Next Saturday, will be our second “Town Hall” Meeting of 2008. I will see you at Lucky Brewgrille , 5401 Johnson Drive in Mission on Saturday, February 16, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be provided.

There were two hot topics this week in my email box.

1) Why did we not have a Kansas Presidential Preference Primary?
2) The energy bills; HB 2711 and SB515

Why no Kansas Presidential Preference Primary?
It seems the people in our area really wanted a primary and they feel disenfranchised in the aftermath of the caucuses. Both Parties seemed to have a much larger than anticipated turnout.

The Tuesday night Democratic Party caucus endured harsh weather. Of course no one can control the weather, but the bitter wind and sleet on Tuesday night only made things worse. No one should have to spend three to four hours to vote.

Both parties may have been served better had the leadership provided more or larger facilities with more volunteers. But, who could know the turnout would be so huge? I think it is exciting that there were so many people wanting to vote.

Now, to the real issue…. Why did we not have a primary?

Secretary of State Thornburgh promoted a measure last year that would have authorized funding for a 2008 Presidential Preference Primary. I supported it along with a few others and voted in favor of a primary for Kansas . I believed that we had the perfect opportunity to give Kansans a national voice in selection of the Presidential candidate for both parties.

For the first time in decades, there was not an incumbent, or sitting vice president that was running, and neither party had a clear front runner. It seemed that to conduct a presidential primary would be to the advantage and the liking of both parties in Kansas . It would also put Kansas in the mix on the national presidential primary stage.

In my discussions with Secretary Thornburgh, he told me he was planning a primary date for the week of February 8th, which he felt would be early enough in the season to still be in the crucial period nationally, not too early, not too late. In retrospect, he was right.

The fiscal note was $1.2 million which gave pause to many legislators. To put it into perspective, the expense would have been about 1/600th of the state general fund for ‘08.

I voted for the primary. I hope this week’s experience will help the Kansas Legislature think differently next time.

Energy Debate
There has been considerable discussion in the news these last 5-6 months regarding the application by Sunflower Electric to build its Holcomb Power Plant. In October, KDHE Secretary Rod Bremby rejected the application for permits to begin the construction of the plants.

A few days ago a pair of bi-partisan bills were presented to the House and Senate simultaneously, HB 2711 and SB 515. The introduction of these bills precipitated many more emails and phone calls. I would like to thank those who have participated in both sides of the dialogue. As always, your feedback has helped me understand the feelings of those in District 24. I sincerely appreciate those who are thoughtful and understand the complexities of these issues and are seeking to find a workable, practical outcome.

The two identical bills were to be heard and worked in the House and Senate this week. On the promoted schedule were four days of hearings, two each for proponents and opponents. On Friday, both committees were intending to work their bill. The hearings were held according to schedule, but the bills fell short of being worked.

I have heard that there may be many amendments being prepared. Consequently, no one can predict the end product. We will have to wait and see what comes out of the committee to be voted upon.

I have studied this issue heavily and understand your comments and concerns. As well, I have attended virtually every forum that has been staged, providing I was not already scheduled. Dialogue regarding concern about our environment and issues involving renewable energy, conservation, efficiency and sustainability is of great importance. We must be very thoughtful about the development of an energy policy in Kansas . I will keep you posted.

Public Accountability for Precinct Committee Persons?
The Senate Elections and Local Government Committee held a hearing for a bill that would require precinct committeemen and committeewomen to make public, recorded votes when they are called to fill vacancies in office.

The argument for the bill is for more accountability of the precinct committee person to the voters in their respective precincts. All other elected official faces public accountability for their vote(s).

If the bill gets traction and makes it out of the Senate, it will likely be assigned to the House Elections and Government Organization committee. I have had several constituents speak in favor of such action.

SM North NJROTC wins again and other SM North student news
Congratulations to Shawnee Mission North Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps who recently won a regional qualifying meet in Oklahoma City , sweeping first place in all eleven events. Last year, our Indians went all the way to National competition where they took first place in Drill Competition. I was privileged to honor them in the Statehouse after their Championship. Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Grayless and Chief Chris Neven are the NJROTC Commanders.

Amy Shofstall and Phillip Tom linson, journalism students at SM North entered the Sports-Feature Challenge at the 2008 Student Television Network Convention in California and brought home honorable mention.

As well, SM North senior Garrett Fardon, editor of the SM North’s Mission newspaper was selected as an Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Scholar. (Only two students from each state are honored and the other student from Kansas attends SM East.)

SM North’s yearbook, Indian has been named a 2008 Crown Award finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. These students’ teacher and mentor is Mrs. Becky Tate. Congratulations!

As a SM North Alum I’m delighted and proud to announce wonderful student successes like these. Go North!

Vision Metcalf Plan Public Unveiling February 21st
The long waited for and anticipated Vision Metcalf Results are in.

For the last year, I have been privileged to be a part of the Vision Metcalf Project Community Advisory Committee. The Vision Metcalf process involved synthesizing input from more than 4,000 residents, business owners, property owners and developers on ideas for future uses and design of the Metcalf corridor.

Since about 1/3 of the Metcalf Avenue study area involves District 24, many of us invested a great deal of time and effort sharing our ideas and vision for the future of the Metcalf Avenue project. Now is the time for us to join in to see our collective vision for the first time.

The public meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Leatherwood Ball Room (lower level) at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, 6100 College Boulevard . See you there.

District 24 Survey on line
I have posted several questions regarding key legislative issues in an on line survey that you may take through my website. If you have a few minutes, please go to: www.ronniemetsker.com and look for the button that says “Constituent Survey.”