It has been almost one year since you elected me to serve as your representative in Topeka. During this time, I have learned a great deal more about how our government works. Some of what I have experienced is frustrating; but, generally, I have seen the process work the way our forefathers intended: “For the People, By the People.” The operative word in this phrase from the United States Constitution is People!

The most refreshing aspect of serving in the Statehouse as your representative is seeing the goodness in the People. A recent example is the outpouring of help from Kansans in the face of the hurricanes in the south. People paid no attention to the negative broadcasts; they just rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Following the words of comedian, Larry the Cable Guy, many of you stepped up to the challenge to “get er done”. Whether it was driving a bus, welcoming people into your home, raising money or just praying for the victims, goodness was evident all around us.

This week I took part in an Agri-Terrorism Summit hosted by Dodge City Community College. I would like to thank Sheriff Dean Bush, Under-Sheriff James Lane, Ken Winter and Danny Herrman, local feed yard owners, for their time and effort in organizing such an important conference. Conference attendees included our own US Senator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, and representatives from the FBI, KBI, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas National Guard and other federal and state agencies. A great deal of information was shared about prevention of this very real threat. The summit was a very significant and timely event for Dodge City and southwest Kansas.

As I visit with school board members, administrators and taxpayers, everyone seems to agree that our children are our number one priority! We don’t mind spending money on children; however, we must spend with accountability and within our means. I recently received a letter from Governor Sebelius stating, “Kansas parents, students, teachers and taxpayers deserve efficient, effective schools. Kansas parents send three things to Kansas schools: their children, their hopes for the future, and their hard earned money.” Governor Sebelius goes on to say that “our new investment in schools requires increased accountability.” Her words were well spoken and must be heeded. I applaud her message that “accountability is essential if we want to get money”.

As the future and safety of our children is very important to me, I am pleased to announce that I was recently appointed to the SAFE Task Force. The Attorney General created this task force to examine current laws pertaining to the punishment of sex offenders, offender registration procedures and offender registration non-compliance. This is a serious problem for all Kansans, and I am glad to be a part of a pro-active solution.

As we enter this winter, most households can expect higher monthly heating bills. President Bush has encouraged us to practice conservation by driving less, car-pooling and turning down our thermostats. Many of you have told me that between increases in fuel prices, higher property taxes, higher property insurance costs and, of course, higher medical insurance premiums it is very difficult to make ends meet. So, I too encourage everyone to work together to conserve energy! We have seen a decrease in gas prices at the pump over the past few weeks and the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) recently denied two proposed rate increases by utilities companies, so hopefully our heating bills will be bearable this winter.

In closing, I would like to thank all the people in my district and those who support my efforts. I consider it a privilege to represent you in the Kansas House of Representatives and I promise that I will do my best for you and the people in my district. A big thank you goes out to Cleone, Brenda, Nancy and Shelly for all the help they provide me. Finally, a big thanks to my wife, Lori, and children, Thomas, Anna and Maris, for the sacrifices you all must make and for your continued support.

As always, you may contact me via e-mail at george@house.state.ks.us.

Sincerely yours,

Pat George
Representative for the 119th District
State of Kansas
House of Representatives