May 26, 2006

Sebelius appointees to suggest improvements for Kansas roads
Governor appoints five to State Highway Advisory Commission

Kansas residents and businesses have benefited from the state’s quality highways and roads. To ensure our roadways continue to improve, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed five members to the Kansas State Highway Advisory Commission.

“Our road network is one of the finest in the country, and that helps businesses, residents and tourist attractions alike,” said Sebelius. “We want to make sure we maintain the quality of our roads, and I’m confident these appointees will help us do just that.”

The State Highway Advisory Commission reviews the status of the highways in Kansas, and recommends to the Secretary of Transportation plans for improvement of the entire system of roads and highways in the State of Kansas.

Lawrence Blake, Dodge City, was appointed to fulfill an unexpired term. He has been an auditor and accountant since 1950. Currently, Blake is manager of Smoll & Banning, CPAs, LLC. He has served on the Kansas Society of CPAs Educational Foundation Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Kansas Society of CPAs.

Jerry Haley, Hays, was appointed to fulfill an unexpired term. He is the president of Vision Video Labs, Inc. Haley also has served as president of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and Hays Kiwanis Club.

Kirk Lowell, Concordia, was appointed as a member to fulfill an unexpired term. Since 1993, he has worked at Cloud County Development Corporation (CloudCorp). Currently, he is the executive director. Lowell serves on the Community Foundation for Cloud County Board of Directors, member of the City of Concordia Airport Advisory Board, and member of the Design Concordia’s Advisory Group to City Planning Commission.

A.J. Menghini, Frontenac, was appointed to serve a four-year term. Between 1963 and 2000, he was owner and general manager of Menghini Bros. Distributors, Inc., an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler. He is a past member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In addition, Menghini has served on the Pittsburg Area Community Foundation Board of Directors, Pittsburg State University School of Business Advisory Board and the University’s Foundation Board of Trustees.

Vic Moser, Abbyville, was appointed as member to the commission to fulfill an unexpired term. He is the owner and operator of Moser Farms. From 1969 to 1981, he worked for the Kansas Highway Commission. He was president of Flatland Professional Services, Inc. between 1983 and 1997. Moser has previously served on the State Advisory Committee on Rail Planning.

Governor Sebelius also reappointed Charles Elsea, Salina, and Robert Kreutzer, Garden City, to four-year terms.