Southwest Kansas Coalition Meets

Liberal City Commissioners travelled to Dodge City Thursday for a meeting of the Southwest Kansas Coalition. Commissioners from Liberal, Dodge City and Garden City were in attendance as well as Representative Pat George, and Lobbyist Robin Jennison. Rep. George told the Coalition that they are headed in the right direction and even though it may seem that the going has been slow, the legislature is aware of what is going on with the Southwest Kansas Coalition, and to keep moving forward as coming together as a region is and will make a bigger impact with both the House and Senate. The Coalition also reviewed a final draft of the SKC Legislative Policy and with no changes being recommended, will now take this poilcy back to their respective commissions for adoption. It was also discussed at the meeting whether or not to continue with a lobbyist to be a voice for the Coalition, and should the group continue with Jennison Governmental Services. It was the concensus of the group that a lobbyist was needed, and with Robin Jennison, being from Western Kansas, and already familiar with the SKCź??s mission, that he would continue to be a good fit for the group. This will also be brought back to the commissions for formal approval. The annual Washington D.C. trip was also discussed, and a preferential date of March 22nd, 2010 was talked about however this would be subject to the Congressional calendar, and availability of the Legislators. The Coalition also discussed the idea of meeting with the Senators and Representatives as a group before meeting as individual cities. The next meeting of the Southwest Kansas Coalition will be in December in Garden City, with invitations to include Sen. Steve Morris, and Rep. Gary Hazlett.