The Emporia Gazette

What does Extension do?

I have to ask you Run, do you believe extension can be immune to the economic downturn in this state and country? Cuts are being made to programs all over, is it realistic for extension to believe taxpayers will be willing to provide any more money than they already are? To me, the main reason to join with other counties should be to try to achieve cost savings. I am afraid this vote is going to end up being a referendum on extension, I farm and have used extension, all the same life would go on without it if necessary. I can't believe the people in extension can't see we live in times where everyone has to make do with less.

Districting would have gone through without a whimper if it would have resulted in a 10% cost savings.

February 10, 2012 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

What does Extension do?

I think there is a place for extension today, but I think it is unrealistic to believe there can be as many agents on the payroll as there are. I helped after the Reading tornado myself.........so did a lot of other people, that all would have been done without KSU extension. Bravo for them that they did help, I am not taking anything away from them for that.

February 10, 2012 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

What does Extension do?

The "unlimited" taxing authority is not what bothers me about districting. What bothers me is having an entirely new taxing authority, with 2/3 of the members from another county. This isn't proportional representation at all. What bothers me about Extension as a whole is the fact K-State puts in a relatively small amount of money, yet wants to call all the shots, ie set salaries etc. I actually didn't realize that until recently, it is called "K-State Extension" I always assumed most of the money actually came from K-State. With extension, the tail wags the dog, K-State puts in a dab of money, the county puts in the majority, then K-State tries to call all the shots.

February 8, 2012 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Extension merger: where is the benefit?

They are there to make decisions. I wasn't there during the vote, and haven't discussed it with Mr. Martin, but knowing him I don't believe he has an inflated ego.

February 5, 2012 at 8:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Extension merger: where is the benefit?

The only commissioner I know personally is Rollie Martin. I do not believe ego entered into his decision.

February 5, 2012 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Extension merger: where is the benefit?

No argument here methusla. All the same, I don't feel this was any sort of blatant disregard for public opinion. I think it was a mistake, nothing more. If there was disregard for public opinion, it came when the laws pertaining to the formation of extension districts were written by the legislature. Having said that, the failsafe was there and is being used, the protest petition and vote.

February 3, 2012 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Extension merger: where is the benefit?

Netloafer, I am glad you posted, because I wasn't there. I feel like I am digging myself a hole, because I don't think it was a good idea, but I don't think it was the worst decision ever to come out of Lyon county either.

Something Chris Walker has brought up is the idea all these little taxes make up our big taxes, and the little parts need scrutiny, to me that is the best thing to come out of this. Often when a group comes before a board, their first comment is, "it is only a mill" or, "it is only a 2% increase". Put all those together and you get a big increase.

February 3, 2012 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Extension merger: where is the benefit?

I guess what I am curious about is how do we know how many people voiced their opinions, and what those opinions were? What I am getting at is the commission may well have made a bad decision, but is there proof that most of the people they heard from were against districting? So far, there hasn't been much "pro" coming from anyone but Extension, but that doesn't mean the commissioners didn't get a lot of phone calls from the other side of the argument before the vote. I will freely admit I have a soft spot in my heart for those brave enough(or dumb enough) to seek public office. Is it possible they just made a mistake, and didn't "go blatantly against their constituents wishes"? We honestly won't know the answer to that until the vote.

I know the way it was presented to them it looked pretty much like a "win win" situation, and much was made about all the other counties that have done this, which is why I asked how many counties have refused to. It may well be this is the most uproar over a district Kansas has seen, and based on the information they had they felt it would be what was best.

One thing I know for sure, other commissioners in other counties will be looking at what happens in this election for guidance.

February 3, 2012 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Extension merger: where is the benefit?

It's pretty easy to criticize if you have never held elected office. I have seen it stated here, and heard over and over throughout my life, how people are elected to represent those who elect them, and that is true. But, even on the most contentious issues, you only ever hear what a few people think. You have to sift through the information you get and use your own judgement. This issue has not been any different than a myriad of other issues, in this case for whatever reason the Gazette took issue with it. I think there is no doubt that was the catalyst for the petition drive. I have already said I think districting isn't a great idea(the way it is done now). I also know how thankless public service is, and how old it gets to be criticized by people who wouldn't ever run for office themselves.

February 3, 2012 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Extension merger: where is the benefit?

I think there is no doubt the Gazette got people fired up, I just wish they would have done it on a few other issues over the years.

February 3, 2012 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )