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Authors, sign in!As many of you may know I tend to lean a little left of center. That’s why it might seem strange that I put a Bill Bunten yard sign in my front yard.
Bill Bunten was a very conservative member of the Kansas House of Representatives and many times voted against legislation that affected one of my favorite constituencies… Labor. But his visions far exceed any values system he may be perceived to have or actually have.
But I’ve been around Kansas politics and Topeka politics long enough to see his interaction with other leaders in our community. He has proven himself as a true statesman and someone who understands the fundamentals of compromise.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor, and we discussed his community cleanup program he has pushed (as hard as he possibly could) since he’s been in office. In a recent year where they performed the program, there were 940 volunteers who hauled away approx 1300 tons of trash and 10,000 tires.
940 volunteers. Say that out loud to yourself. That is 940 community participants. People who believe in the place that they live in. What happens from there? The Mayor’s staff is reduced, the woman in charge of the program is laid off after her position is cut, and none of the other departments are willing to pick up the slack.
Topeka, you had 940 people who cared about this community and because our city government is being poorly run you’ve probably lost them.
Yes, folks, I’m a democrat, and many could argue a very liberal democrat, but I’m smart enough to realize when an excellent leader stands before me. From my position, which I feel is one of experience; I see that leader as being Bill Bunten.
Published April 1, 2009 by Chad Manspeaker |
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Citizenship
Community
Community Organizing
Kansas
