In a so-so turnout for Tuesday’s primary election the results were as predictable.
Fewer than one-fourth of Allen Countians made it to the polls despite a spirited race between incumbent Bill Otto and Bud Sifers for our District 9 in the state House.
Otto won decidedly, 56-44 percent, but Sifers’ candidacy proved the tea party movement continues to gain momentum. That means more anti-tax (unless it funds Social Security and Medicare) and less federal involvement (except when it comes to a woman’s womb.)
While it sounds good to get the federal government out of state affairs, that would bankrupt Kansas. As a state, we couldn’t float many of the projects that have made our day-to-day lives more enjoyable and safer. We just don’t have enough revenue to tap.
All Allen Countians have to do is go back to the flood of 2007 and realize the massive infusion of federal monies that allowed us to rebuild Riverside Park. Had we been on our own, our park’s lovely art deco buildings today would be hollowed out shells, the stadium a crumbling relic.
It’s also because of the federal critical access designation that Allen County Hospital continues to make a profit through reimbursements by Medicare, and that our local clinics under the federal designation of rural health are adequately reimbursed.
Humboldt’s planned senior housing development will depend on a Community Development Block Grant, which, you guessed it, is federally funded. The local community will contribute only $10,000 to the $400,000 project.
So before we kick out federal “meddling,” it pays to think of the consequences.
KRIS KOBACH’S landslide victory over Libby Ensley and J.R. Claeys signals a similar warning. Kobach’s platform is to rid the state of illegal aliens because of the danger they pose to Kansas.
Though the issue really applies only to southwest Kansas’ meat packing district, Kobach did a successful job of playing on people’s fears across the state.
The issue has nothing to do with the office of secretary of state, so the real fear is that Kobach will use the position to launch his personal xenophobic agenda.
TUESDAY also showed that registered Democrats and independents have little to no say in who will be seated in office.
Republicans dominated the election slate, especially in local races.
With the tea party movement making significant inroads into the Republican base, perhaps it’s best for us all to be registered Republicans — at least on paper.
— Susan Lynn
