Topic: Environment
Interview of Kathleen Sebelius, January 18, 2023
Interviewed by Rex Buchanan
In this 2023 interview of Kathleen Sebelius by Rex Buchanan, the former Kansas governor explored key energy and environmental issues and how they were addressed during her administration (2003-2009). Those issues included rejection of a new coal-powered electricity generation plant in western Kansas, voluntary protection of the 'heart of the Flint Hills' from wind farm development, and increased pressure on the state's dwindling water supplies. Sebelius attributes many of the energy and environmental approaches of her administration to the expertise and creativity of her cabinet, including Rod Bremby, Secretary of Show MoreHealth and Environment, former Governor Mike Hayden who served as Secretary of Wildlife and Parks in the Sebelius cabinet, and Joe Harkins, a trusted advisor. This interview was recorded by Dave Kendall for Prairie Hollow Productions, LLC. Portions of this interview were included in the documentary Hot Times in the Heartland. The Kansas Oral History Project, Inc. is grateful to former Governor Sebelius, Rex Buchanan, and Dave Kendall for granting permission to include this interview in the KOHP Energy & Environment collection of oral histories.
Highlights -- short excerpts from the interview
Considered together, this interview, along with 2004 and 2016 interviews of Sebelius by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University, and KOHP interviews of Sebelius in 2022 and 2026 present a unique look at Kansas policymaking.
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Interview of Sam Brownback, December 2, 2024
Interviewed by Rex Buchanan
Sam Brownback reviews his service to Kansas beginning with his time as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture and extending through his terms as Governor. Brownback credits his upbringing on a farm in Linn County for development of his views on conservation and resource management. He recalled dealing with the farm crisis and water issues, particularly those involving the Ogallala Aquifer, during his tenure as Secretary of Agriculture. He described carrying his concern for water into his terms as Governor as a vision focused on long-term sustainability for the Ogallala. He also recalled using extensive public consultations to further policy Show Morechanges such as helping to eliminate the "use it or lose it" mentality in the approach to groundwater usage. Brownback described himself as a strong advocate for wind power, supporting development of wind farms, particularly in the central and western regions of the state. He also described extending the protection of the Flint Hills from wind farm development. In the interview, Brownback highlighted his pragmatic approach to policymaking and relationships developed during his public service career.
Highlights -- short excerpts from the interview
Interviews of Kathleen Sebelius by Bob Beatty, August 15 and September 22, 2016
Interviewed by Bob Beatty
In these 2016 interviews, former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius describes her family heritage, entry into politics, and career as a public servant in Kansas. The interviews were conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University. Sebelius describes the influence of her father, John Gilligan, whose commitment to moral courage and civil rights provided a model for principled leadership and retail politics. Gilligan served in Congress and as governor of Ohio. Sebelius details her own political ascent, from serving in the Kansas Legislature to her election as governor. In this interview, Sebelius describes dealing with long-time Show Morestate issues such as school finance and economic development along with newer issues such as tribal gaming compacts and the increasingly complex the healthcare environment. Excerpts of this interview and 2004 and 2008 interviews of Sebelius by Washburn University faculty were published in Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains 40 (Winter 2017-2018): 262-289. Read together, this interview, the 2004 Beatty interview, and KOHP interviews of Sebelius in 2022, 2023, and 2026 present a unique look at Kansas policymaking.
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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 governing styles 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