The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

In the fantasy world of Hollywood, actors have a role to play, imitating a make believe, or in some cases, a real character. In real life we each have roles that define who we are. It may be the role of a mother, a father, or another caretaker. It may be the role of an inventor to make other people’s lives easier. The role of the farmer or rancher is to feed the world. An investor or banker makes people’s dreams come to life. Teachers and authors provide a transfer of information from one generation to the next. Each of the roles fulfilled by members of our communities are important. The synergy of many individuals accomplishing diverse tasks combined is what makes an economy work. While the bright lights of Hollywood make acting roles appear glamorous, the true strength of our economic system rests in all of the individuals who accomplish their roles with pride and excellence.

The different units of government also play a role in making America the greatest nation on earth. While individuals define their own role, government has a role that is dictated by the defining ideas of a nation. Two hundred and fifty years ago, our country embarked on a perilous journey of defining the role of a very different kind of country. Today, because of the success of that journey we have the luxury of assigning many roles to government that were not originally intended. Some of these roles have redeeming consequences, while others may not. It is important as we look at policy for the future to examine the roles of government, not just in light of how they have evolved, but in a logical analysis of the function of government.

The framers of the Constitution made it very clear that they wanted limited influence by the Federal government in their lives. Thomas Jefferson in his inaugural address said, “a wise &amp; frugal government… shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.” Using that guiding principle, the Constitution primarily focused on the protection of rights for the citizens. Article IV, Section IV makes this very clear: “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on the Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against

domestic Violence.” This strong statement of protection is asserted as the primary role of the central government.

The current Federal budget does contain around $1T for the defense of our country. This week the Senate approved a $901B Defense Authorization Bill. That amount accounts for about 13% of the overall budget. The largest item in the budget, though, is not for the security of our borders. In fact, the largest item in our federal budget was not even considered in our Constitution. We spend over $2T, nearly one quarter of every federal dollar, on health insurance. We also spend 13% of our hard-earned tax money to service the interest on our growing debt, which incidentally is accumulating at a rate of over a trillion dollars per year.

The roles that our United States government has assumed in the 250 years of our country have gone way past protecting the enumerated rights envisioned by the founders. We have become a nation that borrows money to buy votes. It is popular to provide free or reduced-price services to voters. People generally like it when the government sends them a check instead of the other way around. The rapidly accumulating federal debt, however, should make us realize that economic stability is not achieved, either on a personal level or a national government level, by borrowing to provide services we cannot afford. The share of the national debt is approximately $125,000 for every man, woman, and child in our country. That means that if you live in a family of four you owe half a million dollars to pay off the debt your country has accumulated. The role of a nation should be to protect its citizens, not expose them to federal bankruptcy.

You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708266344072.png" alt="Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mirpro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mirpro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By: SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas SenatorIn the fantasy world of Hollywood, actors have a role to play, imitating a make believe, or in some cases, a real character. In real life we each have roles that define who we are. It may be the role of a mother, a father, or another caretaker. It may be the role of an inventor to make other people’s lives easier. The role of the farmer or rancher is to feed the world. An investor or banker makes people’s dreams come to life. Teachers and authors provide a transfer of information from one generation to the next. Each of the roles fulfilled by members of our communities are important. The synergy of many individuals accomplishing diverse tasks combined is what makes an economy work. While the bright lights of Hollywood make acting roles appear glamorous, the true strength of our economic system rests in all of the individuals who accomplish their roles with pride and excellence.The different units of government also play a role in making America the greatest nation on earth. While individuals define their own role, government has a role that is dictated by the defining ideas of a nation. Two hundred and fifty years ago, our country embarked on a perilous journey of defining the role of a very different kind of country. Today, because of the success of that journey we have the luxury of assigning many roles to government that were not originally intended. Some of these roles have redeeming consequences, while others may not. It is important as we look at policy for the future to examine the roles of government, not just in light of how they have evolved, but in a logical analysis of the function of government.The framers of the Constitution made it very clear that they wanted limited influence by the Federal government in their lives. Thomas Jefferson in his inaugural address said, “a wise &amp; frugal government… shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.” Using that guiding principle, the Constitution primarily focused on the protection of rights for the citizens. Article IV, Section IV makes this very clear: “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on the Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) againstdomestic Violence.” This strong statement of protection is asserted as the primary role of the central government.The current Federal budget does contain around $1T for the defense of our country. This week the Senate approved a $901B Defense Authorization Bill. That amount accounts for about 13% of the overall budget. The largest item in the budget, though, is not for the security of our borders. In fact, the largest item in our federal budget was not even considered in our Constitution. We spend over $2T, nearly one quarter of every federal dollar, on health insurance. We also spend 13% of our hard-earned tax money to service the interest on our growing debt, which incidentally is accumulating at a rate of over a trillion dollars per year.The roles that our United States government has assumed in the 250 years of our country have gone way past protecting the enumerated rights envisioned by the founders. We have become a nation that borrows money to buy votes. It is popular to provide free or reduced-price services to voters. People generally like it when the government sends them a check instead of the other way around. The rapidly accumulating federal debt, however, should make us realize that economic stability is not achieved, either on a personal level or a national government level, by borrowing to provide services we cannot afford. The share of the national debt is approximately $125,000 for every man, woman, and child in our country. That means that if you live in a family of four you owe half a million dollars to pay off the debt your country has accumulated. The role of a nation should be to protect its citizens, not expose them to federal bankruptcy.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

View from the Hill: The role of government

When you think of your local community, what are the businesses that quickly come into your mind? Is it the box stores that have the personality of a rock? Is it the single proprietor local businesses that know you by name? Is it the chain store that provides you with a consistent and uniform product? Is it a boutique shop that has a uniqueness that makes you feel at home? I appreciate each and every business that we have in central Kansas. The mix of large and small retailers provide us with both convenience and personality. The flavor of Kansas and the rest of rural America is the business owners that put their heart and soul into making their niche the best it can be.

As a Kansas State University student in the 1980’s I remember a bakery called Swanson’s Bakery. During the day it was a normal bakery that provided flour-based products for its customers. Richard “Swannie” Swanson ran this small bakery until 1986. What K-State alumni remember about the Swanson bakery, though was the back door. One person I saw on social media even claims to have that back door in their basement. If you have never been on a Swannies run you are probably confused at this point, but there is something to be learned from Swanson’s Bakery.

For twenty years before it closed this bakery provided a memorable and calorie-laden treat for the late-night customers. At midnight on any given night Swannie would have the back door open to provide “yum yums” to the hundreds of college students who would line up in the alley behind the bakery. The students who were up studying or doing whatever college students do at that time of night, were not provided with essential nutrition, unless they were suffering from hypoglycemia, but they were certainly given a huge dose of memories. The end of an era happened in 1986 and in 1987 the “progressive” new Manhattan Town Place mall was constructed, after condemning businesses in that area of Manhattan.

It may be nostalgic to wish that we could have both large and small retailers in our towns. The flavor of the owner/proprietor may not trump the desire of city planners to capitalize on regional appeal, but it certainly created an environment that instills quality of life memories in customers. As a policy maker it is critical that we focus on principles, not emotional reaction. The power of the American system is the selection process that

the market brings to economic endeavors. Small businesses, whether they provide essential or niche markets, need to be competitive without protectionism, which is rooted in corruption. Large businesses that have economies of size should be held to the same standard of market competitiveness. The use of taxpayer dollars that in many cases are collected from small entrepreneurs should not be used to incentivize large retailers just because they have political power. The role of government is to protect the principles of hard work, property ownership, and freedom to pursue dreams. It is not the place of government at any level to pick winners and losers. When government tips the field to benefit certain players, the market not only suffers but additionally corruption is institutionalized. When you think of businesses in your community, it is my desire that you think of businesses that build their locality, not take from it.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708266344072.png" alt="Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By: SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas SenatorWhen you think of your local community, what are the businesses that quickly come into your mind? Is it the box stores that have the personality of a rock? Is it the single proprietor local businesses that know you by name? Is it the chain store that provides you with a consistent and uniform product? Is it a boutique shop that has a uniqueness that makes you feel at home? I appreciate each and every business that we have in central Kansas. The mix of large and small retailers provide us with both convenience and personality. The flavor of Kansas and the rest of rural America is the business owners that put their heart and soul into making their niche the best it can be.As a Kansas State University student in the 1980’s I remember a bakery called Swanson’s Bakery. During the day it was a normal bakery that provided flour-based products for its customers. Richard “Swannie” Swanson ran this small bakery until 1986. What K-State alumni remember about the Swanson bakery, though was the back door. One person I saw on social media even claims to have that back door in their basement. If you have never been on a Swannies run you are probably confused at this point, but there is something to be learned from Swanson’s Bakery.For twenty years before it closed this bakery provided a memorable and calorie-laden treat for the late-night customers. At midnight on any given night Swannie would have the back door open to provide “yum yums” to the hundreds of college students who would line up in the alley behind the bakery. The students who were up studying or doing whatever college students do at that time of night, were not provided with essential nutrition, unless they were suffering from hypoglycemia, but they were certainly given a huge dose of memories. The end of an era happened in 1986 and in 1987 the “progressive” new Manhattan Town Place mall was constructed, after condemning businesses in that area of Manhattan.It may be nostalgic to wish that we could have both large and small retailers in our towns. The flavor of the owner/proprietor may not trump the desire of city planners to capitalize on regional appeal, but it certainly created an environment that instills quality of life memories in customers. As a policy maker it is critical that we focus on principles, not emotional reaction. The power of the American system is the selection process thatthe market brings to economic endeavors. Small businesses, whether they provide essential or niche markets, need to be competitive without protectionism, which is rooted in corruption. Large businesses that have economies of size should be held to the same standard of market competitiveness. The use of taxpayer dollars that in many cases are collected from small entrepreneurs should not be used to incentivize large retailers just because they have political power. The role of government is to protect the principles of hard work, property ownership, and freedom to pursue dreams. It is not the place of government at any level to pick winners and losers. When government tips the field to benefit certain players, the market not only suffers but additionally corruption is institutionalized. When you think of businesses in your community, it is my desire that you think of businesses that build their locality, not take from it.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

View from the Hill: How important is a donut?

By: ALEXANDRA&nbsp;MIDDLEWOOD

By any honest measure, too many Kansas families are struggling to make ends meet. The latest State of ALICE in Kansas report—ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—finds that 38% of Kansas households were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023, meaning they could not afford the basics even while working. That includes 12% living in poverty and another 26% who earn too much to qualify for aid but still can’t cover essentials like housing, child care, food, transportation, and healthcare.

This isn’t a fringe problem; it’s the working backbone of our economy. These are Kansans we depend on daily, like child‑care providers, home‑health aides, cashiers, and delivery drivers. Kansans feel the squeeze. In the 2025 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey—conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University—36.1% said the Kansas economy is getting worse, and 46.5% reported feeling very or moderately concerned that the state’s economy could seriously threaten their family’s welfare—a worry that ticked up from last year. When people don’t see a path to stability, they pull back on spending, on investing in education, on starting businesses. That feeds a cycle of slower growth.

Inflation adds insult to injury. In September, prices across the Midwest rose 3.1%. Housing costs are up 4.5% and rent surged 5.0% compared to 3.4% nationally. For a Kansas renter already under ALICE’s budget pressure, that is the difference between paying for a car repair or skipping the prescription refill.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that lower-income households experience greater impact from inflation than higher-income ones, meaning Kansans living on tighter budgets face disproportionate pressures. After adjusting for inflation, Kansas’ median household incomes have barely budged post-COVID, lagging behind national progress. Inflation’s heavier burden on lower-income families widens this gap, as working families spend more of their limited incomes on essentials.

Meanwhile, the recent federal government shutdown made a bad situation worse. Kansas Action for Children reports that the shutdown disrupted key economic data flows (including unemployment statistics) and contributed to state revenues missing estimates by $3.4 million in September due to a steep $35.4 million shortfall in corporate income tax receipts, despite

stronger individual income and sales taxes. Overall receipts for the month were about 1.9% lower than in September 2024.

Beyond numbers on a page, the shutdown threatened essential benefits: SNAP and WIC faced imminent disruption, putting nearly 190,000 Kansans at risk of losing food assistance, with 48,000 WIC recipients depending on nutrition support for mothers and children. When Washington cannot keep the lights on, the ripple effects hit our paychecks, our schools, our main streets, and exacerbated those among us who are already vulnerable.

When federal policy falters, Kansas families pay the price first. Stabilize the basics—food assistance, health insurance support, small‑business lending, predictable budgets—and we give vulnerable households the breathing room to become the bedrock of the state’s growth rather than the warning siren of its fragility.

If we want a Kansas where hard work reliably leads to stability, we need policies that stop pushing families underwater and start helping them reach the shore.

As the Kansas Legislature gears up for its 2026 session, lawmakers are already sending signals about where priorities lie—the initial bills suggest little additional support for working families. Early filings include a proposal to delay school start dates until after Labor Day; legislation aimed at loosening library-district governance; and a “Kansas Teacher Shortage Relief Act” to ease re-entry for retired educators.

These bills signal lawmakers’ attention to core community institutions like schools and libraries, but if our state truly wants to lift those families hovering near or beneath the ALICE threshold, the session must go further.

Legislators should prioritize enhanced affordability—expanding access to affordable child care, increasing housing subsidies, and upgrading income thresholds to reflect changing living costs. Federal programs remain vital, but state action can shield families when Washington falters.

The 2026 Legislature has a choice: tinker at the edges or invest in Kansans’ ability to thrive. If leadership is serious about long-term economic resilience, it must anchor its agenda in policies that pair educational and community improvements with real financial support. That means not just making communities stronger, but lifting the families who live in them

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By: ALEXANDRA&nbsp;MIDDLEWOODBy any honest measure, too many Kansas families are struggling to make ends meet. The latest State of ALICE in Kansas report—ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—finds that 38% of Kansas households were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023, meaning they could not afford the basics even while working. That includes 12% living in poverty and another 26% who earn too much to qualify for aid but still can’t cover essentials like housing, child care, food, transportation, and healthcare.This isn’t a fringe problem; it’s the working backbone of our economy. These are Kansans we depend on daily, like child‑care providers, home‑health aides, cashiers, and delivery drivers. Kansans feel the squeeze. In the 2025 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey—conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University—36.1% said the Kansas economy is getting worse, and 46.5% reported feeling very or moderately concerned that the state’s economy could seriously threaten their family’s welfare—a worry that ticked up from last year. When people don’t see a path to stability, they pull back on spending, on investing in education, on starting businesses. That feeds a cycle of slower growth.Inflation adds insult to injury. In September, prices across the Midwest rose 3.1%. Housing costs are up 4.5% and rent surged 5.0% compared to 3.4% nationally. For a Kansas renter already under ALICE’s budget pressure, that is the difference between paying for a car repair or skipping the prescription refill.The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that lower-income households experience greater impact from inflation than higher-income ones, meaning Kansans living on tighter budgets face disproportionate pressures. After adjusting for inflation, Kansas’ median household incomes have barely budged post-COVID, lagging behind national progress. Inflation’s heavier burden on lower-income families widens this gap, as working families spend more of their limited incomes on essentials.Meanwhile, the recent federal government shutdown made a bad situation worse. Kansas Action for Children reports that the shutdown disrupted key economic data flows (including unemployment statistics) and contributed to state revenues missing estimates by $3.4 million in September due to a steep $35.4 million shortfall in corporate income tax receipts, despitestronger individual income and sales taxes. Overall receipts for the month were about 1.9% lower than in September 2024.Beyond numbers on a page, the shutdown threatened essential benefits: SNAP and WIC faced imminent disruption, putting nearly 190,000 Kansans at risk of losing food assistance, with 48,000 WIC recipients depending on nutrition support for mothers and children. When Washington cannot keep the lights on, the ripple effects hit our paychecks, our schools, our main streets, and exacerbated those among us who are already vulnerable.When federal policy falters, Kansas families pay the price first. Stabilize the basics—food assistance, health insurance support, small‑business lending, predictable budgets—and we give vulnerable households the breathing room to become the bedrock of the state’s growth rather than the warning siren of its fragility.If we want a Kansas where hard work reliably leads to stability, we need policies that stop pushing families underwater and start helping them reach the shore.As the Kansas Legislature gears up for its 2026 session, lawmakers are already sending signals about where priorities lie—the initial bills suggest little additional support for working families. Early filings include a proposal to delay school start dates until after Labor Day; legislation aimed at loosening library-district governance; and a “Kansas Teacher Shortage Relief Act” to ease re-entry for retired educators.These bills signal lawmakers’ attention to core community institutions like schools and libraries, but if our state truly wants to lift those families hovering near or beneath the ALICE threshold, the session must go further.Legislators should prioritize enhanced affordability—expanding access to affordable child care, increasing housing subsidies, and upgrading income thresholds to reflect changing living costs. Federal programs remain vital, but state action can shield families when Washington falters.The 2026 Legislature has a choice: tinker at the edges or invest in Kansans’ ability to thrive. If leadership is serious about long-term economic resilience, it must anchor its agenda in policies that pair educational and community improvements with real financial support. That means not just making communities stronger, but lifting the families who live in themYou can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

Insight Kansas: Kansas families are drowning—will 2026 lawmakers throw a lifeline?

Between November 22 and November 29, 2022 the city of Salina signed a 3 year $169,950 contract with Flock Group inc/Flock Safety for the installation of 22 Automatic licence Plate Readers (ALPR), also referred to colloquially as Flock Cameras. This contract is set to end on December 31, 2025. According to Flock their cameras can “Capture more detail with Vehicle FingerprintR and Flock FreeFormTM. Turn images into actionable evidence-no plate required”. This suggests that the cameras are more than just ALPRs, but can capture other details of your car such as color, make, model, bumper stickers, roof rack, dents and more.

This article will be focused on Flock Safety however, Salina is also doing business with Leonardo, a competitor of Flock. The privacy issues mentioned in this article will also apply to the Leonardo surveillance system.

Unlike regular traffic cameras which take a picture when an infraction is committed. Flock Cameras capture details about every single vehicle that appears in their line of sight, whether an infraction has been committed or not. Combine this with a subscription to their “Flock Safety Platform” which centralizes all the information and makes it searchable and you have a 24/7 surveillance system. According to Flock, the data is only stored for 30 days before it is permanently deleted, however, they will comply with local laws and regulations that allow for a different retention period.

With enough cameras, this system can allow Law enforcement officers (LEO) from Salina and beyond (if Salina chooses to share its data) to track the whereabouts of any vehicle driving in Salina. With enough cameras they will be able to determine where you work, where your kids go to school, which doctor you visit, which church you attend, which protest you attend, who you associate with, who you support politically and more. Not only will they be able to track your location, they will know exactly when you do all these things which means they can determine your habits and patterns of behavior. Currently, with just 22 Flock cameras they can’t easily get to that level of detail, however, in December 2024 they were aiming to get 21 Leonardo ELSAG cameras which suggest they are willing to increase the number of surveillance cameras. As of this writing, Salina LEOs (and possibly other LEOs) are able to track the whereabouts of anyone driving in Salina for any reason, whether that person has committed a crime or not. No warrant, probable cause or reasonable suspicion necessary. This is not theoretical, there is already evidence of abuse. A Police Lieutenant in Kechi, Kansas was arrested in 2022 for stalking his wife using the Flock surveillance system. A Police Chief from Sedgwick, Kansas resigned in 2023 after admitting to using the Flock surveillance system to stalk his ex-girlfriend. Yet another police chief has been arrested and charged with using the LPR camera of his department to stalk and harass multiple individuals.

Federal Agencies can access Flock data even if they themselves do not have an account because LEOs can always perform the search on their behalf. This means that ICE can access Flock data even in states like Illinois who explicitly forbids sharing data for the purpose of immigration enforcement. When performing searches in the Flock surveillance system, LEOs often use vague terms like “investigation”, “stolen”, “other” and “suspicious vehicle”. The Flock surveillance system cannot verify that a search is being performed for a legitimate law

enforcement reason. Any reason given will allow access to the data.This combined with the lack of a warrant is what has allowed the abuses mentioned above.

Many Police departments, such as the Salina PD, are attempting to mitigate abuse by requiring LEOs to enter “a case number” or if not applicable a “type of crime” and “location”. Data such as “reasons” for the search and the “operator” who performed the search are tracked and could be audited by Salina PD. This raises several questions: 1) How will the audit be performed, will it check all the searches performed or just a subset? If a subset, what is the protocol for choosing how big it should be and how likely is it to catch abuse? 2) Will the auditor really be able to know if a search was legitimate? Will they be able to tell that a LEO was really looking for a suspicious vehicle? By the time the audit happens your rights have already been violated so if we choose to allow this warrantless surveillance system it’s really important to determine how effective a deterrent the threat of an audit is. There is no doubt that many police departments including Salina PD want to have the Flock surveillance system because they believe it will help them solve crime but, is mass surveillance and relinquishing our right to privacy the best way to create a safe city? Are we as a community willing to let the government track our every move throughout the city, whether we’ve committed a crime or not?

If a government agency wishes to implement such a surveillance system they should seek explicit consent from their constituents and at the bare minimum they should be transparent about how they use that system. Currently the SPD is not willing to be transparent about their use of the surveillance system. A Public Records Request for the activities log and the audits of those logs has been denied.

Currently Flock Safety says that their system does not use facial recognition or biometrics to identify and track people however, section 19 of their patent suggests their system could be used in identifying gender, race, height, weight and even the type of clothing someone is wearing. Recent investigation has found that they are actively working on training their model to identify people. Flock is sending our sensitive data to workers overseas tasked with identifying people, objects, and even sounds as a way to train Flock’s Safety AI.

For those not yet convinced that this is an issue I would point you to the history of our Federal Government. The US government has admitted to literally tracking hundreds of civil rights activists, journalists, antiwar activists and many other individuals and groups it deemed too radical. The Federal Government will undoubtedly have access to the Flock surveillance system, whether that’s through having a Flock account or compelling local officials to share the data with them. If you aim to participate in politics or public life you should be concerned.

It is now clear that Flock security protocols leave much to be desired, so it really is a matter of time before their servers are breached if they haven’t been already. More tech savvy companies like Google and Apple have had their share of breaches. The hackers won’t need to hack Flock itself, they can hack one of the many thousands of police departments with a flock subscription. Login information including passwords of at least 35 flock customers have already been hacked - and made available for sale on a Russian language cybercrime forum. Are we as a community willing to have data about our whereabouts stored on a big corporation’s private server when they have failed to require basic security procedures like two-factor authentication to access their surveillance system? Should we really trust this company when recent evidence suggests that the cameras transferring the data are not very secure?

The ability for Flock to make money depends on the company's ability to collect a large amount of data that is easily shareable and searchable. The more data it has the more useful its surveillance system will be to its customers. The more useful the surveillance system the more money the company will make. This means that as time goes on Flock will seek to increase the amount and type of data it collects. If we've learned anything from social media companies it's that they will always seek more data. As long as there is money to be made there is no point at which they will say, "that's enough".

The Institute for Justice (IJ), a Non-Profit law firm focused on violations of constitutional rights filed a Lawsuit in 2024 challenging the use of Flock Cameras in Norfolk, Virginia. They argue the Flock surveillance system violates the fourth amendment which protects us against unreasonable search and seizure. According to IJ, the supreme court has ruled that prolonged tracking of cellphone location data is considered a search and at least one federal court has found that using a helicopter to monitor a city is a search. This means that in both cases the police would need a warrant, so why would the Flock surveillance system which tracks the whereabouts of mostly innocent people be an exception?

On November 17, 2025 the Northern California ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a lawsuit against the city of San Jose,California, alleging that by blanketing the city with 500 Flock cameras, the city is violating resident’s constitutional rights to privacy and protection against unreasonable search. A judge in Washington recently ruled that Flock data are subject to the public records act under state law, see article here. Which means anyone that files a public request and has the money to pay for it can now access the data. This is not the case in Kansas, as of January 1, 2023 the Kansas legislature passed a law essentially making it so that the disclosure of “Records of a public agency that contain captured license plate data or that pertain to the location of an automated license plate recognition system” is not required. SPD is using this law to deny a request made for both the activity logs and audits of the activity logs even though they have discretionary power to release that information with appropriate redactions if they so choose.

The 22 Flock cameras currently installed throughout the streets of Salina allow our whereabouts, habits and patterns to be tracked 24/7 - without a warrant, reasonable suspicion or probable cause. If this is not “Big Brother” style surveillance then, what is? Make no mistake this is just the beginning, as people get accustomed to mass surveillance it is a matter of time before facial recognition or other biometric systems become implemented in our streets in the name of safety. Why else would Flock be actively training their AI on biometrics? Folks, big tech companies are not your friend, their aim is to make money full stop. If that means they track your every move then that’s what they will do. Big Brother is coming, government agencies with the help of private companies like Flock are watching your every move, and many departments like the SPD are not willing to be transparent about how they use this warrantless surveillance system. We know from history that the US government is perfectly willing to track groups and individuals like civil rights activists it deems too radical. So the question for Salina residents is this: Are you willing to submit to warrantless government surveillance and the whims of big tech corporations? If you are against Big Brother style surveillance email the city commission or attend one of their meetings and let them know they should cancel any contract with Flock Safety and Leonardo. Let them know that in the future you want the opportunity to give your consent for any such surveillance system being implemented in your city.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765323530184.jpeg" alt="Automatic License Plate Reader s(ALPR), known as FLOCK Security cameras. Google Image" />
 <figcaption>Automatic License Plate Reader s(ALPR), known as FLOCK Security cameras. Google Image</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;EDY CHEREMONDBetween November 22 and November 29, 2022 the city of Salina signed a 3 year $169,950 contract with Flock Group inc/Flock Safety for the installation of 22 Automatic licence Plate Readers (ALPR), also referred to colloquially as Flock Cameras. This contract is set to end on December 31, 2025. According to Flock their cameras can “Capture more detail with Vehicle FingerprintR and Flock FreeFormTM. Turn images into actionable evidence-no plate required”. This suggests that the cameras are more than just ALPRs, but can capture other details of your car such as color, make, model, bumper stickers, roof rack, dents and more.This article will be focused on Flock Safety however, Salina is also doing business with Leonardo, a competitor of Flock. The privacy issues mentioned in this article will also apply to the Leonardo surveillance system.<h2>Why Should you care?</h2>Privacy concernsUnlike regular traffic cameras which take a picture when an infraction is committed. Flock Cameras capture details about every single vehicle that appears in their line of sight, whether an infraction has been committed or not. Combine this with a subscription to their “Flock Safety Platform” which centralizes all the information and makes it searchable and you have a 24/7 surveillance system. According to Flock, the data is only stored for 30 days before it is permanently deleted, however, they will comply with local laws and regulations that allow for a different retention period.With enough cameras, this system can allow Law enforcement officers (LEO) from Salina and beyond (if Salina chooses to share its data) to track the whereabouts of any vehicle driving in Salina. With enough cameras they will be able to determine where you work, where your kids go to school, which doctor you visit, which church you attend, which protest you attend, who you associate with, who you support politically and more. Not only will they be able to track your location, they will know exactly when you do all these things which means they can determine your habits and patterns of behavior. Currently, with just 22 Flock cameras they can’t easily get to that level of detail, however, in December 2024 they were aiming to get 21 Leonardo ELSAG cameras which suggest they are willing to increase the number of surveillance cameras. As of this writing, Salina LEOs (and possibly other LEOs) are able to track the whereabouts of anyone driving in Salina for any reason, whether that person has committed a crime or not. No warrant, probable cause or reasonable suspicion necessary. This is not theoretical, there is already evidence of abuse. A Police Lieutenant in Kechi, Kansas was arrested in 2022 for stalking his wife using the Flock surveillance system. A Police Chief from Sedgwick, Kansas resigned in 2023 after admitting to using the Flock surveillance system to stalk his ex-girlfriend. Yet another police chief has been arrested and charged with using the LPR camera of his department to stalk and harass multiple individuals.Federal Agencies can access Flock data even if they themselves do not have an account because LEOs can always perform the search on their behalf. This means that ICE can access Flock data even in states like Illinois who explicitly forbids sharing data for the purpose of immigration enforcement. When performing searches in the Flock surveillance system, LEOs often use vague terms like “investigation”, “stolen”, “other” and “suspicious vehicle”. The Flock surveillance system cannot verify that a search is being performed for a legitimate lawenforcement reason. Any reason given will allow access to the data.This combined with the lack of a warrant is what has allowed the abuses mentioned above.Many Police departments, such as the Salina PD, are attempting to mitigate abuse by requiring LEOs to enter “a case number” or if not applicable a “type of crime” and “location”. Data such as “reasons” for the search and the “operator” who performed the search are tracked and could be audited by Salina PD. This raises several questions: 1) How will the audit be performed, will it check all the searches performed or just a subset? If a subset, what is the protocol for choosing how big it should be and how likely is it to catch abuse? 2) Will the auditor really be able to know if a search was legitimate? Will they be able to tell that a LEO was really looking for a suspicious vehicle? By the time the audit happens your rights have already been violated so if we choose to allow this warrantless surveillance system it’s really important to determine how effective a deterrent the threat of an audit is. There is no doubt that many police departments including Salina PD want to have the Flock surveillance system because they believe it will help them solve crime but, is mass surveillance and relinquishing our right to privacy the best way to create a safe city? Are we as a community willing to let the government track our every move throughout the city, whether we’ve committed a crime or not?If a government agency wishes to implement such a surveillance system they should seek explicit consent from their constituents and at the bare minimum they should be transparent about how they use that system. Currently the SPD is not willing to be transparent about their use of the surveillance system. A Public Records Request for the activities log and the audits of those logs has been denied.Currently Flock Safety says that their system does not use facial recognition or biometrics to identify and track people however, section 19 of their patent suggests their system could be used in identifying gender, race, height, weight and even the type of clothing someone is wearing. Recent investigation has found that they are actively working on training their model to identify people. Flock is sending our sensitive data to workers overseas tasked with identifying people, objects, and even sounds as a way to train Flock’s Safety AI.For those not yet convinced that this is an issue I would point you to the history of our Federal Government. The US government has admitted to literally tracking hundreds of civil rights activists, journalists, antiwar activists and many other individuals and groups it deemed too radical. The Federal Government will undoubtedly have access to the Flock surveillance system, whether that’s through having a Flock account or compelling local officials to share the data with them. If you aim to participate in politics or public life you should be concerned.Data BreachesIt is now clear that Flock security protocols leave much to be desired, so it really is a matter of time before their servers are breached if they haven’t been already. More tech savvy companies like Google and Apple have had their share of breaches. The hackers won’t need to hack Flock itself, they can hack one of the many thousands of police departments with a flock subscription. Login information including passwords of at least 35 flock customers have already been hacked - and made available for sale on a Russian language cybercrime forum. Are we as a community willing to have data about our whereabouts stored on a big corporation’s private server when they have failed to require basic security procedures like two-factor authentication to access their surveillance system? Should we really trust this company when recent evidence suggests that the cameras transferring the data are not very secure?Business ModelThe ability for Flock to make money depends on the company's ability to collect a large amount of data that is easily shareable and searchable. The more data it has the more useful its surveillance system will be to its customers. The more useful the surveillance system the more money the company will make. This means that as time goes on Flock will seek to increase the amount and type of data it collects. If we've learned anything from social media companies it's that they will always seek more data. As long as there is money to be made there is no point at which they will say, "that's enough".Legal issuesThe Institute for Justice (IJ), a Non-Profit law firm focused on violations of constitutional rights filed a Lawsuit in 2024 challenging the use of Flock Cameras in Norfolk, Virginia. They argue the Flock surveillance system violates the fourth amendment which protects us against unreasonable search and seizure. According to IJ, the supreme court has ruled that prolonged tracking of cellphone location data is considered a search and at least one federal court has found that using a helicopter to monitor a city is a search. This means that in both cases the police would need a warrant, so why would the Flock surveillance system which tracks the whereabouts of mostly innocent people be an exception?On November 17, 2025 the Northern California ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a lawsuit against the city of San Jose,California, alleging that by blanketing the city with 500 Flock cameras, the city is violating resident’s constitutional rights to privacy and protection against unreasonable search. A judge in Washington recently ruled that Flock data are subject to the public records act under state law, see article here. Which means anyone that files a public request and has the money to pay for it can now access the data. This is not the case in Kansas, as of January 1, 2023 the Kansas legislature passed a law essentially making it so that the disclosure of “Records of a public agency that contain captured license plate data or that pertain to the location of an automated license plate recognition system” is not required. SPD is using this law to deny a request made for both the activity logs and audits of the activity logs even though they have discretionary power to release that information with appropriate redactions if they so choose.<h2>Conclusion</h2>The 22 Flock cameras currently installed throughout the streets of Salina allow our whereabouts, habits and patterns to be tracked 24/7 - without a warrant, reasonable suspicion or probable cause. If this is not “Big Brother” style surveillance then, what is? Make no mistake this is just the beginning, as people get accustomed to mass surveillance it is a matter of time before facial recognition or other biometric systems become implemented in our streets in the name of safety. Why else would Flock be actively training their AI on biometrics? Folks, big tech companies are not your friend, their aim is to make money full stop. If that means they track your every move then that’s what they will do. Big Brother is coming, government agencies with the help of private companies like Flock are watching your every move, and many departments like the SPD are not willing to be transparent about how they use this warrantless surveillance system. We know from history that the US government is perfectly willing to track groups and individuals like civil rights activists it deems too radical. So the question for Salina residents is this: Are you willing to submit to warrantless government surveillance and the whims of big tech corporations? If you are against Big Brother style surveillance email the city commission or attend one of their meetings and let them know they should cancel any contract with Flock Safety and Leonardo. Let them know that in the future you want the opportunity to give your consent for any such surveillance system being implemented in your city.Edy Cheremond,Salina, KSYou can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

The start of a government surveillance system in Salina

Russell Arben Fox’s recent column, “Questions for, and about, city managers in Kansas,” raises timely and important points about how our cities are governed. As a civic-minded Kansan and a retired city manager, I appreciate his reminder that debates over the council-manager form of government are neither trivial nor temporary. I write to offer historical context on why the city manager profession emerged more than a century ago and to address the concerns he raises about democracy, accountability, and effectiveness.

The council-manager model took shape during the Progressive Era, when many American cities were plagued by corruption, patronage, and inefficiency. Reformers believed that trained, nonpartisan administrators could manage public services more honestly and effectively than political machines. This belief led the National Civic League and what is now the International City/County Management Association to publish the first Model City Charter in 1915, introducing a system in which an elected council sets policy and a professional manager executes it. Early adopters reported immediate improvements in fiscal management, service delivery, and ethical integrity. In short, the city manager position was created to clean up city hall and restore public trust.

Over the past century, this system has proven its value. Today, a majority of U.S. cities with populations over 2,500 use the council-manager model, including most communities in Kansas. Here, elected mayors serve as part of the council, while a professional manager oversees day-to-day operations. This structure has helped Kansas cities avoid the hyper-partisanship seen at higher levels of government and focus instead on pragmatic problem-solving.

City managers bring professional training in public administration, finance, and urban policy, and they serve all residents regardless of political affiliation. Their recommendations are grounded in analysis, not political advantage. Research supports these benefits: one comprehensive study found that cities with council-manager governments have roughly 57 percent fewer corruption convictions than strong-mayor cities. Public trust is also higher at the local level than at the federal or state level, due in part to the nonpartisan, professional nature of council-manager governance.

Professor Fox raises an important question about democratic accountability: if managers and staff help shape complex policies and budgets, does this create a “democratic deficit”? It is a reasonable concern, but one that the council-manager system was designed to address. Managers serve entirely at the pleasure of the elected council and can be removed by a simple majority. The council/commission sets the community’s vision, adopts ordinances and budgets, and represents voter priorities; the manager implements these policies and provides professional options for consideration. Managers are evaluated—and retained—based on how effectively they carry out the council’s direction. Rather than diluting democracy, this model reinforces it by ensuring that elected officials make policy while administrative professionals carry it out responsibly.

Dr. John Nalbandian of Lawrence captures this balance well: city managers stand “at the intersection of the political and administrative arenas,” helping bridge what is politically acceptable with what is operationally sustainable. This connection strengthens democratic governance by allowing elected leaders to focus on community vision while relying on professional staff to deliver results.

To be sure, supporters of the council-manager model must take citizen engagement seriously. If voters sense that their voices matter less because professionals run daily operations, turnout may suffer. The solution, however, is greater transparency and more opportunities for public involvement—not abandoning a system that has served Kansas communities well. Wichita’s recent debate over its manager hiring process demonstrates that residents expect openness, even within a professionally administered government. We should welcome that expectation.

Comparing this model with the strong-mayor system underscores what is at stake. In strong-mayor cities, executive power is concentrated in one elected individual who oversees departments, prepares budgets, and can veto council actions. While this structure can produce decisive leadership, it also allows the city’s priorities—and personnel—to shift dramatically with each new administration. A strong-mayor model can energize a community when leadership is sound, but when it is not, the consequences can be destabilizing. Numerous cities that experienced turbulence or scandal under powerful mayors later added professional oversight or shifted toward council-manager governance. Concentrating executive authority in one office is inherently risky.

Kansas’s experience has shown the advantages of balanced, professional administration. Under home-rule authority, each city chooses its governing structure, and the vast majority have selected the council-manager form. This is because it helps ensure stability, ethical conduct, and long-term planning that transcends election cycles. Our governing bodies still debate vigorously, but city services remain steady and centered on community needs rather than personal politics. As Fox himself notes, this model “fosters pragmatic governance” in a time when pragmatism is sorely needed.

After ten decades of practice, the council-manager system remains a proven framework that upholds both democratic accountability and professional competence. It was created to curb corruption and improve performance, and those goals are as vital today as they were 100 years ago. Rather than concentrating power in a single elected executive, we should continue strengthening the partnership between our elected councils and the professional managers who carry out their vision.

Mr. Fox is right that Kansans should regularly examine how we govern ourselves. But before considering a shift to strong-mayor systems, we should recall what the council-manager model was designed to prevent and what it continues to provide: stability, transparency, ethical administration, and a collaborative balance between democratic leadership and professional expertise. Our communities deserve nothing less.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.By: JON QUINDAYRussell Arben Fox’s recent column, “Questions for, and about, city managers in Kansas,” raises timely and important points about how our cities are governed. As a civic-minded Kansan and a retired city manager, I appreciate his reminder that debates over the council-manager form of government are neither trivial nor temporary. I write to offer historical context on why the city manager profession emerged more than a century ago and to address the concerns he raises about democracy, accountability, and effectiveness.The council-manager model took shape during the Progressive Era, when many American cities were plagued by corruption, patronage, and inefficiency. Reformers believed that trained, nonpartisan administrators could manage public services more honestly and effectively than political machines. This belief led the National Civic League and what is now the International City/County Management Association to publish the first Model City Charter in 1915, introducing a system in which an elected council sets policy and a professional manager executes it. Early adopters reported immediate improvements in fiscal management, service delivery, and ethical integrity. In short, the city manager position was created to clean up city hall and restore public trust.Over the past century, this system has proven its value. Today, a majority of U.S. cities with populations over 2,500 use the council-manager model, including most communities in Kansas. Here, elected mayors serve as part of the council, while a professional manager oversees day-to-day operations. This structure has helped Kansas cities avoid the hyper-partisanship seen at higher levels of government and focus instead on pragmatic problem-solving.City managers bring professional training in public administration, finance, and urban policy, and they serve all residents regardless of political affiliation. Their recommendations are grounded in analysis, not political advantage. Research supports these benefits: one comprehensive study found that cities with council-manager governments have roughly 57 percent fewer corruption convictions than strong-mayor cities. Public trust is also higher at the local level than at the federal or state level, due in part to the nonpartisan, professional nature of council-manager governance.Professor Fox raises an important question about democratic accountability: if managers and staff help shape complex policies and budgets, does this create a “democratic deficit”? It is a reasonable concern, but one that the council-manager system was designed to address. Managers serve entirely at the pleasure of the elected council and can be removed by a simple majority. The council/commission sets the community’s vision, adopts ordinances and budgets, and represents voter priorities; the manager implements these policies and provides professional options for consideration. Managers are evaluated—and retained—based on how effectively they carry out the council’s direction. Rather than diluting democracy, this model reinforces it by ensuring that elected officials make policy while administrative professionals carry it out responsibly.Dr. John Nalbandian of Lawrence captures this balance well: city managers stand “at the intersection of the political and administrative arenas,” helping bridge what is politically acceptable with what is operationally sustainable. This connection strengthens democratic governance by allowing elected leaders to focus on community vision while relying on professional staff to deliver results.To be sure, supporters of the council-manager model must take citizen engagement seriously. If voters sense that their voices matter less because professionals run daily operations, turnout may suffer. The solution, however, is greater transparency and more opportunities for public involvement—not abandoning a system that has served Kansas communities well. Wichita’s recent debate over its manager hiring process demonstrates that residents expect openness, even within a professionally administered government. We should welcome that expectation.Comparing this model with the strong-mayor system underscores what is at stake. In strong-mayor cities, executive power is concentrated in one elected individual who oversees departments, prepares budgets, and can veto council actions. While this structure can produce decisive leadership, it also allows the city’s priorities—and personnel—to shift dramatically with each new administration. A strong-mayor model can energize a community when leadership is sound, but when it is not, the consequences can be destabilizing. Numerous cities that experienced turbulence or scandal under powerful mayors later added professional oversight or shifted toward council-manager governance. Concentrating executive authority in one office is inherently risky.Kansas’s experience has shown the advantages of balanced, professional administration. Under home-rule authority, each city chooses its governing structure, and the vast majority have selected the council-manager form. This is because it helps ensure stability, ethical conduct, and long-term planning that transcends election cycles. Our governing bodies still debate vigorously, but city services remain steady and centered on community needs rather than personal politics. As Fox himself notes, this model “fosters pragmatic governance” in a time when pragmatism is sorely needed.After ten decades of practice, the council-manager system remains a proven framework that upholds both democratic accountability and professional competence. It was created to curb corruption and improve performance, and those goals are as vital today as they were 100 years ago. Rather than concentrating power in a single elected executive, we should continue strengthening the partnership between our elected councils and the professional managers who carry out their vision.Mr. Fox is right that Kansans should regularly examine how we govern ourselves. But before considering a shift to strong-mayor systems, we should recall what the council-manager model was designed to prevent and what it continues to provide: stability, transparency, ethical administration, and a collaborative balance between democratic leadership and professional expertise. Our communities deserve nothing less.Jon QuindayRussell, KansasYou can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

City Managers: A century of balancing professionalism and democracy in local government

Leaders can unite or divide, whether it be by design or by misstep.

Thanksgiving’s evolution shows how both can happen.

On October 3, 1863, amid profound division and upheaval of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued a formal proclamation that established a National Day of Thanksgiving. He invited his “fellow citizens in every part of the United States…to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

Perfectly timed after the Gettysburg victory, the proclamation capitalized on the Union’s improved outlook and Lincoln’s emerging stature as a unifier.

Lincoln hoped a shared day of thanks would help “heal the wounds of the nation” and establish a tradition that would bond Americans for generations.

Editor of the Ladies’ Magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, and author of the children’s poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Hale had lobbied state and federal officials for nearly 40 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

She wrote to Lincoln in the summer of 1863 asserting that only the president had the power to make the holiday, “permanently, an American custom and institution.”

Presidents thereafter followed Lincoln’s example.

However, in 1939, during the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt issued his own proclamation. He called for Thanksgiving to be moved back to the third Thursday of November.

At the time, retailers waited until after Thanksgiving to display Christmas decorations and hold sales. By adding an additional seven days to the shopping season, Roosevelt hoped to boost consumer spending. A Gallup opinion poll showed 62 percent of Americans disapproved. Roughly 80 percent of Republicans disapproved, while a majority of Democrats supported it.

Twenty-two mostly Democrat-leaning states observed Thanksgiving on the new date. Twenty-two mostly Republican-leaning states resisted. Three celebrated Thanksgiving on both dates.

A day meant to unite the country turned into a symbol of political difference. A reminder that partisan polarization is nothing new in U.S. politics. Kansas Republican Governor Payne Ratner announced that in the sunflower state “we do not destroy tradition merely to gain newspaper headlines.”

Alf Landon, FDR’s rival in the 1936 election, criticized Roosevelt’s “impulsiveness” and strongly objected to “springing it [the change] upon an unprepared country with the omnipotence of a Hitler.”

People started calling Thanksgiving “Franksgiving”.

Amid unprecedented crises, Lincoln and Roosevelt used Thanksgiving for different purposes. Lincoln envisioned it as a path toward national reconciliation. Roosevelt saw it as a lever for economic activity.

One president embraced tradition. The other disrupted it.

Eventually, Congress intervened and established Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, restoring its observance to the fourth Thursday in November.

The partisan fight faded. Black Friday emerged as a defining feature of American consumer culture, a phenomenon widely embraced by Democrats and Republicans.

Retailers now start promotions in late October and continue through Cyber Monday.

Thanksgiving ultimately became two traditions. First a day for gratitude, then a day for deals.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756906385173.png" alt="Mark R. Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Mark R. Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;MARK R. JOSLYNUniversity of KansasLeaders can unite or divide, whether it be by design or by misstep.Thanksgiving’s evolution shows how both can happen.On October 3, 1863, amid profound division and upheaval of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued a formal proclamation that established a National Day of Thanksgiving. He invited his “fellow citizens in every part of the United States…to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”Perfectly timed after the Gettysburg victory, the proclamation capitalized on the Union’s improved outlook and Lincoln’s emerging stature as a unifier.Lincoln hoped a shared day of thanks would help “heal the wounds of the nation” and establish a tradition that would bond Americans for generations.Sarah Josepha Hale hoped so too.Editor of the Ladies’ Magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, and author of the children’s poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Hale had lobbied state and federal officials for nearly 40 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.She wrote to Lincoln in the summer of 1863 asserting that only the president had the power to make the holiday, “permanently, an American custom and institution.”Presidents thereafter followed Lincoln’s example.However, in 1939, during the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt issued his own proclamation. He called for Thanksgiving to be moved back to the third Thursday of November.At the time, retailers waited until after Thanksgiving to display Christmas decorations and hold sales. By adding an additional seven days to the shopping season, Roosevelt hoped to boost consumer spending. A Gallup opinion poll showed 62 percent of Americans disapproved. Roughly 80 percent of Republicans disapproved, while a majority of Democrats supported it.Twenty-two mostly Democrat-leaning states observed Thanksgiving on the new date. Twenty-two mostly Republican-leaning states resisted. Three celebrated Thanksgiving on both dates.A day meant to unite the country turned into a symbol of political difference. A reminder that partisan polarization is nothing new in U.S. politics. Kansas Republican Governor Payne Ratner announced that in the sunflower state “we do not destroy tradition merely to gain newspaper headlines.”Alf Landon, FDR’s rival in the 1936 election, criticized Roosevelt’s “impulsiveness” and strongly objected to “springing it [the change] upon an unprepared country with the omnipotence of a Hitler.”People started calling Thanksgiving “Franksgiving”.Amid unprecedented crises, Lincoln and Roosevelt used Thanksgiving for different purposes. Lincoln envisioned it as a path toward national reconciliation. Roosevelt saw it as a lever for economic activity.One president embraced tradition. The other disrupted it.Eventually, Congress intervened and established Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, restoring its observance to the fourth Thursday in November.But here’s the irony.Roosevelt’s vision stuck.The partisan fight faded. Black Friday emerged as a defining feature of American consumer culture, a phenomenon widely embraced by Democrats and Republicans.Retailers now start promotions in late October and continue through Cyber Monday.Thanksgiving ultimately became two traditions. First a day for gratitude, then a day for deals.Lincoln meets Roosevelt.Oh, yes, and then there’s football.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

INSIGHT KANSAS: The two traditions of Thanksgiving

“It is a transformative tool.” “It is the greatest technological advance of our lifetime.” “It will cure cancer.” “It will change every field and every job.” “It will solve global warming.”

These and other headlines like them have screamed at us that the “it” which is Artificial Intelligence (AI), is the great new silver bullet. When I hear superlatives, without limit, it is time to take a deeper look. So, what is AI?

At the core of the computer is the idea of assisted decision making. That idea actually dates back hundreds of years. However, with the invention of electronic chips, computing became ubiquitous in our lives. The simplest concept of a computer is that it decides between option “a” and option “b” based on input “c.” By storing the instructions for future use, the computer always makes the same decision on the same inputs, then reports the results as an output. 

Since the inception of electronic computers, the speed and complexity of these instructions and related calculations have increased consistently and dramatically. As storage space increases and the number of instructions multiply, the ability to control complex situations is accentuated. The important thing to remember is that conventional computing functions by repeating known situations.

With advanced computing technology, which is erroneously called AI, programmers have developed a method where computers make decisions on unknown variables. We as humans do this on a continuous basis. We find ourselves making a decision in a situation we have never experienced before. These novel situations may cause us stress but result in an increase in our knowledge base. The computer programmer’s AI mimics the human’s ability to decide in a novel situation. While humans make decisions based on an infinite number of experiential inputs, computer technology is limited to the parameters of programmed memory. Collaborative programming has increased the robustness of the decision-making capabilities of the computer. However, the computer does not have ethics or awareness of it’s own, rather it is the collective morality of its creator. In a simple illustration it may be the latest iteration of the historical idea of man versus machine.

An interesting peripheral issue that becomes extremely important is energy usage. A human being makes an infinite number of decisions every day on a caloric consumption of 2000 – 2500 Kcal. This amount of energy is essentially the equivalent of a 100-watt lightbulb. Estimates for AI computing reveal a three-fold increase in our electric power consumption over the next ten years. An approximate forecast for America is a 400 terawatt increase in electric power consumption. This is approximately 10,000 times more than all of the residents of America’s combined caloric input. While I am supportive of the idea that computing is important in our world, it is minor compared to the need for relevant education for our children. The importance of knowledge-rich education coupled with enhancing processing skills in our brains has never been greater. Humans have always been superior to the machines we create because of our emphasis on educating the next generation. Mind numbing mediocrity of our education system could result in a scenario where our AI machines not only rob us of our ability to think, but also the energy we need to live.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708266344072.png" alt="Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By: SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas Senator“It is a transformative tool.” “It is the greatest technological advance of our lifetime.” “It will cure cancer.” “It will change every field and every job.” “It will solve global warming.”These and other headlines like them have screamed at us that the “it” which is Artificial Intelligence (AI), is the great new silver bullet. When I hear superlatives, without limit, it is time to take a deeper look. So, what is AI?At the core of the computer is the idea of assisted decision making. That idea actually dates back hundreds of years. However, with the invention of electronic chips, computing became ubiquitous in our lives. The simplest concept of a computer is that it decides between option “a” and option “b” based on input “c.” By storing the instructions for future use, the computer always makes the same decision on the same inputs, then reports the results as an output. Since the inception of electronic computers, the speed and complexity of these instructions and related calculations have increased consistently and dramatically. As storage space increases and the number of instructions multiply, the ability to control complex situations is accentuated. The important thing to remember is that conventional computing functions by repeating known situations.With advanced computing technology, which is erroneously called AI, programmers have developed a method where computers make decisions on unknown variables. We as humans do this on a continuous basis. We find ourselves making a decision in a situation we have never experienced before. These novel situations may cause us stress but result in an increase in our knowledge base. The computer programmer’s AI mimics the human’s ability to decide in a novel situation. While humans make decisions based on an infinite number of experiential inputs, computer technology is limited to the parameters of programmed memory. Collaborative programming has increased the robustness of the decision-making capabilities of the computer. However, the computer does not have ethics or awareness of it’s own, rather it is the collective morality of its creator. In a simple illustration it may be the latest iteration of the historical idea of man versus machine.An interesting peripheral issue that becomes extremely important is energy usage. A human being makes an infinite number of decisions every day on a caloric consumption of 2000 – 2500 Kcal. This amount of energy is essentially the equivalent of a 100-watt lightbulb. Estimates for AI computing reveal a three-fold increase in our electric power consumption over the next ten years. An approximate forecast for America is a 400 terawatt increase in electric power consumption. This is approximately 10,000 times more than all of the residents of America’s combined caloric input. While I am supportive of the idea that computing is important in our world, it is minor compared to the need for relevant education for our children. The importance of knowledge-rich education coupled with enhancing processing skills in our brains has never been greater. Humans have always been superior to the machines we create because of our emphasis on educating the next generation. Mind numbing mediocrity of our education system could result in a scenario where our AI machines not only rob us of our ability to think, but also the energy we need to live.Senator Scott Hill, PhDYou can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

View from the Hill: The cost of AI

Kansas is competing with all 49 other states for a share of nearly $50 billion in federal rural health funding, money that will shape hospital survival and healthcare access through 2030. 

Kansas submitted its 60-page application, but here’s what Kansans weren’t told:

By failing to convene a special session, the Legislature forfeited its ability to guide how Kansas negotiates this massive federal deal.

The special session of the Kansas legislature which failed to materialize was in part about ensuring the Legislature had oversight before the Governor entered a five-year agreement with <a href="https://www.cms.gov/">CMS</a> that will determine:

• What performance standards Kansas must meet

• How money flows for the rest of the decade

Without the Legislature in session, all negotiations now occur without checks, balances, or rural input.

Experts estimate Kansas could receive around $500 million in base funding,&nbsp;if&nbsp;our plan is accepted. But the remaining $25 billion is competitive, and CMS favors states that show:

Because Kansas couldn’t unify on a procedural vote, our application is less competitive. A special session could have added oversight, protected rural regions, aligned budgets, and demonstrated the unity CMS rewards.

As a resident of Salina, I see how deeply rural communities rely on Salina Regional Health Center, which serves patients all the way to the Colorado border. If Kansas receives less funding or weaker terms, rural Kansans, not policymakers, will feel the consequences through longer drives, fewer services, and more strain on local hospitals.

KDHE, KRHIA, and the KU Health System Care Collaborative worked hard under pressure to submit Kansas’ application. But they should not have been the only voices shaping a five-year federal agreement.

Kansas should have entered negotiations with:

Instead, the state goes into federal negotiations divided and at a disadvantage.

Rural Kansans understand what hospital closures and thin staffing mean for their communities. Decisions made in Topeka without rural involvement carry real consequences for families along and west of I-135.

When lawmakers return in January, they must restore oversight, strengthen transparency, and ensure Kansas is prepared to compete for the full amount of federal rural health funding.

Rural health is too important for unilateral decisions. Kansas needs bipartisan leadership, and unity when the stakes are this high.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763656803845.png" alt="Photo courtesy, Naomi Odonnell / The Beacon&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy, Naomi Odonnell / The Beacon&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By: JAY VANIERKansas is competing with all 49 other states for a share of nearly $50 billion in federal rural health funding, money that will shape hospital survival and healthcare access through 2030. Kansas submitted its 60-page application, but here’s what Kansans weren’t told:By failing to convene a special session, the Legislature forfeited its ability to guide how Kansas negotiates this massive federal deal.The special session of the Kansas legislature which failed to materialize was in part about ensuring the Legislature had oversight before the Governor entered a five-year agreement with <a href="https://www.cms.gov/">CMS</a> that will determine:• Which hospitals get priority• Which regions are funded• What performance standards Kansas must meet• How money flows for the rest of the decadeWithout the Legislature in session, all negotiations now occur without checks, balances, or rural input.<h2>Kansas Risks Losing Out</h2>Experts estimate Kansas could receive around $500 million in base funding,&nbsp;if&nbsp;our plan is accepted. But the remaining $25 billion is competitive, and CMS favors states that show:• Unified governance• Legislative oversight• Strong rural planning• Clear accountabilityBecause Kansas couldn’t unify on a procedural vote, our application is less competitive. A special session could have added oversight, protected rural regions, aligned budgets, and demonstrated the unity CMS rewards.As a resident of Salina, I see how deeply rural communities rely on Salina Regional Health Center, which serves patients all the way to the Colorado border. If Kansas receives less funding or weaker terms, rural Kansans, not policymakers, will feel the consequences through longer drives, fewer services, and more strain on local hospitals.KDHE, KRHIA, and the KU Health System Care Collaborative worked hard under pressure to submit Kansas’ application. But they should not have been the only voices shaping a five-year federal agreement.Kansas should have entered negotiations with:• A united Legislature• Rural representation• Statutory safeguards• Clear, shared prioritiesInstead, the state goes into federal negotiations divided and at a disadvantage.Rural Kansans understand what hospital closures and thin staffing mean for their communities. Decisions made in Topeka without rural involvement carry real consequences for families along and west of I-135.When lawmakers return in January, they must restore oversight, strengthen transparency, and ensure Kansas is prepared to compete for the full amount of federal rural health funding.Rural health is too important for unilateral decisions. Kansas needs bipartisan leadership, and unity when the stakes are this high.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

Kansas lost influence in a critical rural health decision

Across the United States, millions of people are struggling with mental health challenges and not getting the support they need. Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use have continued to rise. Suicide is now the twelfth leading cause of death, and nearly half of those who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental illness. Some marginalized communities are suffering even more. Native Americans report nearly double the rate of suicidal thoughts, and transgender individuals are nine times more likely to attempt suicide than the national average (NAMI, 2025).

Congress recognized the urgency of this problem when it passed the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R. 7666). This policy takes steps toward improving our mental health system by funding over 30 federal programs focused on prevention, treatment, and crisis response. It also supports the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and encourages better integration of behavioral health into primary health care. This is an approach that acknowledges that mental and physical health are connected.

This policy created an important start for change in the support for mental health and substance abuse, but there is still a major barrier standing in the way of its success: a severe shortage of mental health professionals.

Right now, nearly 160 million Americans live in areas with too few mental health providers (NAMI, 2025). In many rural and underserved communities, people must travel hours or wait months for care, if they can access it at all. Burnout among providers is widespread, and the workforce lacks diversity, limiting culturally responsive treatment (Ballout, 2025; National Center, 2024) This is resulting in delayed or missed care and the rise of mental health issues along with an economic burden of roughly $193 billion in lost productivity each year (NAMI, 2025).

If we want the Restoring Hope Act to continue to make real improvements, we need to strengthen the workforce that carries it out. That means investing in the people who deliver care such as social workers, counselors, psychologists, physiatrists, and peer support specialists.

A few steps that could make a big difference:

· Expand loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement for behavioral health professionals who serve in shortage areas.

· Increase psychiatric residency slots and provide more training opportunities for future mental health providers (Gates &amp; Mohiuddin, 2022).

· Integrate behavioral health into primary care settings, so people can access help where they already receive medical care (National Center, 2024)

· Grow peer support and telehealth programs, which have proven especially effective in rural and underserved areas.

· Improve pay and reduce administrative burdens, to keep skilled professionals from burning out and leaving the field.

These ideas are feasible, and existing agencies like HRSA and SAMHSA already run programs that could expand to meet these goals. Initial funding costs would be significant, but the long-term savings, both financial and societal, would far outweigh the costs.

As a current case manager and a student working toward social work, I see this as not only as a policy issue but an ethical concern. Millions of Americans can’t access care, and we need to call for a change. We need a stronger, more diverse mental health workforce to deliver culturally competent care to everyone who needs it. When we invest in providers, we invest in people. We can create continued growth, families can rebuild, students can focus, and communities can heal. The Restoring Hope Act laid the foundation, but we need to expand this by addressing the workforce shortage. This expansion will support citizens mental health needs and expand their access to care.

You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor and studies, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

Ballout, S. (2025). Trauma, mental health workforce shortages, and health equity: A crisis in public health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(4), 620. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040620

Gates, A., &amp; Mohiuddin, S. (2022). Addressing the mental health workforce shortage through the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021. Academic Psychiatry, 46 (4), 540–541. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35312991/

Mental health by the numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2025, August 7). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. (2024). State of Behavioral Health Workforce. In HRSA.gov. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/state-of-the-behavioral-health-workforce-report-2024.pdf

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763953865229.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;SAHARA SAULENASAcross the United States, millions of people are struggling with mental health challenges and not getting the support they need. Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use have continued to rise. Suicide is now the twelfth leading cause of death, and nearly half of those who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental illness. Some marginalized communities are suffering even more. Native Americans report nearly double the rate of suicidal thoughts, and transgender individuals are nine times more likely to attempt suicide than the national average (NAMI, 2025).Congress recognized the urgency of this problem when it passed the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R. 7666). This policy takes steps toward improving our mental health system by funding over 30 federal programs focused on prevention, treatment, and crisis response. It also supports the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and encourages better integration of behavioral health into primary health care. This is an approach that acknowledges that mental and physical health are connected.This policy created an important start for change in the support for mental health and substance abuse, but there is still a major barrier standing in the way of its success: a severe shortage of mental health professionals.<h2>Support Shortage</h2>Right now, nearly 160 million Americans live in areas with too few mental health providers (NAMI, 2025). In many rural and underserved communities, people must travel hours or wait months for care, if they can access it at all. Burnout among providers is widespread, and the workforce lacks diversity, limiting culturally responsive treatment (Ballout, 2025; National Center, 2024) This is resulting in delayed or missed care and the rise of mental health issues along with an economic burden of roughly $193 billion in lost productivity each year (NAMI, 2025).<h2>Strengthening the Workforce</h2>If we want the Restoring Hope Act to continue to make real improvements, we need to strengthen the workforce that carries it out. That means investing in the people who deliver care such as social workers, counselors, psychologists, physiatrists, and peer support specialists.<h2>A few steps that could make a big difference:</h2>· Expand loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement for behavioral health professionals who serve in shortage areas.· Increase psychiatric residency slots and provide more training opportunities for future mental health providers (Gates &amp; Mohiuddin, 2022).· Integrate behavioral health into primary care settings, so people can access help where they already receive medical care (National Center, 2024)· Grow peer support and telehealth programs, which have proven especially effective in rural and underserved areas.· Improve pay and reduce administrative burdens, to keep skilled professionals from burning out and leaving the field.These ideas are feasible, and existing agencies like HRSA and SAMHSA already run programs that could expand to meet these goals. Initial funding costs would be significant, but the long-term savings, both financial and societal, would far outweigh the costs.<h2>A Moral Call to Action</h2>As a current case manager and a student working toward social work, I see this as not only as a policy issue but an ethical concern. Millions of Americans can’t access care, and we need to call for a change. We need a stronger, more diverse mental health workforce to deliver culturally competent care to everyone who needs it. When we invest in providers, we invest in people. We can create continued growth, families can rebuild, students can focus, and communities can heal. The Restoring Hope Act laid the foundation, but we need to expand this by addressing the workforce shortage. This expansion will support citizens mental health needs and expand their access to care.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor and studies, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com<h2>References</h2>Ballout, S. (2025). Trauma, mental health workforce shortages, and health equity: A crisis in public health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(4), 620. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040620Gates, A., &amp; Mohiuddin, S. (2022). Addressing the mental health workforce shortage through the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021. Academic Psychiatry, 46 (4), 540–541. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35312991/Mental health by the numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2025, August 7). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. (2024). State of Behavioral Health Workforce. In HRSA.gov. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/state-of-the-behavioral-health-workforce-report-2024.pdf

Restoring hope requires restoring the workforce behind it

For those who vote in election,s there is a feeling that you are doing your part to shape the direction of our country. It is at the same time a satisfying and frustrating experience. Many of us have a feeling of duty to our communities and ultimately to our nation to vote our preferences for leadership. At the same time, it feels like our single vote is meaningless in the course of an election. As you read this, most yard signs have come down and races have mostly been decided. There was a time, however, when a United States Senate race took ten months to decide.

If you remember the 1974 election season, it is probably because of the Watergate scandal. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 after two years of investigation into his conduct in the 1972 election. Lesser known is the race for the New Hampshire senate seat that took ten months to decide. The race for an open seat that pitted Republican Louis Wyman against Democrat John Durkin came down to a margin of victory of just two votes. Initially Wyman won by 355 votes. When Durkin demanded a recount, he ended up winning by a mere 10 votes. Wyman of course demanded a recount and was reinstated as the winner by 2 votes. When the Democrat controlled senate would not seat Wyman, a long fight ensued that finally ended when a special election was held on September 17, 1975, with Wyman easily winning by 27,000 votes.

We have had many contentious issues regarding elections in our country’s history. Election laws are written to reduce the influence of outside sources. However, there continues to be controversy surrounding elections. In the latter half of the nineteenth century complaints over influence peddling and party juggernauts led to “progressive” election reforms that resulted in the convoluted system we now have where some elections are partisan and other elections held in odd numbered years are non-partisan. This year the state Republican Party was involved in its influence being used in a city election in a partisan manner. While this seems inappropriate to many, it may pale in comparison to the 1800 presidential race that was decided after 35 votes in the United States House of Representatives. Emotions were so charged that the winning Vice

President who wanted to be president, Aaron Burr, ended up having a pistol duel with the man who was instrumental in Thomas Jefferson being elected president, Alexander Hamilton. Perhaps losing out on president provided an extra motivation for Burr, because he did not lose the duel.

Already in the twenty-first century we have had two very contentious presidential elections. Even more bizarre than “hanging chads,” though, was the 1824 presidential election when Andrew Jackson won the popular vote but did not secure a majority of the electoral vote. The horse trading that ensued in the next month in the House of Representatives ended up with Jackson’s home state of Kentucky giving their electoral vote to John Qunicy Adams, the eventual winner, even though he did not receive a single popular vote in Kentucky. Jackson, by the way, came back and won the presidency four years later.

Our elections often are clouded with controversy, but we have continued as a country for nearly 250 years. It is important to work to improve the integrity of elections. I have voted for several important pieces of legislation over the last three years to reinforce the integrity of the election process. There is still room for improvement as the process shows. However, never let a doubt in your mind prevent you from casting your vote. It is essential to the future of our election process.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708266344072.png" alt="Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By: SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas SenatorFor those who vote in election,s there is a feeling that you are doing your part to shape the direction of our country. It is at the same time a satisfying and frustrating experience. Many of us have a feeling of duty to our communities and ultimately to our nation to vote our preferences for leadership. At the same time, it feels like our single vote is meaningless in the course of an election. As you read this, most yard signs have come down and races have mostly been decided. There was a time, however, when a United States Senate race took ten months to decide.If you remember the 1974 election season, it is probably because of the Watergate scandal. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 after two years of investigation into his conduct in the 1972 election. Lesser known is the race for the New Hampshire senate seat that took ten months to decide. The race for an open seat that pitted Republican Louis Wyman against Democrat John Durkin came down to a margin of victory of just two votes. Initially Wyman won by 355 votes. When Durkin demanded a recount, he ended up winning by a mere 10 votes. Wyman of course demanded a recount and was reinstated as the winner by 2 votes. When the Democrat controlled senate would not seat Wyman, a long fight ensued that finally ended when a special election was held on September 17, 1975, with Wyman easily winning by 27,000 votes.We have had many contentious issues regarding elections in our country’s history. Election laws are written to reduce the influence of outside sources. However, there continues to be controversy surrounding elections. In the latter half of the nineteenth century complaints over influence peddling and party juggernauts led to “progressive” election reforms that resulted in the convoluted system we now have where some elections are partisan and other elections held in odd numbered years are non-partisan. This year the state Republican Party was involved in its influence being used in a city election in a partisan manner. While this seems inappropriate to many, it may pale in comparison to the 1800 presidential race that was decided after 35 votes in the United States House of Representatives. Emotions were so charged that the winning VicePresident who wanted to be president, Aaron Burr, ended up having a pistol duel with the man who was instrumental in Thomas Jefferson being elected president, Alexander Hamilton. Perhaps losing out on president provided an extra motivation for Burr, because he did not lose the duel.Already in the twenty-first century we have had two very contentious presidential elections. Even more bizarre than “hanging chads,” though, was the 1824 presidential election when Andrew Jackson won the popular vote but did not secure a majority of the electoral vote. The horse trading that ensued in the next month in the House of Representatives ended up with Jackson’s home state of Kentucky giving their electoral vote to John Qunicy Adams, the eventual winner, even though he did not receive a single popular vote in Kentucky. Jackson, by the way, came back and won the presidency four years later.Our elections often are clouded with controversy, but we have continued as a country for nearly 250 years. It is important to work to improve the integrity of elections. I have voted for several important pieces of legislation over the last three years to reinforce the integrity of the election process. There is still room for improvement as the process shows. However, never let a doubt in your mind prevent you from casting your vote. It is essential to the future of our election process.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

View from the Hill: Casting votes

I have been asked about why myself, Keith Cooper and Doug Rempp joined forces to offer Real change for Salina? Each of us brings new ideas, and proven ideas to the table that we feel will work to meet the needs of our city and its citizens as well as help to encourage the growth in the local industry that we need. Now saying that each of us has different styles of leadership would be an understatement. But we all know that we can make a positive difference for the city of Salina and our citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of the giant “in your face” problems that we face, and we hear from every demographic group of people in Salina is: IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO LIVE HERE! Our current leaders tell us that they didn’t raise the mill levy yet everyone I have spoken with has told me that their property tax is still increasing. Now, why is that you might ask?&nbsp; It’s simple, when the city government grows and the city raises the budget for 2026 about FIVE Million dollars more than last year, your property values go up and now you pay more property taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Any honest economist will tell you that property taxes should run within 3-5% in parallel with inflation. Since 1997 Inflation has risen at a steady average rate of 2.5-2.7% for this part of the country. So, doing simple math tells us that inflation should be in the low seventy percent range. Unfortunately, during Covid inflation got a bit worse and we are around 83% higher inflation from 1997 till today. So, following the rule of thumb of being between 3-5% higher property taxes to inflation, your property taxes should be around 88-90% but if you look, they are not. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Kansas Dept of Revenue, Salina property taxes are over 159% higher than they were in 1997. Why is that? The cost of city government has grown, and it’s grown at the tax payers expense.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We are not against responsible growth as any citizen (we would hope) would like to see.&nbsp; The mission of the government and those elected by the citizens to oversee and manage the city is to provide for the safety, security, infrastructure and communication of the city. We feel that many of these private/public partnerships are not in the best interest of the taxpayers, and we feel that the taxpayer can spend your money better than any government agency or entity can spend it. We feel that our city has been too liberal with our tax dollars and the middle class, blue collar citizens are the people who are suffering the most.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We will bring common sense and oversight to this city and none of the three of us are going to go along to get along. We will work for you, the voters, the citizens and your families. We will work for all of Salina to ensure that the future generations will have a

future that they can afford and will want to stay in Salina to raise the next generation.&nbsp; We want to see this manufacturing and agriculture hub right at the Crossroads of America grow and flourish. But we will do it with all Salinan’s in mind and work to make it far more affordable to live here which in turn will make Salina far more inviting to people to move here, because they can afford to.&nbsp;&nbsp;

My background in Education, the military and manufacturing, Doug’s background in private business and management, then Keith's small business and construction background brings those bare-knuckle blue-collar skill sets to the table. We will be the stewards of your tax dollars, and we will treat those tax dollars like we were spending our own hard-earned money.&nbsp;

We care about Salina, this is our home, and we will work hard to earn your trust and confidence to do the RIGHT THING FOR ALL OF SALINA.

&nbsp;A bit more from Johnnie “Jak” Keller before Nov 4th:

I have been asked why&nbsp; Keith Cooper, Doug Rempp and myself joined forces to offer Real Change for Salina. While pondering this, I received a flyer in the mail sent out by the GOP of Ks. Actually, I have received several. The Flyer(s) promote Commissioners running either for reelection or have previously served. Let's look at the attributes stated.&nbsp;

#1, Lower Property Taxes. I don’t know about you, but I have not seen my bill go down at all. In fact, it has increased. And regardless of what they say about our Mill Levy, I pay more. Just look at some of the recent decisions made with our money.

#2, Support Small Business. Seriously? Please tell me how. I have 2 words, Cozy Inn. Our City can be difficult to work with and I have seen no move to be more Business friendly. Well, maybe you can call providing our tax dollars as incentives to bring them in support. I would rather we work to keep our current businesses here 1st and foremost!

#3, Stand with our Police, perhaps. It may depend who you talk to. We would like to see more updates from our media sources or more detail from our Police dept

#4, Cut Wasteful Spending, please tell me what you have done to save tax dollars because it seems to us that we have wasteful spending. See 1 and 2 above.&nbsp;

Reminds me of saying I heard years ago. “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got!” A common buzz around town this past year has been that we need new leadership.&nbsp;

Cooper, Keller, and Rempp&nbsp; branded ourselves as your Nov 4th Trifecta for change. We bring fresh new ideas from 3 vastly different backgrounds. We represent a wide cross section of our Community. We will work to represent our Community to the best of our abilities. The 3 of us have similar viewpoints and some different view points. That's healthy as we have 46k thousand people in Salina that have diverse views.&nbsp;

We are not radical. We want to see our City grow in a positive way. Tax reduction tools or abated Property Taxes are a tool our Leaders love to use. However, you don’t offer the world right up front. We have a Central US Location and a great Airport. We are getting new distribution facilities and we should. If we have 25-30% of our City’s Properties not on the tax rolls, the other 70+% have to pay 30% more to make up for them. We want our Leaders to spend our money like it’s coming out of their own pockets, and with transparency.&nbsp;

Everyday it seems we see Business and Industries reducing or streamlining staff due to greater efficiencies. In this day and age, any private business has to be as lean as possible. Governments always seem to take the opposite approach. Every year they feel they are being good stewards of our dollars if they keep their growth inline with inflation. A private business develops their budget the opposite way. They build it based on need at every level in their organization.&nbsp;

We feel we bring Common Sense and fresh oversight to our City and none of us are going to go along to get along. We care about Salina, it’s our home. We will work hard for 100% of the Community to the Best of our Ability!

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695675692982.jpeg" alt="Saline County and Salina City building. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Saline County and Salina City building. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By: JOHNNIE A. KELLERI have been asked about why myself, Keith Cooper and Doug Rempp joined forces to offer Real change for Salina? Each of us brings new ideas, and proven ideas to the table that we feel will work to meet the needs of our city and its citizens as well as help to encourage the growth in the local industry that we need. Now saying that each of us has different styles of leadership would be an understatement. But we all know that we can make a positive difference for the city of Salina and our citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the giant “in your face” problems that we face, and we hear from every demographic group of people in Salina is: IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO LIVE HERE! Our current leaders tell us that they didn’t raise the mill levy yet everyone I have spoken with has told me that their property tax is still increasing. Now, why is that you might ask?&nbsp; It’s simple, when the city government grows and the city raises the budget for 2026 about FIVE Million dollars more than last year, your property values go up and now you pay more property taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Any honest economist will tell you that property taxes should run within 3-5% in parallel with inflation. Since 1997 Inflation has risen at a steady average rate of 2.5-2.7% for this part of the country. So, doing simple math tells us that inflation should be in the low seventy percent range. Unfortunately, during Covid inflation got a bit worse and we are around 83% higher inflation from 1997 till today. So, following the rule of thumb of being between 3-5% higher property taxes to inflation, your property taxes should be around 88-90% but if you look, they are not. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Kansas Dept of Revenue, Salina property taxes are over 159% higher than they were in 1997. Why is that? The cost of city government has grown, and it’s grown at the tax payers expense.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are not against responsible growth as any citizen (we would hope) would like to see.&nbsp; The mission of the government and those elected by the citizens to oversee and manage the city is to provide for the safety, security, infrastructure and communication of the city. We feel that many of these private/public partnerships are not in the best interest of the taxpayers, and we feel that the taxpayer can spend your money better than any government agency or entity can spend it. We feel that our city has been too liberal with our tax dollars and the middle class, blue collar citizens are the people who are suffering the most.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will bring common sense and oversight to this city and none of the three of us are going to go along to get along. We will work for you, the voters, the citizens and your families. We will work for all of Salina to ensure that the future generations will have afuture that they can afford and will want to stay in Salina to raise the next generation.&nbsp; We want to see this manufacturing and agriculture hub right at the Crossroads of America grow and flourish. But we will do it with all Salinan’s in mind and work to make it far more affordable to live here which in turn will make Salina far more inviting to people to move here, because they can afford to.&nbsp;&nbsp;My background in Education, the military and manufacturing, Doug’s background in private business and management, then Keith's small business and construction background brings those bare-knuckle blue-collar skill sets to the table. We will be the stewards of your tax dollars, and we will treat those tax dollars like we were spending our own hard-earned money.&nbsp;We care about Salina, this is our home, and we will work hard to earn your trust and confidence to do the RIGHT THING FOR ALL OF SALINA.<h2>&nbsp;A bit more from Johnnie “Jak” Keller before Nov 4th:</h2>I have been asked why&nbsp; Keith Cooper, Doug Rempp and myself joined forces to offer Real Change for Salina. While pondering this, I received a flyer in the mail sent out by the GOP of Ks. Actually, I have received several. The Flyer(s) promote Commissioners running either for reelection or have previously served. Let's look at the attributes stated.&nbsp;#1, Lower Property Taxes. I don’t know about you, but I have not seen my bill go down at all. In fact, it has increased. And regardless of what they say about our Mill Levy, I pay more. Just look at some of the recent decisions made with our money.#2, Support Small Business. Seriously? Please tell me how. I have 2 words, Cozy Inn. Our City can be difficult to work with and I have seen no move to be more Business friendly. Well, maybe you can call providing our tax dollars as incentives to bring them in support. I would rather we work to keep our current businesses here 1st and foremost!#3, Stand with our Police, perhaps. It may depend who you talk to. We would like to see more updates from our media sources or more detail from our Police dept#4, Cut Wasteful Spending, please tell me what you have done to save tax dollars because it seems to us that we have wasteful spending. See 1 and 2 above.&nbsp;Reminds me of saying I heard years ago. “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got!” A common buzz around town this past year has been that we need new leadership.&nbsp;Cooper, Keller, and Rempp&nbsp; branded ourselves as your Nov 4th Trifecta for change. We bring fresh new ideas from 3 vastly different backgrounds. We represent a wide cross section of our Community. We will work to represent our Community to the best of our abilities. The 3 of us have similar viewpoints and some different view points. That's healthy as we have 46k thousand people in Salina that have diverse views.&nbsp;We are not radical. We want to see our City grow in a positive way. Tax reduction tools or abated Property Taxes are a tool our Leaders love to use. However, you don’t offer the world right up front. We have a Central US Location and a great Airport. We are getting new distribution facilities and we should. If we have 25-30% of our City’s Properties not on the tax rolls, the other 70+% have to pay 30% more to make up for them. We want our Leaders to spend our money like it’s coming out of their own pockets, and with transparency.&nbsp;Everyday it seems we see Business and Industries reducing or streamlining staff due to greater efficiencies. In this day and age, any private business has to be as lean as possible. Governments always seem to take the opposite approach. Every year they feel they are being good stewards of our dollars if they keep their growth inline with inflation. A private business develops their budget the opposite way. They build it based on need at every level in their organization.&nbsp;We feel we bring Common Sense and fresh oversight to our City and none of us are going to go along to get along. We care about Salina, it’s our home. We will work hard for 100% of the Community to the Best of our Ability!Please Vote Tuesday!Jak Keller.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

OPINION: "We can make a positive difference for the City of Salina"

As the world edges deeper into 'geopolitical instability' and 'ecological uncertainty',&nbsp;Bill Gates&nbsp;is once again raising his voice. The philanthropist and&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;co-founder offered a blunt message:

"Humanity is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the next two decades will echo for generations."

Gates’s tone carries a different urgency this time. He’s responding to a rapid unraveling of global society. From&nbsp;rising white Christian nationalism&nbsp;to&nbsp;shrinking research and development budgets, he sees the pillars of international cooperation beginning to seriously crack.

Back in 1990, more than 12 million children under age five died every year. That number had dropped to&nbsp;5 million by 2021, thanks to major gains in "vaccination, sanitation, and maternal health." Today, we have a president who is destroying all our progress!

As a small example, Trump canceled $660 million in Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) funding, as a result schools can no longer serve nutritious meals along with new rules that cut families off SNAP. 

Why, in God's name, would a President of the United States do this?

“Technology alone is not the answer,” Bill Gates exclaims. Innovation must be paired with 'smart' public policy, 'international cooperation', and an insistence on 'fairness.' Without equitable access and good governance, even the best ideas risk becoming tools only for Oligarchs!

Yet, his warning is more than a diagnosis of decline. "It’s a call to recommit." Gates, who plans to donate nearly all his remaining fortune to the&nbsp;Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation believes the tools to fix what’s broken are still within reach—if the world chooses to 'wake up' to the dangers and honesty commit to use them.

One of the obstacles to a better world is Donald Trump!&nbsp;Our President calls us "the enemy within," yet he is the one destroying our country.&nbsp;

Dr. Richard A. French, retired President and business owner, a humanistic scholar, a former Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, High School Principal and teacher, Glendale, CA, 626-806-4596, prefer: drfrenchfds@yahoo.com&nbsp;to communicate.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.By: RICHARD A . FRENCHAs the world edges deeper into 'geopolitical instability' and 'ecological uncertainty',&nbsp;Bill Gates&nbsp;is once again raising his voice. The philanthropist and&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;co-founder offered a blunt message:"Humanity is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the next two decades will echo for generations."Gates’s tone carries a different urgency this time. He’s responding to a rapid unraveling of global society. From&nbsp;rising white Christian nationalism&nbsp;to&nbsp;shrinking research and development budgets, he sees the pillars of international cooperation beginning to seriously crack.Back in 1990, more than 12 million children under age five died every year. That number had dropped to&nbsp;5 million by 2021, thanks to major gains in "vaccination, sanitation, and maternal health." Today, we have a president who is destroying all our progress!As a small example, Trump canceled $660 million in Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) funding, as a result schools can no longer serve nutritious meals along with new rules that cut families off SNAP. Why, in God's name, would a President of the United States do this?“Technology alone is not the answer,” Bill Gates exclaims. Innovation must be paired with 'smart' public policy, 'international cooperation', and an insistence on 'fairness.' Without equitable access and good governance, even the best ideas risk becoming tools only for Oligarchs!Yet, his warning is more than a diagnosis of decline. "It’s a call to recommit." Gates, who plans to donate nearly all his remaining fortune to the&nbsp;Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation believes the tools to fix what’s broken are still within reach—if the world chooses to 'wake up' to the dangers and honesty commit to use them.One of the obstacles to a better world is Donald Trump!&nbsp;Our President calls us "the enemy within," yet he is the one destroying our country.&nbsp;Dr. Richard A. French, retired President and business owner, a humanistic scholar, a former Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, High School Principal and teacher, Glendale, CA, 626-806-4596, prefer: drfrenchfds@yahoo.com&nbsp;to communicate.

OPINION: Bill Gates warns the world Is near collapse — and time to act is running out!

We will be electing a new batch of city commissioners. I say NEW because I would hope the citizens of Salina will finally clean house of those who have, with good intentions, slowly created a TOWN that's losing its identity. 

Beautifying the TOWN via using graffiti and destroying the beauty of historical buildings is hard to understand. While they are focused on beautifying the downtown, they ignore the plight slowly happening to the historic neighborhoods. Unkept dwellings, overgrown yards, and abandoned dwellings give the impression TOWN is decaying....but downtown is beautiful. 

Then there's the age-old problem of streets needing to be restriped and repaved, not to mention the sad state of the parking lots owned by businesses in strip malls, and small shopping centers. I know, it's not a city problem. The parking lots belong to the owners of the strip malls and small shopping centers. I've been told the city can't do anything about it. There has to be a way. Maybe the TOWN can come up with some policy or ordinance that requires those owners maintain their parking lots.

Let's not vote for local government like we do for National government. We don't co our diligence in national elections, but we should do better locally. It's your TOWN.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695675567531.jpeg" alt="Saline County and Salina City Building, on Iron Street in Salina, KS. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Saline County and Salina City Building, on Iron Street in Salina, KS. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By: JOHN FEDELEWe will be electing a new batch of city commissioners. I say NEW because I would hope the citizens of Salina will finally clean house of those who have, with good intentions, slowly created a TOWN that's losing its identity. Beautifying the TOWN via using graffiti and destroying the beauty of historical buildings is hard to understand. While they are focused on beautifying the downtown, they ignore the plight slowly happening to the historic neighborhoods. Unkept dwellings, overgrown yards, and abandoned dwellings give the impression TOWN is decaying....but downtown is beautiful. Then there's the age-old problem of streets needing to be restriped and repaved, not to mention the sad state of the parking lots owned by businesses in strip malls, and small shopping centers. I know, it's not a city problem. The parking lots belong to the owners of the strip malls and small shopping centers. I've been told the city can't do anything about it. There has to be a way. Maybe the TOWN can come up with some policy or ordinance that requires those owners maintain their parking lots.Let's not vote for local government like we do for National government. We don't co our diligence in national elections, but we should do better locally. It's your TOWN.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

OPINION: Vote for a new batch of city commissioners 

I like Christopher Columbus. While Columbus Day is a Federal Holiday, much like its namesake, there is a mixed response to celebrating it. Some businesses are closed, but most are open. Federal offices are closed, but right now that is pretty much every day for Federal offices. Columbus, like his holiday, received mixed reviews while alive and still 500 plus years later. Even though Columbus has detractors he also exhibited characteristics that we would do well to emulate.

Born in 1451 to a working-class family, Christopher had three brothers and a sister. One of the characteristics that young Christopher had was a desire for adventure. His curiosity about the world would serve him well throughout his life. We may not have a new world to find, but we should always be curious about our world and have a sense of adventure to make it better.

Columbus was mainly self-educated and had a good understanding of geometry, astronomy, history, and geography. One untrue myth is that he came up with the concept that the earth is round. Actually, most scholars had known the spherical nature of the earth for hundreds of years. What was not known was exactly how large the earth was. Columbus actually made a serious error in his calculations of the distance to India going to the west from Europe. He believed it to only be about 25% of the actual distance. If he had calculated correctly the impossibility of sailing that far would have prevented him from even trying. This brings out a second truism about Columbus. Always keep learning, and even when you make mistakes, you can learn even more from them.

Christopher’s life experiences also prepared him for the epic trip that he would make when he was in his forties. He started sailing commercially from his early teenage years, and had traveled as far north as Great Britain and as far south as Africa. Possessing a sharp mind, he had learned at least four languages which served him well as he traveled. Even more important to Columbus was his persistence. He went from court to court in Europe selling his idea of a route to India to the West. All but one of the monarchies in Europe rejected him. The one monarchy that listened to him, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, eventually capitulated to giving him ships to sail. If he was successful, they agreed to give him the title of “Admiral of the Ocean Sea.” 

Had it not been for Columbus’s persistence, it may have been another hundred years or more before the continent, known as America, was discovered.

Perhaps the most distinguishing character trait Columbus had was courage. In a world that seems to be afraid of practically everything, the courage of Christopher Columbus alone should make him worthy of a holiday in his honor. The thought of getting on a tiny boat with limited provisions with the goal of sailing thousands of miles would be daunting to most of us. 

Adding to this scenario is the fact that the primary means of navigation was looking at the stars. Finally, the fact that he had no idea where they were actually headed would deter even the bravest individuals. Columbus may have benefited from not knowing how unlikely his success would be. While ignorance may have contributed to his bravery, we should still copy the courage he had to go where no one had ever gone before. I hope when you think of Columbus Day that you will remember curiosity, love of learning, persistence, and courage. These are traits that will serve us as well as they did Christopher Columbus over 500 years ago.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708266344072.png" alt="Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By: SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas SenatorI like Christopher Columbus. While Columbus Day is a Federal Holiday, much like its namesake, there is a mixed response to celebrating it. Some businesses are closed, but most are open. Federal offices are closed, but right now that is pretty much every day for Federal offices. Columbus, like his holiday, received mixed reviews while alive and still 500 plus years later. Even though Columbus has detractors he also exhibited characteristics that we would do well to emulate.Born in 1451 to a working-class family, Christopher had three brothers and a sister. One of the characteristics that young Christopher had was a desire for adventure. His curiosity about the world would serve him well throughout his life. We may not have a new world to find, but we should always be curious about our world and have a sense of adventure to make it better.Columbus was mainly self-educated and had a good understanding of geometry, astronomy, history, and geography. One untrue myth is that he came up with the concept that the earth is round. Actually, most scholars had known the spherical nature of the earth for hundreds of years. What was not known was exactly how large the earth was. Columbus actually made a serious error in his calculations of the distance to India going to the west from Europe. He believed it to only be about 25% of the actual distance. If he had calculated correctly the impossibility of sailing that far would have prevented him from even trying. This brings out a second truism about Columbus. Always keep learning, and even when you make mistakes, you can learn even more from them.Christopher’s life experiences also prepared him for the epic trip that he would make when he was in his forties. He started sailing commercially from his early teenage years, and had traveled as far north as Great Britain and as far south as Africa. Possessing a sharp mind, he had learned at least four languages which served him well as he traveled. Even more important to Columbus was his persistence. He went from court to court in Europe selling his idea of a route to India to the West. All but one of the monarchies in Europe rejected him. The one monarchy that listened to him, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, eventually capitulated to giving him ships to sail. If he was successful, they agreed to give him the title of “Admiral of the Ocean Sea.” Had it not been for Columbus’s persistence, it may have been another hundred years or more before the continent, known as America, was discovered.Perhaps the most distinguishing character trait Columbus had was courage. In a world that seems to be afraid of practically everything, the courage of Christopher Columbus alone should make him worthy of a holiday in his honor. The thought of getting on a tiny boat with limited provisions with the goal of sailing thousands of miles would be daunting to most of us. Adding to this scenario is the fact that the primary means of navigation was looking at the stars. Finally, the fact that he had no idea where they were actually headed would deter even the bravest individuals. Columbus may have benefited from not knowing how unlikely his success would be. While ignorance may have contributed to his bravery, we should still copy the courage he had to go where no one had ever gone before. I hope when you think of Columbus Day that you will remember curiosity, love of learning, persistence, and courage. These are traits that will serve us as well as they did Christopher Columbus over 500 years ago.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

View from the Hill: Admiral of the ocean sea

In a recent exposé, KCUR reporters interviewed immigration lawyers and former detainees in order to analyze the conditions in the Chase County Jail in Cottonwood Falls, where many immigration detainees are being held. 

Referring to the situation as a “war of attrition,” the reporters described a number of troubling conditions, including overcrowding, sleeping on floors, and a denial of medical care. One detainee went for several weeks without care for a tooth infection, leading him to waive his right to a hearing and return to Honduras to get treatment for the acute pain. In the midst of all this, detainees are encouraged to “self deport,” that is, waive their rights to consult with an attorney and have a hearing, instead leaving the country immediately. They are promised $1000 if they do this.

It all paints a disturbing picture. The proper way to enforce immigration law would be a major increase in funding for more judges, to process the huge backlog of cases that existed long before the start of Trump’s second term. In fact, a major immigration overhaul was sponsored in Congress in 2024. It would have included funding for this. When first sponsored, the immigration bill was bipartisan, but it did not pass. Today, proper administrative reforms have been replaced with poor conditions and a $1000 incentive, apparently designed to pressure detainees to waive their rights and leave the country without their hearings, often leaving family behind. They may never see them again.

In the landmark decision Plyler v Doe (1982), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that undocumented immigrants have equal protection of the laws under the U.S. Constitution. Notably, the Court found that the Constitution confers these rights on persons, regardless of whether they are U.S. citizens. Pressuring detainees to give up these rights is government by harassment. Those of all political stripes who support the rule of law should speak out forcefully against it.

Sadly, this is not the only recent example. 

In the “One Big Beautiful Bill” recently passed by Congress, substantial cuts were made to the Medicaid program. Of course, one way to make such cuts would be to alter the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, but this is not how Congress did it. Instead, the bill includes stepped-up requirements for recipients to verify their eligibility by completing complicated verification procedures. In practice, this results in people otherwise eligible being denied or kicked off the program because they are unaware, unable, or simply forget to complete the paperwork, a process that Planet Money’s Erika Beras has dubbed “The Paperwork Trap.” It gets worse, too– those in the most need are also the ones most likely to struggle with the paperwork, and therefore the most likely to be denied care.

If Congress wishes to step up enforcement of immigration laws, let them pass a bipartisan bill addressing the longstanding shortage of immigration judges. If they wish to alter eligibility for Medicaid or other benefits, they may do so. But, intimidating people into waiving their constitutional rights, and denying benefits to those most in need because of the paperwork trap are both alarming examples of government by harassment.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751494323778.jpeg" alt="Michael A. Smith" />
 <figcaption>Michael A. Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By: MICHAEL A. SMITHIn a recent exposé, KCUR reporters interviewed immigration lawyers and former detainees in order to analyze the conditions in the Chase County Jail in Cottonwood Falls, where many immigration detainees are being held. Referring to the situation as a “war of attrition,” the reporters described a number of troubling conditions, including overcrowding, sleeping on floors, and a denial of medical care. One detainee went for several weeks without care for a tooth infection, leading him to waive his right to a hearing and return to Honduras to get treatment for the acute pain. In the midst of all this, detainees are encouraged to “self deport,” that is, waive their rights to consult with an attorney and have a hearing, instead leaving the country immediately. They are promised $1000 if they do this.It all paints a disturbing picture. The proper way to enforce immigration law would be a major increase in funding for more judges, to process the huge backlog of cases that existed long before the start of Trump’s second term. In fact, a major immigration overhaul was sponsored in Congress in 2024. It would have included funding for this. When first sponsored, the immigration bill was bipartisan, but it did not pass. Today, proper administrative reforms have been replaced with poor conditions and a $1000 incentive, apparently designed to pressure detainees to waive their rights and leave the country without their hearings, often leaving family behind. They may never see them again.In the landmark decision Plyler v Doe (1982), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that undocumented immigrants have equal protection of the laws under the U.S. Constitution. Notably, the Court found that the Constitution confers these rights on persons, regardless of whether they are U.S. citizens. Pressuring detainees to give up these rights is government by harassment. Those of all political stripes who support the rule of law should speak out forcefully against it.Sadly, this is not the only recent example. In the “One Big Beautiful Bill” recently passed by Congress, substantial cuts were made to the Medicaid program. Of course, one way to make such cuts would be to alter the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, but this is not how Congress did it. Instead, the bill includes stepped-up requirements for recipients to verify their eligibility by completing complicated verification procedures. In practice, this results in people otherwise eligible being denied or kicked off the program because they are unaware, unable, or simply forget to complete the paperwork, a process that Planet Money’s Erika Beras has dubbed “The Paperwork Trap.” It gets worse, too– those in the most need are also the ones most likely to struggle with the paperwork, and therefore the most likely to be denied care.If Congress wishes to step up enforcement of immigration laws, let them pass a bipartisan bill addressing the longstanding shortage of immigration judges. If they wish to alter eligibility for Medicaid or other benefits, they may do so. But, intimidating people into waiving their constitutional rights, and denying benefits to those most in need because of the paperwork trap are both alarming examples of government by harassment.Both need to stop immediately.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

Insight Kansas: Are we entering an era of government by harassment?

If you have driven by your local grain elevator in the last couple of weeks you may have noticed an increased activity of heavy-duty trucks with grain trailers attached. Corn harvest is well underway with some soybeans being harvested as well. It is easy to overlook the importance of agriculture in our state and nation, as the number of fulltime farmers has declined in Kansas to just over 41,000 farmers. This comprises only 1.4% of the population of our state. However, agriculture is the largest economic driver in Kansas according to the Wheat Commission. Agriculture contributed $62B or 43% of the state’s economy.

We all know that our state leads the nation in wheat production in most years, but did you know that Kansas is a leading producer of several other products as well. The largest sector of agriculture in the Sunflower State is actually the cattle industry with sales ten times greater than wheat. While there are six states that have more cattle than Kansas, the cattle feeding industry is the third largest in the United States. We export more beef than any other state. In a similar manner corn production is greater in our state than wheat, nearly doubling the total value produced. Additionally, Kansas is the leading producer of grain sorghum in the United States.

Even though agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, the health of agriculture is not good. Restrictive policies and over regulation along with falling exports have positioned all of agriculture, and particularly Kansas, in a perilous situation. Decreases in farm income and increases in debt have resulted in a crisis that has not been experienced since the 1980’s when land values plummeted and farm bankruptcies were a common occurrence. We are at a critical juncture in agriculture and only two key factors are preventing total collapse. Interest rates are in a manageable range which has enabled farmers to continue to operate for the most part in a cash flow position that prevents foreclosures. The second factor that has been favorable, especially to Kansas farmers, is the historic strength in the cattle industry. Strong demand for quality beef worldwide, and a historically small cow herd in the United States, has profited those involved in cattle production.

As a Senator in the strong agriculture region of central Kansas I am especially interested in policy that will prevent an agricultural collapse like we lived through in the 1980’s. Federal policy that improves exports of agricultural products, especially soybeans and grain sorghum, would have a long-term positive influence on Kansas farmers. The expansion of value-added industries could also be a game changer for a struggling farm economy. The use of ethanol provided an additional market for grain products over the last 25 years; the advent of nonpetroleum based jet fuel could provide an additional avenue to improve farm income.

The aviation industry uses less than 1% of bio-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) currently. Many airlines are committed to increasing that percentage. In just the United States the FAA reports that 45,000 flights take off (and land) every day. By using SAF, agricultural by products as well as used cooking oil from an agricultural source could benefit our farm economy. Please contact me on your thoughts about strengthening the number one industry in Kansas and preventing the next impending farm disaster.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708266344072.png" alt="Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Scott Hill, 24th District Kansas Senator. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By: SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas SenatorIf you have driven by your local grain elevator in the last couple of weeks you may have noticed an increased activity of heavy-duty trucks with grain trailers attached. Corn harvest is well underway with some soybeans being harvested as well. It is easy to overlook the importance of agriculture in our state and nation, as the number of fulltime farmers has declined in Kansas to just over 41,000 farmers. This comprises only 1.4% of the population of our state. However, agriculture is the largest economic driver in Kansas according to the Wheat Commission. Agriculture contributed $62B or 43% of the state’s economy.We all know that our state leads the nation in wheat production in most years, but did you know that Kansas is a leading producer of several other products as well. The largest sector of agriculture in the Sunflower State is actually the cattle industry with sales ten times greater than wheat. While there are six states that have more cattle than Kansas, the cattle feeding industry is the third largest in the United States. We export more beef than any other state. In a similar manner corn production is greater in our state than wheat, nearly doubling the total value produced. Additionally, Kansas is the leading producer of grain sorghum in the United States.Even though agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, the health of agriculture is not good. Restrictive policies and over regulation along with falling exports have positioned all of agriculture, and particularly Kansas, in a perilous situation. Decreases in farm income and increases in debt have resulted in a crisis that has not been experienced since the 1980’s when land values plummeted and farm bankruptcies were a common occurrence. We are at a critical juncture in agriculture and only two key factors are preventing total collapse. Interest rates are in a manageable range which has enabled farmers to continue to operate for the most part in a cash flow position that prevents foreclosures. The second factor that has been favorable, especially to Kansas farmers, is the historic strength in the cattle industry. Strong demand for quality beef worldwide, and a historically small cow herd in the United States, has profited those involved in cattle production.As a Senator in the strong agriculture region of central Kansas I am especially interested in policy that will prevent an agricultural collapse like we lived through in the 1980’s. Federal policy that improves exports of agricultural products, especially soybeans and grain sorghum, would have a long-term positive influence on Kansas farmers. The expansion of value-added industries could also be a game changer for a struggling farm economy. The use of ethanol provided an additional market for grain products over the last 25 years; the advent of nonpetroleum based jet fuel could provide an additional avenue to improve farm income.The aviation industry uses less than 1% of bio-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) currently. Many airlines are committed to increasing that percentage. In just the United States the FAA reports that 45,000 flights take off (and land) every day. By using SAF, agricultural by products as well as used cooking oil from an agricultural source could benefit our farm economy. Please contact me on your thoughts about strengthening the number one industry in Kansas and preventing the next impending farm disaster.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

Opinion