Topic: Triple Trailers
Interview of Sheila Frahm, November 13, 2020
Interviewed by Joan Wagnon
In this 2020 oral history interview, former Kansas State Senator Sheila Frahm reflects on her time in elected office from local school board to U.S. Senate. This interview was conducted on Zoom with Frahm at her home in Arizona and the interviewer, Joan Wagnon, in Topeka.
Frahm provides a unique point of view on the relationships between Governors and the Legislature. She discusses her decision to leave the legislature and run for Lt. Governor with Bill Graves and her subsequent appointment to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy when Bob Dole decided to run for President. This interview includes a segment Show Moreduring which Frahm talks about several issues in which she was involved: community colleges and out-district tuition and triple-trailers. During the interview Frahm reflects on her identity as a western Kansas legislator and how her up-bringing, shaped others' perceptions of her legislatively. She saw the years during which she served in the State Senate as very productive, citing school finance in 1992 and advances in higher education as two important policies that were enacted. The interview concludes with Frahm's reflections on the civility of the body, the importance of relationships to accomplishing your goals, and advice to prospective candidates.
The 2020 interview begins with a discussion of a 1991 oral history interview conducted by Dr. Sara Tucker of Washburn University that covers much of Frahm's background and her interest in education issues.
A 2004 oral history interview of Frahm conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University is also available on this site. Show Less