Web posted
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Transparency Web site up and running
www.kansas.gov/kanview
By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
news@arkcity.net
State Rep Kasha Kelley, R-Arkansas City, was in a great mood as she drove back to Arkansas City Friday from the statehouse.
First, her stalking bill sailed through the House and was sent to the Senate.
Then she realized that another of her projects had come to fruition. The Web site that lists all expenses of state agencies went online, which was the result of a transparency in government bill she pushed through the House in Topeka.
"It is a good day," she said.
The stalking bill came as a result of the death of Jodi Sanderholm early in 2007. Law enforcement agencies said they found it hard to enforce existing law against people who are stalking. Her bill is designed to make law enforcement easier.
Her bill takes out the phrase "credible threat," which is seen as too vague. In its place there is language that defines danger as something that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
Several local officials went to Topeka last week to testify for the bill at the Statehouse.
The bill had also gained endorsements from the attorney general and state agencies on sexual violence.
The bill now must pass the Senate, and observer believe that is likely.
The bill also went through the judicial counsel to make sure there were not constitutional issues associated with the bill.
Also today was the first day the Web site has been made available to the public.
Kelley had a little more trouble getting her transparency bill passed, but it managed to get through last year as part of the budget bill after being derailed earlier.
With the Web site people make look up income and expenses from just about any agency in the state. This includes the University of Kansas and Kansas State.
She believes government should be open, and a key part of that is giving the public a way to have access to information about where money goes.
Some had criticized the bill, saying that the information is already available. But Kelley said this makes it easier for people, where they can get to everything at one place.
"This site will give people information they need to make a rational judgement," she said. "Some may think too much is spent on a certain thing, but they may think not enough is spent."
Kansas is the only state to have passed a transparency bill, and Kelley believes other states will follow suit.
"I have had calls from other states asking about it. It is a positive piece and Kansas is the first state," she said.
Kelley said both of the bills had "bipartisan support."
"It is neat when it comes together that way."
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