Governor Parkinson cut some programs that are dear to my heart. In the spirit of shared sacrifice and bi-partisan government I can accept them. Governor Parkinson had to make some tough choices.

On the other hand Speaker of the House Mike O’Neal used the budget shortfall as an opportunity to attack his political opponents. His statements In the Lawrence Journal World are very revealing.

“Everyone knew the shortfalls were coming, but the Democrats in the Legislature felt it was politically expedient to avoid making critical votes to tame the state budget,” said House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson.

He attacks his political opponents, but says nothing about school children. Is he even aware what these cuts will do to the Buhler school district (as well as school districts across the state)?

As for blaming the Democrats, Mr. O’Neal must have forgotten that it is his party that controls both houses of the Kansas legislature. The Republicans have had control of the state purse strings for over 15 years. Mr. O’Neal is one of the most powerful legislators in the state. Is he not man enough to own up to his own responsibility in this budget crisis?

All the more galling is the unwarranted bonuses Mr. O’Neal gave to his political cronies. While the budget crisis was growing bigger Mr. O’Neal gave his Chief of Staff a $20,000 bonus! I suppose it was no coincidence that Mr. O’Neal’s wife was given a $27,000 a year job by the Republican caucus. This is taxpayer money we are talking about.

There are many good legislators in this state. They come from both political parties. Even with differing political views they will try and work together for the best solution for Kansas. As a Reno County resident I am disappointed that Mr. O’Neal is not one of them.