Societies experience continuity and change over time. (HGSS 4)

Lessons in Leadership from Kansas Leaders

Interesting short clips from oral history interviews that address various aspects of leadership from public officials in Kansas.

Leadership Challenges

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Why Railroads Are Important to Kansas

The railroad industry was suddenly in danger of collapsing in the 1970's because some its lines, such as the Rock Island, Penn Central and others were in bankruptcy. Kansas agriculture would be harmed without rail service to ship its products. Kansas Senators Dole and Pearson, later joined by Rep. Slattery and Senator Kassebaum worked to create a method of deregulation in the form of the 4-R Act. Pat Hubbell, a lobbyist with the railroad industry described in this 17 minute excerpt how "he was on a mission" to save the industry because of its importance Show Moreand the need to transport Kansas coal and agricultural products. He recalls passenger trains of the past that have disappeared and mergers that have left Kansas with only two major railroads, the Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. The Study Guide that is attached raises questions for students to consider. Show Less

What Do Lobbyists Do?

This 13 minute portion of an oral history interview with experienced lobbyist Pat Hubbell focuses on how he became a lobbyist, first for Kansas Beer Wholesalers and then several railroads. He stresses the importance of his work to "save" the railroads from financial collapse and pass the 4-R Act which changed the way they were regulated federally and at the state level. His description of the hospitality rooms at the Jayhawk hotel shows the contrast with how lobbying worked in the 1970's and today. The entire interview can be found on this website at Statehouse Conversations.

Kansas Oil and Gas Fields

Oil and gas resources are not found everywhere in the state, but at least some production has occurred in most counties, as the map here shows. John O. Farmer III whose company is located in Russell described in his 2023 interview his company's exploration and production activities in the area around Russell. When Roger McCoy was interviewed in 2024 for the oral history project, he described becoming interested in geology almost by accident in the 1950s. He also recalled working in the southcentral and southwest part of Kansas where both oil and gas are found.

Flint Hills — A Unique Area

The Flint Hills form one of 11 physiographic regions in Kansas. The combination of topography, climate, and human activity have made part of the region one of the last remaining expanses of tallgrass prairie in the world. In excerpts from separate oral history interviews of two former Kansas Governors, you hear how a unique approach was implemented to prevent windfarm development in a portion of the Flint Hills to protect the tallgrass prairie. Governor Sebelius adopted the initial policy with a moratorium on windfarm development in a section of the Show MoreFlint Hills in 2004. As described in his oral history interview, Governor Brownback expanded the original area and renewed the protection. In 2020 Governor Laura Kelly continued the protection of the "Tallgrass Heartland." Show Less

Frank Carlson Study Guide

Frank Carlson, Kansas Native Son, former state legislator, Congressman, Governor, and U.S. Senator was the subject of an interview with Eunice Rolfs, his daughter, in order to gain information about her father and the times in which he lived. There is a study guide attached that is based on the interview transcript and other materials provided by the Carlson Library in Concordia, KS. The material is intended for use in middle school Kansas History classes.

The Arc of Water Policy

In two separate interviews, Joe Harkins, former director of the Kansas Water Office and Mike Hayden, former Governor of Kansas, discussed the arc of policymaking in the context of water policy. Both pointed to the importance of state leaders who saw water quality and quantity as important issues for the state. Both also pointed to the ebb and flow of interest in the issues as leaders changed through the electoral process. The clips of those interviews lead to some questions about how public policymaking depends on individuals' interactions with one another and how the formal structures of government Show Moreplay a role in those interactions. Show Less

Natural Boundaries

In his 2021 interview about Kansas water policy, former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden described the usefulness of establishing water policy administrative units based on the natural boundaries of watersheds.

Bipartisanship and Working Across the Aisle

This 14 minute video was prepared by former State Representative and Speaker ProTem David Heinemann. The video clips came from interviews in the KOHP archives. The first clip is former Congressman Jim Slattery talking about a speech he made on the floor of the House and Speaker Clyde Hill's comments to him. Next is Representative Kenny Wilk from Leavenworth area talking about advice from Rep. Bill Reardon, a Wyandotte county Democrat. Rep. Don Hineman, former Majority Leader speaks to the importance of "working across the aisle." Senator Paul Feleciano made a similar Show Morecomment. Rep. Bob Tomlinson, Insurance Committee Chair had a great relationship with his ranking member. Rep. Carl Holmes was pulled off his post as chair of the Energy committee by the Speaker. Rep. Solbach spoke about the importance of socializing with members of the other party. Governor Graves talked about bipartisanship and his job as Governor in "taking care of the people's business." Senator Wint Winter was on a committee in 1986 trying to develop a state-wide plan for economic development. Heinemann concludes with more information on how the economic development task force was constructed and its successes. Show Less

Desegregating Topeka Public Schools – 45 years after Brown v. Board

In this 13-minute short video, taken from a longer oral history interview, Ben Scott - minister, NAACP official, former legislator, school board member--talks first about his experiences growing up in Liberty, Texas attending segregated schools. (Scott moved to Topeka to attend Washburn University.) In this clip, Scott describes how, after he became a member of the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education, the Board attempted to comply with a federal court order to desegregate schools. This clip could be used in conjunction with the lesson plan on Understanding Segregation. The full content of Show MoreScott's interview and transcript is in the KOHP collection, Diverse Voices in Public Policy. The interviewer is Joan Wagnon. There is more information about the court case in the Biography of The Honorable Richard Dean Rogers, Senior United States District Judge, a history prepared 1994-1995 by Homer Socolofsky, United States District Court, District of Kansas, 1995. Printed in U.SA. by Mennonite Press. Pertinent sections appear on pp. 106-107 and also pp. 111-113. Show Less

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Societies experience continuity and change over time. (HGSS 4)