seat on the Legislative Post Audit Committee.
This assignment has proven to be the most interesting because we have the charge to look at every agency that receives state money. We look at the efficiency of their operations, look for ways to improve the service they provide and of course look at the accountability of how our tax dollars are spent.
There is a separate division that conducts the audits as they are requested by legislators or required by statute. This non-partisan group has the right to request all records or interview any of the employees as to operations. The real kicker is anyone who would be uncooperative in releasing information, need not worry this group has subpoena power, seldom used but readily available. The audits normally take around 200 hours of review.
Last week I was invited to attend a tour of the El Dorado Correctional Facility Spiritual Life Center. The Facility Staff and Lynn McBride the Executive Director of Central Kansas Prison Ministries conducted the tour. This 11,500 square foot facility provides a place for worship by the inmates and is being built with donation of material, equipment and cash, and uses inmate labor to supplement the contractors. No State of Kansas money is spent, except for the land, which is inside the fence anyway.
This facility is expected to cost right at $1 million to construct and they are about $100,000 short to complete the construction, and need an additional $100,000 to complete the furnishings, and purchase audio equipment. I think this is a very worthwhile project and encourage you to find out more about our correctional facility and the good works going on out there. To see more about this go to www.ckpm.org.
Have you noticed the increased activity at Frontier Refinery? Over the next 24 months there is to be a $500 million investment in new construction and maintenance on existing units. As you might expect this will bring in many workers all looking for temporary lodging, meals, fuel, groceries, and other necessary items. I have been asked to see what can be done to help with the housing crunch for the nearly 2,000 additional workers.
I am going to Topeka on Friday to meet with Secretary of Wildlife and Parks Mike Hayden to discuss possible upgrade of our campground facilities to absorb some of these people and their RV’s, motor homes and camper trailers. This is a great opportunity to get some help for much needed improvements at the camp hook-ups. These upgrades will remain when the workers depart.
An issue that we have addressed is the requirement for campers to relocate every 14 to 30 days. This can be waived in extraordinary circumstances. Since the majority of these guys and gals will be working extra hours the requirement to move frequently is a real determent to coming to the state park. On the other hand the largest group will be here from September through May when the park is normally at its lowest usage with many areas closed for the winter.
The possibility of 5% or more (100-200) of these workers staying at the lake leaves a huge number of people needing housing. I would contact the Chamber if you have a house, apartment, or room to rent. The need is most likely to exceed the demand by a bunch. The other opportunity would be for the restaurants and other business’s to be open extra hours, by opening early, and staying open later in the evening. There is a boom coming, what are we going to do to accommodate it?
Over the next several weeks there are numerous meetings scheduled with the refinery staff, chamber of commerce, law enforcement, city staff, myself and others to make us all aware of the activities happening at the refinery and to coordinate efforts to accommodate this influx of workers. This is a great opportunity for us to roll out the welcome mat. Do you have any suggestions?
I would like your thoughts on these or any issues. If you would like to receive these updates by e-mail just let me know. I consider it an honor and privilege to be your Representative in Topeka. Contact me at home 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado 67042, 321-2087, email, johng@carlisleinc.net, grange@house.state.ks.us, www.johngrange.net.
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