July 25, 2006

Governor bringing more efficiency in state government
Governor appoints new members to the Kansas Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations 

To help promote cooperation and efficiency within government, Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced today the appointment of Warren Hixson and Patrick Lawless to the Kansas Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations.

“This council monitors a wide range of governmental relations within our state,” Sebelius said.  “Their efforts to help leaders in Kansas work together more efficiently are both necessary and appreciated.” 

The Kansas Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations engages in a continuous study of the services provided by the various levels of government within the state.   Each new appointee will serve a four-year term.

Hixson, Hutchinson, retired as a state certified appraiser from HomeLand Real Estate in February of 2006 after 14 years of service with the company.  He has been widely active in the Colby community, serving as Mayor for ten years, Chairman of the Colby Community College Board of Trustees and President of Governing Body League of Kansas Municipalities.  He also served on the State Task Force for Public Television and was Chairman of the Kansas Humanities Council. 

Lawless, Osage City, has worked as Chief Appellate Defender for Kansas since 2001.  Previously, he was the Administrative Counsel and Assistant Executive Director for the Kansas Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.  Since 1995, Lawless has been the Mayor of Osage City. 

             Governor Sebelius also reappointed the following to serve four-year terms:

• Joan Wagnon, Topeka
• Sandi Kinser, Concordia
• Matt Traster, Ulysses

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