Ark Valley News - McGinn: State shouldn’t tie hands of local govt.

McGinn: State shouldn’t tie hands of local govt.
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: December 10, 2015

The Valley Center school board and the Valley Center City Council got together again Dec. 8 — for the second time in as many months. This time, they gathered to have a conversation with their state lawmakers.

Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, addressed the combined group of local officials, emphasizing that she is a "public servant," working in Topeka for her constituents back home.

"People do not use those words anymore," McGinn said. "It's sad. But that is what I am. I am working for you."

Rep. Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center, was invited to the meeting but told city and school officials that he had a prior commitment.

George Kolb, interim city administrator, said Huebert indicated that he would attend a future meeting.

Huebert could not be reached by The News Dec. 8.

At least one city council member said Huebert did not represent his constituents well in the last legislative session.

"It's too bad that our House of Representatives representative is not here, because he's exactly like that," Lou Cicirello said.

Cicirello said he couldn't understand why the state approved a measure to set a property tax lid for local governments. Huebert voted for the legislation, which requires a public vote if property taxes are increased beyond the Consumer Price Index.

Cicirello said legislators don't understand the timeline for setting a city budget. With finalization required in late summer, there is little to no time to set a special election.

McGinn voted against the measure.

"I should not be telling you what to do as a local city council or school board," McGinn said. "… We should not be tying your hands at all."

McGinn said she doesn't understand legislators who complain about federal mandates and then turn around and tell local governments what to do.

"That is wrong, totally wrong," she said.

McGinn said the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January, may include serious discussions on revenue enhancements and spending cuts.

But she doesn't see the Legislature revisiting the 2012 tax plan that cut income taxes for certain small businesses, a move that Gov. Sam Brownback said would stimulate economic growth.

McGinn said with elections on the horizon, she wouldn't bet on any tax increases.