May 17, 2006

Lt. Governor John Moore says he will retire at end of term

After a successful career in the private sector, as Kansas Secretary of Commerce, and as Lt. Governor to Governor Kathleen Sebelius, John Moore today announced he has decided to retire from state service at the end of this term.

Governor Sebelius said, “The initiatives John has spearheaded, from the Prosperity Summits in 2003 to chairing the Commission that represented Kansas during the Base Realignment and Closure process have exceeded our expectations and will serve us well for years to come.”

“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Lt. Governor and I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and of the many accomplishments Kathleen and I have had during these past four years,” said Moore. “The economy is robust and our military presence in Kansas will see tremendous growth. We’re also on the verge of some real breakthroughs in lowering the cost of health care by cutting administrative costs,” Moore said, referring to his chairmanship of the Governor’s Health Care Cost Containment Commission.

Governor Sebelius said, “John has brought an incredible commitment to our service men and women as well as our military communities, and we’re already seeing the benefits of his efforts. That’s why I’m very pleased John has agreed to stay active as the Chair of our Military Council. He’s been a great partner, not only as Lt. Governor but as Secretary of Commerce, and I’m grateful for his support and service.”

Moore, who with his wife Marty has made Wichita his home for the past 25 years, said the amount of time his job required him to spend in Topeka was the reason for his decision.

“It’s time to go home,” Moore said.

Moore will serve the remainder of his term, which ends January 8, 2007.

Moore made his intentions official in an April 10 letter to Governor Sebelius. He said today he waited until the end of the 2006 Legislature to announce his decision to prevent any distraction during the challenging legislative session which has recently concluded.

Prior to serving as Lt. Governor, Moore worked at Cessna Aircraft. He started there in 1982 and was named one of two executive vice presidents in 1999. He left that post in July 2002 to seek the office of Lt. Governor.

Moore and his wife Marty have been married for more than 39 years. They have two children, Clay Moore and Stacia Wohlford, and five grandchildren.

Note: The text of Lt. Governor Moore’s letter to Governor Sebelius is attached.

April 10, 2006

The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of the State of Kansas
State Capitol Building – 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612

Dear Kathleen,

As you are aware, I have been wavering during the last few weeks on whether or not to seek a second term as Lieutenant Governor. While it had originally been my intent to seek office again, I have now decided I will not run for re-election. My reasons for this are personal.

I have found it necessary to live in Topeka in order to fulfill the obligations of this position and, earlier, the Secretary of Commerce. Marty and I did not consider moving our residence here because, after 25 years, Wichita is our home. We did not want to lose contact with those individuals and organizations that have added so much to the richness of our lives.

However, the separation from Marty and our home which has been the case for over three years has been difficult for me and has become more so the longer it has continued. Simply stated, I have decided it’s time to go home at the end of this term.

I can never thank you enough for the opportunity to serve as this great state’s Lieutenant Governor. It has been an incredible experience which has filled me with both pride and humility. As others reflect upon my term in office, I hope they will conclude I made a positive contribution and a difference.

Working with you for this period of time has strengthened our friendship and my respect for you. I believe you deserve to be re-elected and will work in any manner you identify to see that occur. The people may never fully appreciate the daunting challenges we faced and the extraordinary progress that has been made during your years as Governor.

Should there be some role in which I can support you during a second term, I would look forward to doing that—provided it would be in a considerably limited scope.

Again, thank you for the great experience of serving the people of Kansas.

Sincerely,

John Moore
Lieutenant Governor