30 September 2005

Governor Sebelius guards state water interests
Governor appoints experienced managers to protect Kansas water supplies

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today announced the appointment of Don R. Cawby and reappointment of Gordon Schmidt to the Kansas Water Authority. Each will serve a three-year term.

“Water is vital to Kansas. Our cities and towns, businesses and farms cannot grow without a safe, reliable water supply. To protect our economy, we must ensure the protection of our water supply,” Governor Sebelius said.

The Kansas Water Authority is charged with reviewing the plans for development, management and use of the water resources of the state by any state or local agency.

Cawby, Osage City, is the city manager of the City of Parsons. Until August of this year, he was the city manager for Osage City. Prior to 2001, he served as director of budget planning and analysis at Washburn University and principal budget analyst for the Kansas Division of the Budget. He has also been a fiscal analyst for the Kansas Legislative Research Department. Cawby is a member of the Kansas Association of City/County Managers.

Schmidt, Inman, has more than 35 years of experience in agribusiness, owning and operating a diversified grain and livestock operation. Since 1969, he has owned and managed G & C Farms. In this capacity, Schmidt oversees a 4,500 acre diversified irrigated and dry land grain operation. Schmidt has served on the Kansas Water Authority since being appointed by Governor Bill Graves in 1998. In addition, he is a board member of the Water Protection Agency of Central Kansas.