30 August 2005

Governor: Kansas changes how it does business
Sebelius praises Cabinet Secretaries’ efforts to protect Kansans

“Over the past three years, we have worked consistently to change the way state government conducts business,” Governor Kathleen Sebelius said. “More and more, Cabinet Secretaries are working together to meet the needs of Kansans.”

“In a time when we must do more with less, we must rely on our partnerships and work as a team to provide Kansans with protection and accountability. Three years ago, I vowed to change how we do business, from providing more services with fewer resources to streamlining state government. I have kept that promise and will continue to seek greater efficiency,” Governor Sebelius said.

“One extremely successful partnership is between Colonel William Seck, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller,” Governor Sebelius continued. “They have produced great results for the State of Kansas, as we all strive for a healthier state.”

When Governor Sebelius came into office in 2003, there was very little communication between cabinet agencies. By creating working groups across agencies, she has helped units with similar initiatives and goals to work together, and this has increased accountability, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.

“Colonel Seck and Secretary Miller have worked together to provide law enforcement officials and emergency responders a communications system that is more responsive and effective in serving the needs of Kansans during emergencies,” Governor Sebelius noted.

In addition, the Highway Patrol-Transportation partnership came together to deal with serious road safety concerns for the residents of Meriden. Colonel Seck and Secretary Miller worked closely with Meriden officials to help keep Kansas drivers and families as safe as possible.

During this past year, Secretary Miller, Colonel Seck, and Secretary Rod Bremby, of the Kansas Department of Health & Environment, have traveled across the state, listening to Kansans on how to reduce traffic deaths. As part of this traffic safety initiative, these three Cabinet Secretaries and their agencies worked together to look at ways Kansas can ensure people arrive at their destinations safely. The “Click it or Ticket” program is now in effect, which seeks to increase seat belt usage for Kansas adults and children.

Just last week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that Kansas had a 29 percent decrease in alcohol-related fatalities for the past year. Under the leadership of Colonel Seck and Secretary Miller their agencies combined to target impaired driving through media campaigns, use of sobriety checkpoints and extra law enforcement patrols during weekends and at special events.

Governor Sebelius concluded, “These are only a few examples of the great work these Cabinet Secretaries and others have done for the State. Their ability to work together on any number of important issues sets a high standard here in Kansas and beyond.”