In This Issue

ASBO Leadership
KASBO APPLAUDS BALSTERS

KASBO is fortunate to have one of our members, Dr. Rob Balsters, serving on the ASBO Intl. Board of Directors. With this responsibility, he also serves at the international level on the following committees:

And Board Liaison for:

One might ask how having one of our own being so active at the international level can benefit the state organization. The following touch the surface to the variety of benefits:

BOARD SHORTS
from the June 9, 2004 Board of Directors
Meeting in Lawrence

The KASBO Board of Directors always has lots to talk about and this last June was no exception. The topic of the day was the 2004 KASBO State convention. Kathleen Whitley reported that membership is strong but retaining members from year to year is always a struggle. Communication is the key so the Board has decided to add a newsletter after the convention. Now highlights from the convention can be recapped while providing pertinent information to our members who are unable to attend. Futhermore, non-members can access this same information via the KASBO web site with hopes of enticing them to joining our organization.Each year the Board asks the KASBO vendors to give some comments and suggestions after attending the state convention. The vendors responded positively to the survey but they did ask for more information to be provided about events and some needed bigger booths at the Wednesday night Vendor Showcase. On another note, Marvin Sisk has run the KASBO gold tournament for years. Our organization has been very indebted to Marvin and, at his request, the Board agreed to take over the tournament. Though we will miss his leadership Marvin leaves us with a great model to follow and we thank him for his dedication.The Board of Directors has discussed some changes to the KASBO Professional Development Program which members need to be aware of. The first recommendation changes the renewal for the program cycle from five years down to three. Also, ASBO members must now be KASBO members and will need to fill out and fall under participation requirements in KASBO in orders to receive the recognition.

KASBO Committees

2004-2005 KASBO Committee Assignments

ASBO Update

Legislative

Time to Get Involved

Commercials filled with candidates, longer than usual hometown parades, newspapers sporting pages of new ads...no doubt you've noticed that we are in the midst of a campaign cycle! In Kansas, in addition to the presidential race, forty Senate seats and 126 seats in the House of Representative will be decided in the November election.

This is a very important time for constituents in Kansas. Candidates will be involved in forums and interviews: they'll be at coffee shops and parades and making numerous other appearance. They will be working hard to gain your confidence and your votes. It is time to voice your concerns and ask for their support on your issues.

Candidates need to have a clear understanding of the priority issues in their district and although we'd like to reject the old adage, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease", it often proves true. Loud voices often garner the most attention from politicians. With a shortage of time and a growing list of responsibilities, the real issues can get lost. It is critical that you become active and mobilize others to present concerns and expectations during this important time.

Legislators are interested in representing their districts fairly but without input from constituents, they are left with media interpretations of the issues, limited personal experiences or viewpoints advanced by what may be a vocal minority. Citizens must accept the responsibility that comes with the privilege of voting and help educate the candidates. When constituents clearly articulate concerns, provide examples and evidence, as well as outlining solutions and expectations, the system of representative democracy works well. Legislators feel more secure with their positions on issues, constituents feel like their opinions matter and policies and priorities are developed that match the real needs of the State.

Most of us are members of organized interest groups either through our careers or personal lives with school, church, and community organizations. There is power in numbers and in careful planning. If you join with others to present your concerns and expectations to candidates now, you are more likely to be influential. Remember, there are hundreds of issues and Kansas has 570 registered lobbyists. So, the larger you advocacy group, the better.

Get organized; be consistent with your message and persistent in your efforts. Use the local media and recognizable community leaders to publicize and support your issues.

Attend candidate forums and ask question. Organize a letter campaign to the candidate, making sure supporters are writing with the personal perspectives and support. If you find a candidate that supports your cause, support them! They need campaign donations and volunteers. It is important to elect new people with good ideas and energy but it is critical to keep experienced, supportive legislators. They are influential because of their seniority and experience. They can make the difference on committees' attention to issues and the passage of bills.

Thomas Jefferson said "every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only sage depositories". Now is the time to make sure that your new "rulers" are informed and supportive of your issues.

Former Kansas Senator 31st District
Christine Downey-Schmidt

Meeting Dates of Interest

ASBO Convention, October 15-19, 2004
Cincinnati, Ohio

Fall Workshop, October 27 & 28, 2004
Salina Holiday Inn

USA Convention, January 26-28, 2005
Wichita, Hyatt

Winter Workshop, February 24, 2005
Smoky Hill Service Center, Salina

KASBO Convention, April, 20-22, 2005
Wichita Marriott

2004 KASBO Fall Workshop Program Schedule

Wednesday October 27, 2004

Thursday October 28, 2004