Topic: Veterans
Interview of Raphael Wahwassuck, February 28, 2022
Interviewed by Brad Hamilton
The Tribal Council of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation selected Raphael Wahwassuck to interview with KS Oral History about public policymaking by tribal governments. The interview covers how tribal governments relate to local, state and federal governmental units and how Wahwassuck, as a tribal council member, develops effective working relationships. He gives examples of local cooperation using emergency services and law enforcement. He also speaks to the challenges in ensuring equitable distribution of school funding, COVID relief measures and impact aid. Relationships with local governments are easier than at the state or federal level. Show MoreNation to Nation conversations are more difficult. The development of casino gaming produced increased and adequate revenues for the Tribe since they have no tax revenue from property taxes. Their services to their tribal members and surrounding communities have increased as a result of gaming. Show Less
Interviews of Mike Hayden, November 24, 2003 and September 29, 2008
These interviews of Governor Mike Hayden, were conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Project. The interviews provide a look at Hayden's path from a rural upbringing in northwest Kansas to the state's highest elected office. Hayden reflects on how his identity as a Vietnam veteran and his family’s deep roots in public service provided him with the determination necessary to navigate the legislative landscape and rise to the position of Speaker of the House. In these interviews, Hayden also describes his leadership style and strategic focus on Show Moregrassroots rural support, which proved essential in passing a landmark comprehensive highway plan and managing the political fallout of property tax reappraisal. This interview adds to the historical record of Kansas politics in the 1980s, emphasizing the responsibility of governance and the importance of maintaining public trust through honest, if sometimes difficult, policy decisions. A unique perspective on Kansas policymaking emerges from consideration of this interview in conjunction with KOHP interviews of Hayden conducted in 2018 and 2021.
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Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century provide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and priorities of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here. Show Less