Area delegation’s forums still needed

Each spring the south-central Kansas legislative delegation usually has several public forums, sometimes drawing hundreds of people. This year there hasn’t been one since Jan. 6. Why not? Rep. Mario Goico, R-Wichita, the current chairman of the group, told The Eagle editorial board that he has questioned the value of the interaction between legislators and voters in those forums. He has been seeking a way to allow for questions and answers via a website instead and “improve communication between the constituents and the legislators,” he said. An online forum is a fine idea, but there should always be regular opportunities during the legislative session for south-central Kansans to speak their minds to members of the 49-member delegation face to face. – Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published April 6, 2015 at 7:05 PM.