Topic: Property tax
Interview of Phillip Martin, August 19, 2022
Interviewed by David Webb
Phil Martin served SE Kansas, as county treasurer, senator, appraiser and state Director of Property Valuation. He influenced major tax changes like reappraisal & classification and the implementation of the severance tax while in state government. His recollections of people with whom he served, and issues which which he dealt are interesting and factual.
Interview of John Farmer, December 28, 2023
Interviewed by Rex Buchanan
In this late 2023 interview, John O. Farmer III recalled his long career in the oil business with his family-owned company in Russell, Kansas. Farmer describes the evolution of the oil business over decades as technology changed and improved the possibilities for small- to medium-sized companies in the oil industry. He observes that federal policies and market price fluctuations have more to do with the success or failure of the business than state policies. However, he notes, the interplay of state tax policies can make or break companies that depend on low-production oil wells.
Interview of Roger McCoy, January 24, 2024
Interviewed by Rex Buchanan
Roger McCoy. founder of McCoy Petroleum Corporation with headquarters in Wichita, Ks. , recalls growing up in the oil industry from the late 1950s. Among his observations about the industry, are the dynamics of relationships between independent oil companies, like his and the "majors" like Mobile Oil and Gulf that were active in Kansas. McCoy also observes that environment-related regulation of the industry in Kansas is "justified" and that federal laws impact the industry more than state laws. In his observations, laws that impact pricing and leasing, such as the Kansas Natural Gas Price Protection Act, and Show Morethe Deep Horizons law have greater impact on the industry than most of the environmental requirements. Show Less
Interview of Ed McKechnie, February 9, 2024
Interviewed by Chris Courtwright
This lengthy and wide-ranging interview is full of interesting stories about how the legislature worked when its leaders realized the House Democrats were in the majority by one vote (1990 election) with a new Democratic governor. The 1991-92 session was historic because of the major changes in property taxes and school finance. McKechnie built relationships across the aisle which helped him accomplish things and pass legislation. His interview is replete with descriptions of legislators with whom he worked. McKechnie served on the Kansas Bioscience Authority and after its demise, on the Kansas Board of Regents. Show More He discussed the transition of the University of Kansas Hospital to being designated a major cancer center. One particularly interesting story for football fans is about the major conference realignment that occurred from 2011 to 2012. He described in detail the negotiations over which university would stay or leave the Big XII. Ordinarily the Regents would not have been involved, but the impact of these decisions was too great to ignore. McKechnie also talks about the decisions the Regents made about raising tuition. Show Less