Kansas views on Brownback, Huelskamp, earthquakes
Brownback – Gov. Sam Brownback says the sweeping defeat in the Republican primary election of many state legislators aligned with his policies is not a no-confidence vote in the direction he has taken the state. Many, if not most, politicians are self-centered and stubborn by nature. Pride and arrogance must be part of their DNA. It’s hard for anyone to admit a mistake. But it’s hard to imagine how damaging those personality traits can be in a leader – until you look at what the Brownback leadership has done to a whole state of people.
The governor could show leadership by acknowledging the people of Kansas want change, and working toward as much. He won’t embrace reality, so that’s highly unlikely. He’d best serve the state by stepping down.
Huelskamp – Instead of accepting his recent defeat with dignity, U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler/Hutchinson, maligned his opponent, complained about how unfair the election was (despite the fact that 98.4 percent of House incumbents have won their primaries since World War II), and came across as rude, ill-tempered and resentful.
Earthquakes – The Kansas Corporation Commission should not be taking baby steps when it comes to regulating underground oilfield wastewater now that scientists and seismologists suspect its causal link to earthquakes in the state. But that’s what the KCC appeared to do last week as it approved expanding restrictions on saltwater injection wells in south-central Kansas. Tighter recommended limits would have allowed more useful measurements – and further reduced the risk of earthquakes.
This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 12:06 AM with the headline "Kansas views on Brownback, Huelskamp, earthquakes."