Parsons Son Editorial

GOP's new face

The Republican Party in this country has seen better days. The Iraq War and failed policies of President Bush have taken their toll on the GOP. The Kansas Republican Party took steps last week to help reinvent its platform. The idea is a good one, but some of the language used might make one think it isn't really changing.

Last week the Kansas Republican Party launched a new endeavor that is designed to obtain more feedback from Kansas Republicans. The new program centers around a new Web site, www.50ideas.org, and a series of idea-raiser meetings that will be held around the state. The point of all of this is to try to return the party to the people of whom it serves by asking for people's dreams, concerns and hopes. These will then be used to help fashion the party's platform for 2008. While this is a good idea, a closer inspection of the Web site uncovers wording that makes one wonder if anything will change.

Amid all the warm and fuzzy talk about wanting to hear new ideas and change the way of the party, we find that politicians still can't help themselves. One part of the vision statement says the GOP wants to form a platform that not only highlights the failures of the Sebelius administration but also fixes Kansas government after years of Democrat control. Why are those particular lines necessary?

The reason many people are fed up with politics is because of the huge divide that partisan politics has created. In fact, that may be one of the ideas that comes out of this program. Let's quit being so divisive. The program is a good idea, but the GOP should have stuck to simply talking about Republican values and what it wants to do as opposed to taking jabs at a Democratic administration. Besides, even though Kansas has had a Democratic governor, hasn't the state Legislature been under Republican control all along?

The idea-raiser concept is a good one for a Republican Party that has taken a few heavy hits as of late. In fact, this concept has proven successful in Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma and other states. But the program will garner more support and prove more successful if the organization can stay positive and above the mud-slinging tactics that dominate today's political landcape.

- Darren Werth
Editor and publisher
10/01/2007; 4:34:15 PM

http://www.parsonssun.com/news/articles/edit100107.shtml

Shawnee County IdeaRaiser

On Saturday, September 30, Republicans from around Shawnee County gathered to host the first IdeaRaiser. With over 60 attendees, including Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, State Representatives Mike Burgess and Joe Patton, and Shawnee County District Attorney Robert Hecht, there were numerous ideas presented representing a broad scope of Kansas Government. Here are some samples:

Legislation developing goal oriented education policy.
Require voters to produce photo identification prior to voting.
Reduce property taxes for seniors.
Balance the budget.
Revamp sentencing guidelines for white collar crimes.
Senate confirmation of judicial nominees.
Reduce income taxes.
Develop renewable energy policies.
Create incentives for job creation.

There were many more ideas presented. Committee Chair Peggy Mast was very pleased with the turnout and response. “I am excited about the ideas presented tonight,” she stated. “The residents of Shawnee County who attended are plugged into their communities and know the challenges it faces on a daily basis. I look forward to working with them to develop solutions.”

Check back regularly for updates on the next IdeaRaiser. To submit your own idea, visit our website http://www.50ideas.org/.

-Christian Morgan, Executive Director