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.

As a proposed statewide ban on cell phones in Kansas classrooms winds its way through our state legislature—a ban that at least initially had strong support from both parties, a ban that would be similar to actions that have been taken in multiple other states—an interesting question has arisen. What is more important to the Kansas legislators: the well-being of students, or freedom from regulation for alternatives to public education? 

In answering that question, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson drew a fairly explicit line: “The epidemic of cell phones disrupting classrooms and damaging our kids’ mental health is a top priority. But a fix must not trample on the independence of private schools. The radical left would exploit any opening to impose their agenda on faith-based and independent education. Rather than creating bad precedent, we will use this opportunity to review all state mandates on private schools and create a bright line that government will not cross.” 

The epidemic he refers to is well-documented, by both numerous scholars and by a separate study commissioned by the Kansas Department of Education. Screen and smartphone addiction clearly creates distractions, interferes with learning, and invites bullying and other psychological pathologies. 

The data doesn’t necessarily mandate a complete bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools (the National Association of State Boards of Education encourages local school board involvement, concluding that “bans of devices during the school day alone will not address the complicated, potential harms arising from students’ online behaviors”), but everyone agrees that whatever compromise is reached, it should be implemented consistently, covering all students equally.

Unless, perhaps, you attend a private—or shall we say a “faith-based and independent”—school?

It’s not that Masterson is opposed to students whose parents opt to home school or to make use of private schools being able to enjoy the educational environments and resources that are generated through Kansas’s free public school system. After all, he has been a major force behind both making certain that Kansas students being educated privately or at home be allowed to participate in all public school activities, both athletic and academic and promoting school choice plans that could provide up to $200 million in tax relief every year to support Kansas parents who want to send their children to a private school or teach them at home.

Rather, the idea appears to be that, though public schools will be expected to follow the best research in working out how to deal with a problem facing young people throughout Kansas, about 9% of Kansas students (those that attend private or home schools) perhaps ought to be left to their own devices (literally!), all for the sake being free from state mandates, however educationally justified.

Of course, the problem isn’t that straightforward. For one thing, regulating how parents impose—or don’t impose—cell phone restrictions while teaching in their children in their own homes would an impossible, and terribly invasive, act. For another, many private schools are

very small, and requiring them to comply with state-wide regulations could be terribly burdensome.

But still, taking seriously public education is a value deeply rooted in Kansas history and law. Which makes the belief that educational alternatives to publicly funded schools should be given both additional financial support and access to educational resources, but should also be exempt from any concerted action to introduce best practices on those schools and resources, is a difficult one to balance, to say the least.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, state, city/county location and title of article 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/2026/2/1772119323632.png" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox " />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox </figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;RUSSELL FOXAs a proposed statewide ban on cell phones in Kansas classrooms winds its way through our state legislature—a ban that at least initially had strong support from both parties, a ban that would be similar to actions that have been taken in multiple other states—an interesting question has arisen. What is more important to the Kansas legislators: the well-being of students, or freedom from regulation for alternatives to public education? In answering that question, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson drew a fairly explicit line: “The epidemic of cell phones disrupting classrooms and damaging our kids’ mental health is a top priority. But a fix must not trample on the independence of private schools. The radical left would exploit any opening to impose their agenda on faith-based and independent education. Rather than creating bad precedent, we will use this opportunity to review all state mandates on private schools and create a bright line that government will not cross.” The epidemic he refers to is well-documented, by both numerous scholars and by a separate study commissioned by the Kansas Department of Education. Screen and smartphone addiction clearly creates distractions, interferes with learning, and invites bullying and other psychological pathologies. The data doesn’t necessarily mandate a complete bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools (the National Association of State Boards of Education encourages local school board involvement, concluding that “bans of devices during the school day alone will not address the complicated, potential harms arising from students’ online behaviors”), but everyone agrees that whatever compromise is reached, it should be implemented consistently, covering all students equally.Unless, perhaps, you attend a private—or shall we say a “faith-based and independent”—school?It’s not that Masterson is opposed to students whose parents opt to home school or to make use of private schools being able to enjoy the educational environments and resources that are generated through Kansas’s free public school system. After all, he has been a major force behind both making certain that Kansas students being educated privately or at home be allowed to participate in all public school activities, both athletic and academic and promoting school choice plans that could provide up to $200 million in tax relief every year to support Kansas parents who want to send their children to a private school or teach them at home.Rather, the idea appears to be that, though public schools will be expected to follow the best research in working out how to deal with a problem facing young people throughout Kansas, about 9% of Kansas students (those that attend private or home schools) perhaps ought to be left to their own devices (literally!), all for the sake being free from state mandates, however educationally justified.Of course, the problem isn’t that straightforward. For one thing, regulating how parents impose—or don’t impose—cell phone restrictions while teaching in their children in their own homes would an impossible, and terribly invasive, act. For another, many private schools arevery small, and requiring them to comply with state-wide regulations could be terribly burdensome.But still, taking seriously public education is a value deeply rooted in Kansas history and law. Which makes the belief that educational alternatives to publicly funded schools should be given both additional financial support and access to educational resources, but should also be exempt from any concerted action to introduce best practices on those schools and resources, is a difficult one to balance, to say the least.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KSYou can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, state, city/county location and title of article to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

Insight Kansas: On cell phones, public schools and state exemptions

Kansas is often brushed off as a “flyover state.” However, that label misses what really defines us. Look out the window anywhere across our great state, and you’ll see farms, rolling hills, and sunflower fields stretching as far as the eye can see. As the nation’s leading wheat producer, our farmers sit at the heart of America’s breadbasket, helping supply a significant share of the almost one billion bushels of wheat Americans rely on each year.

That doesn’t happen by accident. As a farmer myself, I’ve seen firsthand the long hours and careful decisions it takes for family farmers to grow the crops that turn into affordable, everyday staples for American families. I also know how important American-made crop protection tools are to making those harvests possible, year after year. But right now, those tools—and the farmers who depend on them—are at risk.

Special interest groups are trying to force proven crop protection tools off the market through meritless lawsuits disguised as public service. In reality, these groups only care about profits, not protection. The people behind these efforts don’t understand modern farming or what it takes to manage a crop from planting to harvest—much less what it means to carry on a farming legacy built over generations. They don’t see the planning, the risk, or the consequences—they just see a chance to make money.

If lawmakers don’t step in and close the legal loopholes being exploited, American manufacturers will be forced to stop producing these products altogether, leaving our farmers without a viable alternative or further driving our reliance on foreign adversaries.

Without access to these tools, many crops won’t make it to harvest. Weeds and pests will take over, leaving farmers with little or nothing to sell, and no reliable way to support their families. That reality comes on top of already razor-thin margins, and unpredictable commodities markets.

For many farmers, taking American-made crop protection tools off the table wouldn’t just make things harder—it would push them past the breaking point. And at a time

when family farm bankruptcies are already rising nationwide, that risk is especially real in Kansas, where nearly 95% of farms are family-owned.

But this doesn’t just affect farmers, it affects consumers, too. Poor harvests mean higher prices at the grocery store for basics like bread, flour, cereal, and other typically affordable staples millions of Americans rely on.

There’s also a national security risk we can’t ignore. If American-made crop protection tools disappear, our farmers will be forced to turn to China as the only remaining supplier. That’s not a position we should be putting ourselves in. As a state senator, I can’t accept a future where a foreign nation has leverage over our food supply.

The time to act is now. The House has already passed HB 2476, and now it’s up to the Senate to do its part to get this legislation over the finish line. Every year, we trust our farmers to grow the crops that feed America and power Kansas’ economy. Now they’re trusting us to have their backs.

This bill is a common-sense fix. It simply confirms an assumption our farmers have long operated under: that EPA-approved pesticide regulations meet Kansas’ standards, too.

Our farmers know their land, their crops, and the tools they need to succeed. It’s up to us to make sure they can keep using high-quality, American-made crop protection tools, and keep Kansas at the heart of America’s breadbasket

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="Kansas Senator 24th District, Scott Hill (R-Abilene). Photo by Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator 24th District, Scott Hill (R-Abilene). Photo by Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector.</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;SCOTT HILLKansas Senate, 24th DistrictKansas is often brushed off as a “flyover state.” However, that label misses what really defines us. Look out the window anywhere across our great state, and you’ll see farms, rolling hills, and sunflower fields stretching as far as the eye can see. As the nation’s leading wheat producer, our farmers sit at the heart of America’s breadbasket, helping supply a significant share of the almost one billion bushels of wheat Americans rely on each year.That doesn’t happen by accident. As a farmer myself, I’ve seen firsthand the long hours and careful decisions it takes for family farmers to grow the crops that turn into affordable, everyday staples for American families. I also know how important American-made crop protection tools are to making those harvests possible, year after year. But right now, those tools—and the farmers who depend on them—are at risk.Special interest groups are trying to force proven crop protection tools off the market through meritless lawsuits disguised as public service. In reality, these groups only care about profits, not protection. The people behind these efforts don’t understand modern farming or what it takes to manage a crop from planting to harvest—much less what it means to carry on a farming legacy built over generations. They don’t see the planning, the risk, or the consequences—they just see a chance to make money.If lawmakers don’t step in and close the legal loopholes being exploited, American manufacturers will be forced to stop producing these products altogether, leaving our farmers without a viable alternative or further driving our reliance on foreign adversaries.Without access to these tools, many crops won’t make it to harvest. Weeds and pests will take over, leaving farmers with little or nothing to sell, and no reliable way to support their families. That reality comes on top of already razor-thin margins, and unpredictable commodities markets.For many farmers, taking American-made crop protection tools off the table wouldn’t just make things harder—it would push them past the breaking point. And at a timewhen family farm bankruptcies are already rising nationwide, that risk is especially real in Kansas, where nearly 95% of farms are family-owned.But this doesn’t just affect farmers, it affects consumers, too. Poor harvests mean higher prices at the grocery store for basics like bread, flour, cereal, and other typically affordable staples millions of Americans rely on.There’s also a national security risk we can’t ignore. If American-made crop protection tools disappear, our farmers will be forced to turn to China as the only remaining supplier. That’s not a position we should be putting ourselves in. As a state senator, I can’t accept a future where a foreign nation has leverage over our food supply.The time to act is now. The House has already passed HB 2476, and now it’s up to the Senate to do its part to get this legislation over the finish line. Every year, we trust our farmers to grow the crops that feed America and power Kansas’ economy. Now they’re trusting us to have their backs.This bill is a common-sense fix. It simply confirms an assumption our farmers have long operated under: that EPA-approved pesticide regulations meet Kansas’ standards, too.Our farmers know their land, their crops, and the tools they need to succeed. It’s up to us to make sure they can keep using high-quality, American-made crop protection tools, and keep Kansas at the heart of America’s breadbasketYou can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, state, city/county location and title of article to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

View from the Hill: Protecting farmers and our food supply starts in Kansas

Managing Partner at Kennedy Berkeley of Salina

“Inheritance Is The New Land Rush”, Written by James Angell, Managing Partner at Kennedy Berkeley of Salina Kansas, explores the topic of Farmland Transfers of Wealth.

<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_07ydhAw/5uZplcInJzAfzctGagqPfw/view?utm_content=DAG_07ydhAw&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h192e2a0bd1#1">The editorial was created as a graphic and click here to gain access.</a>

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/2026/2/1770916125244.png" alt="“Inheritance Is The New Land Rush”, Written by James Angell, Managing Partner at Kennedy Berkeley of Salina Kansas, explores the topic of Farmland Transfers of Wealth. Courtesy of Jennifer Shriver, Marketing and Social Media" />
 <figcaption>“Inheritance Is The New Land Rush”, Written by James Angell, Managing Partner at Kennedy Berkeley of Salina Kansas, explores the topic of Farmland Transfers of Wealth. Courtesy of Jennifer Shriver, Marketing and Social Media</figcaption>
 </figure>By: JAMES ANGELLManaging Partner at Kennedy Berkeley of Salina“Inheritance Is The New Land Rush”, Written by James Angell, Managing Partner at Kennedy Berkeley of Salina Kansas, explores the topic of Farmland Transfers of Wealth.<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_07ydhAw/5uZplcInJzAfzctGagqPfw/view?utm_content=DAG_07ydhAw&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h192e2a0bd1#1">The editorial was created as a graphic and click here to gain access.</a>You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

EDITORIAL: Why farmland wealth is triggering forced sales and how families can protect the legacy

As a retired pediatrician, I was appalled by the 2/7/26 NBC story of the 18-month-old detained with her parents at Dilley Texas Immigrant Detention Center. A federal lawsuit has shed light on the despicable treatment of the toddler and the litany of incompetencies that produced a medical nightmare of days in an intensive care unit and once released back to the ICE detention center, was denied her prescribed medications. &nbsp;

The business responsible for this debacle is CoreCivic, the detention center business partner of the federal government and the same business infamously engaged with Leavenworth, KS.&nbsp; According to the ACLU, CoreCivic is well known for civil rights violations including “inhumane living conditions, excessive use of force, medical negligence, physical and sexual abuse.”

CoreCivic is a for-profit human (including children) warehousing operation that is politically active and openly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (CXW). The political action committee of CoreCivic donates hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, almost exclusively to GOP legislators and committees. According to OpenSecrets’ most recent 2024 data, Kansas Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran are listed among 12 senators receiving campaign donations from CoreCivic Inc. In fact, Roger Marshall is listed as the third highest recipient of cumulative CoreCivic donations. Considering the documented abuse of adults and children, it is time for our Kansas Senators to show some dignity and return their CoreCivic campaign donations. In fact, Kansas voters can permanently “divest” themselves of Senator Marshall at the midterm ballot box in nine months.

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: J. BRYAN MANNValley Center, KSAs a retired pediatrician, I was appalled by the 2/7/26 NBC story of the 18-month-old detained with her parents at Dilley Texas Immigrant Detention Center. A federal lawsuit has shed light on the despicable treatment of the toddler and the litany of incompetencies that produced a medical nightmare of days in an intensive care unit and once released back to the ICE detention center, was denied her prescribed medications. &nbsp;The business responsible for this debacle is CoreCivic, the detention center business partner of the federal government and the same business infamously engaged with Leavenworth, KS.&nbsp; According to the ACLU, CoreCivic is well known for civil rights violations including “inhumane living conditions, excessive use of force, medical negligence, physical and sexual abuse.”CoreCivic is a for-profit human (including children) warehousing operation that is politically active and openly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (CXW). The political action committee of CoreCivic donates hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, almost exclusively to GOP legislators and committees. According to OpenSecrets’ most recent 2024 data, Kansas Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran are listed among 12 senators receiving campaign donations from CoreCivic Inc. In fact, Roger Marshall is listed as the third highest recipient of cumulative CoreCivic donations. Considering the documented abuse of adults and children, it is time for our Kansas Senators to show some dignity and return their CoreCivic campaign donations. In fact, Kansas voters can permanently “divest” themselves of Senator Marshall at the midterm ballot box in nine months.J. Bryan Mann, MDYou can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

OPINION: Politics and the warehousing of children

Kansas Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in 1932. That’s the longest active losing streak in the nation.

There’s only been one close race. In 1974, Bob Dole edged Bill Roy by 1.7 points. Democrats haven’t come close since.

Which raises the question: What would it take for Democrats to finally break the streak?

First, the broader political environment must break decisively in their favor. Second, they must field a top-tier candidate.

Since 1934, the president’s party has lost an average of four Senate seats in midterm elections. High presidential approval can blunt those losses and in rare cases, like 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11, even produce gains. Low approval can increase them, like in 2006, when George W. Bush’s approval fell to the low 30s and Republicans lost six Senate seats.

Trump’s approval rating has slipped steadily since taking office and is especially low among Independents whose support will be crucial in November.

Midterm elections also have much lower voter turnout than presidential years. The smaller electorate tilts heavily toward the out-party, which is more motivated to regain power.

In addition, shifting party coalitions benefit Democrats. Democrat voters today are more affluent and educated than in the past, characteristics strongly associated with political participation, especially in off-year election cycles.

Thus, intense Democrat motivation to stop Trump, stronger turnout propensity, and Trump’s low approval ratings together create a rare opening for Kansas Democrats.

Yet, so far, the Senate contest has failed to attract topnotch candidates.

Laura Kelly ruled it out. Barbara Bollier, who turned in the most competitive performance by a Democrat in a quarter-century, losing by 11 points against Roger Marshall in 2020, appears content working behind the scenes.

That brings us to U.S. Representative Sharice Davids.

Citing Republican plans to gerrymander her congressional district, Davids signaled a potential Senate bid, though nothing official. While gerrymandering efforts seem to have lost momentum, they’ve worked to Davids’s advantage, amplifying her visibility and providing an unambiguous vehicle for attacking Republican overreach and extremism, themes that historically play well for Kansas Democrats. For 2025, Davids raised 2.3 million, nearly forty percent coming from small donations under $200. During the same time period, incumbent Senator Marshall raised 2.5 million, with high dollar contributions over $2,000 making up the largest share.

Davids has also established herself as a formidable campaigner. She not only unseated four-term incumbent Kevin Yoder by a commanding nine-point margin in 2018 but has since turned the third congressional district into a reliably blue seat. In advanced forecasting models, Davids stands out, repeatedly outperforming expectations derived from political fundamentals. By contrast, Marshall underperforms, falling well short of what an average Republican candidate would achieve given the environmental conditions.

Davids, in other words, could be the Democrat who ends the streak.

She would undoubtedly attract national attention, having already broken down barriers, becoming a historic first in several categories.

Now, the chance to dismantle another long-standing barrier lies ahead. If you value political competition, you’re hoping Davids takes that chance.

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/2026/1/1767841383793.png" alt="Mark R. Joslyn (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Mark R. Joslyn (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;MARK JOSLYNInsight KansasKansas Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in 1932. That’s the longest active losing streak in the nation.There’s only been one close race. In 1974, Bob Dole edged Bill Roy by 1.7 points. Democrats haven’t come close since.Which raises the question: What would it take for Democrats to finally break the streak?First, the broader political environment must break decisively in their favor. Second, they must field a top-tier candidate.Let’s consider the environment.Since 1934, the president’s party has lost an average of four Senate seats in midterm elections. High presidential approval can blunt those losses and in rare cases, like 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11, even produce gains. Low approval can increase them, like in 2006, when George W. Bush’s approval fell to the low 30s and Republicans lost six Senate seats.Trump’s approval rating has slipped steadily since taking office and is especially low among Independents whose support will be crucial in November.Midterm elections also have much lower voter turnout than presidential years. The smaller electorate tilts heavily toward the out-party, which is more motivated to regain power.In addition, shifting party coalitions benefit Democrats. Democrat voters today are more affluent and educated than in the past, characteristics strongly associated with political participation, especially in off-year election cycles.Thus, intense Democrat motivation to stop Trump, stronger turnout propensity, and Trump’s low approval ratings together create a rare opening for Kansas Democrats.Yet, so far, the Senate contest has failed to attract topnotch candidates.Laura Kelly ruled it out. Barbara Bollier, who turned in the most competitive performance by a Democrat in a quarter-century, losing by 11 points against Roger Marshall in 2020, appears content working behind the scenes.That brings us to U.S. Representative Sharice Davids.Citing Republican plans to gerrymander her congressional district, Davids signaled a potential Senate bid, though nothing official. While gerrymandering efforts seem to have lost momentum, they’ve worked to Davids’s advantage, amplifying her visibility and providing an unambiguous vehicle for attacking Republican overreach and extremism, themes that historically play well for Kansas Democrats. For 2025, Davids raised 2.3 million, nearly forty percent coming from small donations under $200. During the same time period, incumbent Senator Marshall raised 2.5 million, with high dollar contributions over $2,000 making up the largest share.Davids has also established herself as a formidable campaigner. She not only unseated four-term incumbent Kevin Yoder by a commanding nine-point margin in 2018 but has since turned the third congressional district into a reliably blue seat. In advanced forecasting models, Davids stands out, repeatedly outperforming expectations derived from political fundamentals. By contrast, Marshall underperforms, falling well short of what an average Republican candidate would achieve given the environmental conditions.Davids, in other words, could be the Democrat who ends the streak.She would undoubtedly attract national attention, having already broken down barriers, becoming a historic first in several categories.Now, the chance to dismantle another long-standing barrier lies ahead. If you value political competition, you’re hoping Davids takes that chance.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: No better time than now, Kansas Democrats and U.S. Senate seat

The winter storm that shut down many schools last Monday did not slow down the Legislature. The short duration of the legislative session made it important to continue the introduction of the bills, committee hearings, and legislative sessions that result in modifications to our state’s laws. The cold weather has hampered many outdoor activities and made life a little more difficult for those who are out in the weather. I can assure you that the weather and the pace inside the Capital was more heated than the outdoor clime.

The Senate judiciary committee has had hearings on modifying the lockup of juveniles arrested for a crime. Some of the discussion involves increasing the length of time that a juvenile can be in detention and increasing the severity of punishment when the juvenile is in possession of a firearm.

Hearings related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers have been held in the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance committee. These hearings have attracted significant amounts of testimony, often with contradictory statements between opponents and proponents.

Legislation that was passed this week and my vote:

· Senate Bill 244: This bill contained language to address two issues related to an individual’s birth sex. The first was to clarify that the legislature expects accurate reporting of the birth sex on the birth certificate and all other government documents that use the birth certificate as a source document. The second issue expressed the legislature’s requirement that an individual’s birth sex determines which restroom they will use in government owned buildings. This bill passed the Senate 30 to 9. I voted aye on SB244.

· Senate Concurrent Resolution 1615: This resolution honored the life of slain leader Charlie Kirk by recognizing his birthday as “Charlie Kirk Day.” Significant debate was held before the Resolution passed 30 to 9. I voted aye on SCR1615.

· Senate Bill 254: State and local benefits including in-state college tuition have been enjoyed by individuals in Kansas illegally. This legislation prohibits illegal

aliens from receiving state and local benefits. I support legal immigration; however, we should not be incentivizing any illegal behavior including illegal immigration. The bill passed 30 to 9. I voted aye on SB254.

· Senate Bill 184: We have a fund to help clean up dry cleaning chemical spills. Due to inflation, the fund was insufficient to cover clean-up costs. This legislation increased the assessment on dry cleaning. The bill passed 37 to 2. I voted yes for this statute, which is designed to fund the cost of these chemical spills.

A big thank you to each of you who contacted me either by distance or in person. The volume of mail during session makes it difficult to respond in a timely manner, however I read all mail sent and encourage you to continue with your communications.

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/2025/9/1758725306304.jpeg" alt="Kansas 24th District Senator, Scott Hill" />
 <figcaption>Kansas 24th District Senator, Scott Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;SCOTT HILLSenator 24th DistrictThe winter storm that shut down many schools last Monday did not slow down the Legislature. The short duration of the legislative session made it important to continue the introduction of the bills, committee hearings, and legislative sessions that result in modifications to our state’s laws. The cold weather has hampered many outdoor activities and made life a little more difficult for those who are out in the weather. I can assure you that the weather and the pace inside the Capital was more heated than the outdoor clime.The Senate judiciary committee has had hearings on modifying the lockup of juveniles arrested for a crime. Some of the discussion involves increasing the length of time that a juvenile can be in detention and increasing the severity of punishment when the juvenile is in possession of a firearm.Hearings related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers have been held in the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance committee. These hearings have attracted significant amounts of testimony, often with contradictory statements between opponents and proponents.Legislation that was passed this week and my vote:· Senate Bill 244: This bill contained language to address two issues related to an individual’s birth sex. The first was to clarify that the legislature expects accurate reporting of the birth sex on the birth certificate and all other government documents that use the birth certificate as a source document. The second issue expressed the legislature’s requirement that an individual’s birth sex determines which restroom they will use in government owned buildings. This bill passed the Senate 30 to 9. I voted aye on SB244.· Senate Concurrent Resolution 1615: This resolution honored the life of slain leader Charlie Kirk by recognizing his birthday as “Charlie Kirk Day.” Significant debate was held before the Resolution passed 30 to 9. I voted aye on SCR1615.· Senate Bill 254: State and local benefits including in-state college tuition have been enjoyed by individuals in Kansas illegally. This legislation prohibits illegalaliens from receiving state and local benefits. I support legal immigration; however, we should not be incentivizing any illegal behavior including illegal immigration. The bill passed 30 to 9. I voted aye on SB254.· Senate Bill 184: We have a fund to help clean up dry cleaning chemical spills. Due to inflation, the fund was insufficient to cover clean-up costs. This legislation increased the assessment on dry cleaning. The bill passed 37 to 2. I voted yes for this statute, which is designed to fund the cost of these chemical spills.A big thank you to each of you who contacted me either by distance or in person. The volume of mail during session makes it difficult to respond in a timely manner, however I read all mail sent and encourage you to continue with your communications.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: Week three legislation update

In today's fast-paced world, finding a balance between work and life can often be a challenge. However, Fort Hays State University has taken steps towards prioritizing the health and happiness of its staff, faculty, and students. Through its innovative wellness initiative, Well Tiges, FHSU fosters a healthier working environment and creates a community dedicated to holistic wellness.

Well Tiges was launched by our Student Affairs Division last year with the aim of creating a supportive and vibrant working environment. This program has since grown into a diverse community of wellness seekers, benefiting all faculty and staff members at the university.

The initiative focuses on the full spectrum of well-being, incorporating mental, physical, social, occupational, financial, and other dimensions of whole-person wellness. Monthly educational meetings serve as a cornerstone, providing participants with practical knowledge and strategies to apply daily. “The initiative encourages camaraderie and mutual support among employees, fostering a sense of community as different departments unite their efforts to enhance their health and well-being,” shared Kelly Meyer, an online admissions advisor, and a Well Tiges steering committee member.

The success of Well Tiges is demonstrated in the improved wellness of its participants and the overall sense of support and accountability within the community. The program recently expanded to include every faculty and staff member at FHSU, further solidifying the idea that a healthy and happy team is crucial for the success of any institution.

Robyn Brungardt from financial aid shared her positive experience with Well Tiges:

“Last year, Student Affairs launched the Well Tiges program, and I chose to participate. It required me to be accountable and gave me the tools to keep track of my mind, body, and soul. We often think of wellness as just an activity, but it is so much more. Well Tiges made me think about reading for fun, working on my finances and budget, and my overall well-being. My son was getting married in the spring, which helped me lose weight and feel better for the big event. It is always more fun to exercise with friends and colleagues. I am so glad it is a campus-wide initiative now and am thankful the university supports me in this journey.”

At the core of the Well Tiges program lies the belief that small, sustainable changes can significantly impact personal well-being. Drawing inspiration from James Clear's book, "Atomic Habits," the initiative encourages participants to build their wellness path using a habits and systems-based approach. By developing new habits, individuals can modify their behaviors and reshape their identities.

Jess Albin, interim director of counseling services and a Well Tiges steering committee member, shared the following example: suppose a person is trying to quit smoking. When offered a cigarette, a person focused on behavior modification might say, “No thanks. I’m trying to quit smoking.” A person developing a new identity might say, “No thanks, I’m not a smoker.” Consequently, part of the Well Tiges program includes the distribution of “Identity Stickers” at events where participants can complete the following sentence, “I am the type of person who.....”

Well Tiges is an optional, year-long program designed to accommodate individual preferences and schedules. Participants have the flexibility to choose events that align with their interests and goals. The program emphasizes developing and maintaining unique habits that contribute&nbsp;to personal health and happiness, providing participants with the tools necessary to create their own positive and fulfilling lifestyle. Or as described by Jess, “Well Tiges provides the hammer. It is up to each employee to decide where to put the nail.”

The Well Tiges steering committee selects a specific dimension of wellness each month and then creates themed group events and activities. Weekly events such as Park Further Friday, Walk and Talk, and a biking group offer additional opportunities for physical activity and socialization.

Additionally, Well Tiges encourages participants to engage in actions that promote well-being, such as checking in on loved ones' mental health on World Mental Health Day. The program also includes special events like Well-Being Day, where participants can enjoy chair massages, healthy snacks, and a hydration bar provided through a collaboration with the FHSU Massage Clinic.

A student wellness companion, introduced by faculty from our health and human performance department, “Exercise is Medicine on Campus,”&nbsp; is a program developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. 

The expansion of Well Tiges in this manner further supports the university's commitment to wellness. The vision of this program is to see students discover, share, and adopt behaviors to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management.

“Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to various chronic diseases and health complications. Health and human performance professionals love creating relationships with people that facilitate positivity and joy around physical activity and movement,” shared assistant professor Emily Washburn.

This program will also offer health and human performance undergraduate and graduate students first-hand experience facilitating Exercise is Medicine on Campus program elements.

Well Tiges offers a personalized approach to well-being, encouraging participants to make sustainable lifestyle changes and create a positive impact on their overall quality of life. 

Fort Hays State University's Well Tiges program is a testament to our university’s dedication to the health and happiness of its employees. By fostering a supportive and vibrant working environment and promoting wellness, FHSU is setting a remarkable example.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>In today's fast-paced world, finding a balance between work and life can often be a challenge. However, Fort Hays State University has taken steps towards prioritizing the health and happiness of its staff, faculty, and students. Through its innovative wellness initiative, Well Tiges, FHSU fosters a healthier working environment and creates a community dedicated to holistic wellness.Well Tiges was launched by our Student Affairs Division last year with the aim of creating a supportive and vibrant working environment. This program has since grown into a diverse community of wellness seekers, benefiting all faculty and staff members at the university.The initiative focuses on the full spectrum of well-being, incorporating mental, physical, social, occupational, financial, and other dimensions of whole-person wellness. Monthly educational meetings serve as a cornerstone, providing participants with practical knowledge and strategies to apply daily. “The initiative encourages camaraderie and mutual support among employees, fostering a sense of community as different departments unite their efforts to enhance their health and well-being,” shared Kelly Meyer, an online admissions advisor, and a Well Tiges steering committee member.The success of Well Tiges is demonstrated in the improved wellness of its participants and the overall sense of support and accountability within the community. The program recently expanded to include every faculty and staff member at FHSU, further solidifying the idea that a healthy and happy team is crucial for the success of any institution.Robyn Brungardt from financial aid shared her positive experience with Well Tiges:“Last year, Student Affairs launched the Well Tiges program, and I chose to participate. It required me to be accountable and gave me the tools to keep track of my mind, body, and soul. We often think of wellness as just an activity, but it is so much more. Well Tiges made me think about reading for fun, working on my finances and budget, and my overall well-being. My son was getting married in the spring, which helped me lose weight and feel better for the big event. It is always more fun to exercise with friends and colleagues. I am so glad it is a campus-wide initiative now and am thankful the university supports me in this journey.”At the core of the Well Tiges program lies the belief that small, sustainable changes can significantly impact personal well-being. Drawing inspiration from James Clear's book, "Atomic Habits," the initiative encourages participants to build their wellness path using a habits and systems-based approach. By developing new habits, individuals can modify their behaviors and reshape their identities.Jess Albin, interim director of counseling services and a Well Tiges steering committee member, shared the following example: suppose a person is trying to quit smoking. When offered a cigarette, a person focused on behavior modification might say, “No thanks. I’m trying to quit smoking.” A person developing a new identity might say, “No thanks, I’m not a smoker.” Consequently, part of the Well Tiges program includes the distribution of “Identity Stickers” at events where participants can complete the following sentence, “I am the type of person who.....”Well Tiges is an optional, year-long program designed to accommodate individual preferences and schedules. Participants have the flexibility to choose events that align with their interests and goals. The program emphasizes developing and maintaining unique habits that contribute&nbsp;to personal health and happiness, providing participants with the tools necessary to create their own positive and fulfilling lifestyle. Or as described by Jess, “Well Tiges provides the hammer. It is up to each employee to decide where to put the nail.”The Well Tiges steering committee selects a specific dimension of wellness each month and then creates themed group events and activities. Weekly events such as Park Further Friday, Walk and Talk, and a biking group offer additional opportunities for physical activity and socialization.Additionally, Well Tiges encourages participants to engage in actions that promote well-being, such as checking in on loved ones' mental health on World Mental Health Day. The program also includes special events like Well-Being Day, where participants can enjoy chair massages, healthy snacks, and a hydration bar provided through a collaboration with the FHSU Massage Clinic.A student wellness companion, introduced by faculty from our health and human performance department, “Exercise is Medicine on Campus,”&nbsp; is a program developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The expansion of Well Tiges in this manner further supports the university's commitment to wellness. The vision of this program is to see students discover, share, and adopt behaviors to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management.“Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to various chronic diseases and health complications. Health and human performance professionals love creating relationships with people that facilitate positivity and joy around physical activity and movement,” shared assistant professor Emily Washburn.This program will also offer health and human performance undergraduate and graduate students first-hand experience facilitating Exercise is Medicine on Campus program elements.Well Tiges offers a personalized approach to well-being, encouraging participants to make sustainable lifestyle changes and create a positive impact on their overall quality of life. Fort Hays State University's Well Tiges program is a testament to our university’s dedication to the health and happiness of its employees. By fostering a supportive and vibrant working environment and promoting wellness, FHSU is setting a remarkable example.

Heart of a Tiger:  FHSU’s Well Tigers Program cultivates wellness and work-life balance   

In the 1960’s there was a spoof on the spy thriller genre called “Get Smart.” Mel Brooks directed this series that was remade several times as it poked fun at some of the sophisticated gadgetry exposed in the James Bond series of movies. One of the “cutting edge” techno gadgets in the TV show was the shoe phone that the main character Maxwell Smart used. In the 1960’s the idea of taking off your shoe and talking into it was comical. Sixty-five years of creative inventing has made talking into your shoe, even though still impractical, certainly achievable.

The advent of the cellphone has changed most of our lives. We have phones in our watches and phones in our pockets. Phones in our ears and phones in our hands. The idea of being able to communicate with our fellow human beings at any time anywhere on the surface would appear to improve social interaction. A very different thing happened, though when in 2007 the idea of having the internet in our hands was realized with the first Apple smartphone. Suddenly, the lure of communicating with people we have never met became the rage. Everyone now has the ability to broadcast their life to the world at large.

This column is not about passing judgement on the use of social media as a whole. It is intended to focus specifically on the harmful exposure that unlimited access to social media does to the adolescent mind. Ten years after the beginnings of the “smart phone era” researcher and author Jonathan Haight wrote a book called the The Anxious Generation. In the best-selling book Haight explores how juvenile development occurs when exposed to electronic devices. In particular, the author examines academic achievement and mental illness changes since 2007. The conclusions reached have resonated with lawmakers around the world.

The reduction in academic performance in Kansas students, coupled with increased behavioral and mental health issues led me to suspect cellphone social media exposure before I read The Anxious Generation. Four years ago, I introduced legislation to ban the use of cellphones in schools. The book reaffirmed what I was hearing from the field and has changed the minds of most lawmakers. The Governor and both chambers of the legislature appear to be ready to follow Johnathan Haight’s recommendations. While

I applaud the legislative effort, my practical side affirms that the intrusion of social media in children’s lives may be abated but not eliminated.

The title of “Get Smart” should be a real life thought process. We need to be smarter about the use of technology. It has an important place in all our lives. However, we need to be smart in the way we use it. The current promises of AI, that it will take over all our reasoning, should elicit profound discernment on our part. In the 1960’s taking off your shoe to talk to someone may have been funny, but today some of the ridiculous things we do should be examined with a great deal of “common sense.”

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/2025/9/1758725306304.jpeg" alt="Kansas 24th District Senator, Scott Hill" />
 <figcaption>Kansas 24th District Senator, Scott Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>By: SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas SenatorIn the 1960’s there was a spoof on the spy thriller genre called “Get Smart.” Mel Brooks directed this series that was remade several times as it poked fun at some of the sophisticated gadgetry exposed in the James Bond series of movies. One of the “cutting edge” techno gadgets in the TV show was the shoe phone that the main character Maxwell Smart used. In the 1960’s the idea of taking off your shoe and talking into it was comical. Sixty-five years of creative inventing has made talking into your shoe, even though still impractical, certainly achievable.The advent of the cellphone has changed most of our lives. We have phones in our watches and phones in our pockets. Phones in our ears and phones in our hands. The idea of being able to communicate with our fellow human beings at any time anywhere on the surface would appear to improve social interaction. A very different thing happened, though when in 2007 the idea of having the internet in our hands was realized with the first Apple smartphone. Suddenly, the lure of communicating with people we have never met became the rage. Everyone now has the ability to broadcast their life to the world at large.This column is not about passing judgement on the use of social media as a whole. It is intended to focus specifically on the harmful exposure that unlimited access to social media does to the adolescent mind. Ten years after the beginnings of the “smart phone era” researcher and author Jonathan Haight wrote a book called the The Anxious Generation. In the best-selling book Haight explores how juvenile development occurs when exposed to electronic devices. In particular, the author examines academic achievement and mental illness changes since 2007. The conclusions reached have resonated with lawmakers around the world.The reduction in academic performance in Kansas students, coupled with increased behavioral and mental health issues led me to suspect cellphone social media exposure before I read The Anxious Generation. Four years ago, I introduced legislation to ban the use of cellphones in schools. The book reaffirmed what I was hearing from the field and has changed the minds of most lawmakers. The Governor and both chambers of the legislature appear to be ready to follow Johnathan Haight’s recommendations. WhileI applaud the legislative effort, my practical side affirms that the intrusion of social media in children’s lives may be abated but not eliminated.The title of “Get Smart” should be a real life thought process. We need to be smarter about the use of technology. It has an important place in all our lives. However, we need to be smart in the way we use it. The current promises of AI, that it will take over all our reasoning, should elicit profound discernment on our part. In the 1960’s taking off your shoe to talk to someone may have been funny, but today some of the ridiculous things we do should be examined with a great deal of “common sense.”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: Get smart

The debate over immigration enforcement—particularly the visibility and conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—has once again moved to center stage. Headlines dwell on tactical deployments, workplace raids, and local cooperation agreements. But while enforcement tactics often dominate the conversation, Kansans’ views are far more nuanced than the “for or against” frame suggests. If we’re serious about making humane, effective policy, we need to start with what our neighbors actually believe.

Let’s begin with the bedrock: most Kansans recognize that legal immigration is a net positive. About two‑thirds of respondents in the 2025 Kansas Speaks survey conducted by Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute agreed that legal immigrants contribute to the economic growth of the US (66.2%), to Kansas’ overall vitality (64.1%), and to the economic health of their own communities (64.3%). Roughly 15% disagreed with these statements. That’s not a razor-thin margin, it’s a solid majority consensus. In a state where small businesses and agriculture depend on steady labor and local spending, this matters.

The cultural and fiscal story mirrors the economic one. More than half of respondents agreed that legal immigrants pay taxes and contribute to government revenue (55.1%), enrich American culture and values (55.1%), and often take jobs that Americans don’t want (56.1%). About 18% disagreed with these statements. These survey results complicate the caricature of immigration as purely a strain on public resources. Kansans are saying: immigrants are part of the economic and civic fabric of our communities and our state is stronger because of them.

That said, Kansans have concerns about the country’s immigration policies. A plurality still believes the country is receiving “too many” immigrants (43.7% agree; 31.2% disagree). And while nearly half reject the notion that legal immigrants take jobs from American citizens (48.4%), almost a third (31%) claim immigrants displace workers. Opinions split on social services (38.1% agree immigrants take services away; 42.2% disagree) and on expanding admissions for low‑skilled immigrants (27.4% agree; 30.9% disagree). Yet Kansans exhibit openness to skills-based immigration: 48% support accepting more high‑skilled immigrants, with only 17.8% opposed.

In sum, if Washington was looking to Kansans for a policy blueprint it would be one that protects broad legal immigration flows, invests in workforce integration, and aligns admissions with labor market realities—without losing sight of humanitarian obligations.

Where does ICE fit into this picture? Kansans’ views on unauthorized immigration reflect both pragmatism and caution. A sizable share believe that if people are undocumented but otherwise law‑abiding, authorities should leave them alone (44.4% agree; 36.3% disagree). Nearly as many say unauthorized immigrants contribute more to society than they take (41.8% agree; 39.2% disagree). At the same time, concerns persist: 43% view unauthorized immigrants as a danger to public safety, while 33.3% disagree. Though on detention, Kansans lean against the most punitive approach—more oppose (42.2%) than support (38.1%) arresting and placing unauthorized immigrants in detention camps while awaiting hearings.

Taken together, Kansans are signaling a clear preference on immigration policy: focus enforcement on genuine threats, avoid sweeping tactics that ensnare families and threaten community trust, and expand lawful pathways that match our economy’s needs. These signals reject both extremes: hardline “open borders” and the punitive “lock ‘em up” approach.

These attitudes highlight a preference for policies that are pragmatic, balanced, and firmly grounded in both security and dignity—prioritizing violent offenders and trafficking rings instead of mass raids at schools, churches, and workplaces; investing in due‑process safeguards; and coordinating with local officials to ensure that public safety—not political theater—drives deployment decisions.

The Kansas Speaks survey reminds us that Kansans, can hold two ideas at once: immigrants strengthen our economy and communities, and immigration enforcement should be smart, lawful, and humane.

The message from Kansas is clear: immigration policy works best when it reflects both economic realities and human dignity. That means focusing on real threats, not political talking points.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

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" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood</figcaption>
 </figure>By: ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOODThe debate over immigration enforcement—particularly the visibility and conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—has once again moved to center stage. Headlines dwell on tactical deployments, workplace raids, and local cooperation agreements. But while enforcement tactics often dominate the conversation, Kansans’ views are far more nuanced than the “for or against” frame suggests. If we’re serious about making humane, effective policy, we need to start with what our neighbors actually believe.Let’s begin with the bedrock: most Kansans recognize that legal immigration is a net positive. About two‑thirds of respondents in the 2025 Kansas Speaks survey conducted by Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute agreed that legal immigrants contribute to the economic growth of the US (66.2%), to Kansas’ overall vitality (64.1%), and to the economic health of their own communities (64.3%). Roughly 15% disagreed with these statements. That’s not a razor-thin margin, it’s a solid majority consensus. In a state where small businesses and agriculture depend on steady labor and local spending, this matters.The cultural and fiscal story mirrors the economic one. More than half of respondents agreed that legal immigrants pay taxes and contribute to government revenue (55.1%), enrich American culture and values (55.1%), and often take jobs that Americans don’t want (56.1%). About 18% disagreed with these statements. These survey results complicate the caricature of immigration as purely a strain on public resources. Kansans are saying: immigrants are part of the economic and civic fabric of our communities and our state is stronger because of them.That said, Kansans have concerns about the country’s immigration policies. A plurality still believes the country is receiving “too many” immigrants (43.7% agree; 31.2% disagree). And while nearly half reject the notion that legal immigrants take jobs from American citizens (48.4%), almost a third (31%) claim immigrants displace workers. Opinions split on social services (38.1% agree immigrants take services away; 42.2% disagree) and on expanding admissions for low‑skilled immigrants (27.4% agree; 30.9% disagree). Yet Kansans exhibit openness to skills-based immigration: 48% support accepting more high‑skilled immigrants, with only 17.8% opposed.In sum, if Washington was looking to Kansans for a policy blueprint it would be one that protects broad legal immigration flows, invests in workforce integration, and aligns admissions with labor market realities—without losing sight of humanitarian obligations.Where does ICE fit into this picture? Kansans’ views on unauthorized immigration reflect both pragmatism and caution. A sizable share believe that if people are undocumented but otherwise law‑abiding, authorities should leave them alone (44.4% agree; 36.3% disagree). Nearly as many say unauthorized immigrants contribute more to society than they take (41.8% agree; 39.2% disagree). At the same time, concerns persist: 43% view unauthorized immigrants as a danger to public safety, while 33.3% disagree. Though on detention, Kansans lean against the most punitive approach—more oppose (42.2%) than support (38.1%) arresting and placing unauthorized immigrants in detention camps while awaiting hearings.Taken together, Kansans are signaling a clear preference on immigration policy: focus enforcement on genuine threats, avoid sweeping tactics that ensnare families and threaten community trust, and expand lawful pathways that match our economy’s needs. These signals reject both extremes: hardline “open borders” and the punitive “lock ‘em up” approach.These attitudes highlight a preference for policies that are pragmatic, balanced, and firmly grounded in both security and dignity—prioritizing violent offenders and trafficking rings instead of mass raids at schools, churches, and workplaces; investing in due‑process safeguards; and coordinating with local officials to ensure that public safety—not political theater—drives deployment decisions.The Kansas Speaks survey reminds us that Kansans, can hold two ideas at once: immigrants strengthen our economy and communities, and immigration enforcement should be smart, lawful, and humane.The message from Kansas is clear: immigration policy works best when it reflects both economic realities and human dignity. That means focusing on real threats, not political talking points.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.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: What Kansans really think about immigration

Recently an article appeared about a statue in Sunset Park.

At the museum on Iron Street, I talked to Crystal Hammerschmidt about the statue. I believe she did the legwork to place the statue where it is. She hastened to tell me that a committee voted to select it to receive the 2024 Salina People's Choice award and that a committee (perhaps another committee) voted to place it where it is.

Crystal said the time-consuming part was obtaining the polished black granite capstone, which had to be brought in from outside the U.S.

Speaking for the veterans of Salina area, I would like to express appreciation to Crystal, and to others as appropriate.

Veterans wishing to express a personal thank you might stop by the Smoky Hill Museum at 211 West Iron Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768336164580.png" alt="The City of Salina proudly announced the final installation of the 2024 SculptureTour Salina People's Choice Award winner "Going Home," by distinguished artist Sondra L. Jonson at Sunset Park in Salina, KS" />
 <figcaption>The City of Salina proudly announced the final installation of the 2024 SculptureTour Salina People's Choice Award winner "Going Home," by distinguished artist Sondra L. Jonson at Sunset Park in Salina, KS</figcaption>
 </figure>By: DONALD L. KOELLINGU.S.M.C. 1963-66Recently an article appeared about a statue in Sunset Park.At the museum on Iron Street, I talked to Crystal Hammerschmidt about the statue. I believe she did the legwork to place the statue where it is. She hastened to tell me that a committee voted to select it to receive the 2024 Salina People's Choice award and that a committee (perhaps another committee) voted to place it where it is.Crystal said the time-consuming part was obtaining the polished black granite capstone, which had to be brought in from outside the U.S.Speaking for the veterans of Salina area, I would like to express appreciation to Crystal, and to others as appropriate.Veterans wishing to express a personal thank you might stop by the Smoky Hill Museum at 211 West Iron Avenue.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

U.S. Veteran thanks Salina Arts & Humanities for establishing statue at Sunset Park

I want to wish each of you a happy Christmas and a blessed New Year! World history shows that humans for millennia have celebrated the solar cycle that promises that days will start to get longer. Recently I saw an article that downplayed Christmas as just another “winter solstice” holiday. While each individual can celebrate any holiday of their own choosing, it is important to realize that our nation chose to celebrate the specific holiday of Christmas. In the midst of all of the parties with eating, drinking, and gift giving, the term Christmas has an actual meaning. 

The “Christ mass” is a religious service that recognizes the birth of Jesus Christ. Starting in the year 336 AD the Roman government decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th. Since that time some cultures have celebrated on other days around the 25th. There is no reliable record of the date of his actual birth, so an appropriate recognition day was selected. History does record that Jesus, unlike the mythology of other celebrations, is an actual, real person.

Our nation recognizes the difference that Christianity has made on people’s lives. The concept of having holidays that cause us to pause in our busy lives and remember what supersedes the immediate and takes us to a focus on what is truly important, is a credit to our country. 

The words of our 33rd President Harry S. Truman, who dealt with his share of real-life tragedy, are meaningful yet today, “We miss the spirit of Christmas if we consider the Incarnation as an indistinct and doubtful, far-off event unrelated to our present problems. We miss the purport of Christ’s birth if we do not accept it as a living link which joins us together in spirit as children of the ever-living and true God. In love alone—the love of God and the love of man—will be found the solution of all the ills which afflict the world today.” 

I encourage you to look to the future with hope and the primacy of that hope is a God who reached down to mankind to change the trajectory of our hearts.

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:&nbsp;SCOTT HILL24th District Kansas SenatorI want to wish each of you a happy Christmas and a blessed New Year! World history shows that humans for millennia have celebrated the solar cycle that promises that days will start to get longer. Recently I saw an article that downplayed Christmas as just another “winter solstice” holiday. While each individual can celebrate any holiday of their own choosing, it is important to realize that our nation chose to celebrate the specific holiday of Christmas. In the midst of all of the parties with eating, drinking, and gift giving, the term Christmas has an actual meaning. The “Christ mass” is a religious service that recognizes the birth of Jesus Christ. Starting in the year 336 AD the Roman government decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th. Since that time some cultures have celebrated on other days around the 25th. There is no reliable record of the date of his actual birth, so an appropriate recognition day was selected. History does record that Jesus, unlike the mythology of other celebrations, is an actual, real person.Our nation recognizes the difference that Christianity has made on people’s lives. The concept of having holidays that cause us to pause in our busy lives and remember what supersedes the immediate and takes us to a focus on what is truly important, is a credit to our country. The words of our 33rd President Harry S. Truman, who dealt with his share of real-life tragedy, are meaningful yet today, “We miss the spirit of Christmas if we consider the Incarnation as an indistinct and doubtful, far-off event unrelated to our present problems. We miss the purport of Christ’s birth if we do not accept it as a living link which joins us together in spirit as children of the ever-living and true God. In love alone—the love of God and the love of man—will be found the solution of all the ills which afflict the world today.” I encourage you to look to the future with hope and the primacy of that hope is a God who reached down to mankind to change the trajectory of our hearts.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 true meaning of "Christmas"

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.

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.

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