Topic: Ogallala Aquifer
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 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.
________________________
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