Commentary

An especially vile piece of campaign literature landed in the mailboxes of voters in the 108th Kansas House District this week.
Among other shortcomings listed on the direct mail piece from the Kansas Democratic Party, Rep. Steven Johnson of Assaria is criticized for ignoring a recent racist episode in Lindsborg, where his opponent resides.
Here’s the story on Rep. Johnson. He’s a Republican, but he does not — as his opponent has charged — follow in the footsteps of Gov. Brownback. Rep. Johnson voted against the 2012 income tax cuts championed by the governor and his friends in the Legislature. Johnson helped lead the effort this past session to roll them back. You can agree or not with Rep. Johnson, but he has been a good representative for Ellsworth County and other parts of his district. He listens to his constituents and reaches out to both Democrats and Republicans. He is exactly the kind of representative we say we want.

Dear Editor,

  The following Letter to the Editor was written in support of Kansas Rep. Steven Johnson, who represents the 108th District, including Ellsworth County. It arrived too late for this week's edition of the I-R; however, we wanted to be sure our readers had access to the letter because it addresses the leadership Rep. Johnson has displayed in addressing the KPERS issue.

Dear Editor 

As Superintendent of Schools for Ellsworth/Kanopolis U.S.D. 327, President of Central Christian College of McPherson, Ks., and Secretary of Human Resources for the Carlin Administration, it was my pleasure to work with the fine folks of District 108.  I knew these folks as honest, trustworthy, respectful and hard working with a deep love for the State of Kansas.