Column has attempted to explain things as they are, not always how we want them

The legislative session has ended and we will not reconvene until January 2011, barring a problem requiring a special session. We will likely have a few summer committees exploring topics that have surfaced during the session.

This will be my last column, so long as nothing of import happens before January.

Throughout the session, I have tried to keep you informed about the most pressing matters facing the legislature, and you have responded by giving me your opinions, through the survey as well as your calls, letters, and e-mails. Thanks.

Thank-you also for listening as I have tried to explain things the way they are, not the way you or I would simply want them to be. Your desire and willingness to take in new information, to understand, to inform me, and to ask questions has been nothing short of astounding.

This is the part of our representative democracy?our republic?that is vital. As I said early in 2009, it has not been my goal to convince you to think as I think, but that you?and I?think and analyze and ask questions. You haven?t sat idly on the sidelines, taking what is fed to you, like lambs to the slaughter. You have answered the call.

Thank-you for the opportunity to serve you. I am aware not everyone will agree with every vote I have made, but I?m also aware you don?t expect we will be lockstep with each other. The question for you and me has been whether in the balance of the whole, you and I are on the same page in the book. I believe we are.

I also think you understand there is no perfect bill in the legislature, and nearly every bill has some part we?d like to modify. The issue remains whether a bill can be amended, and if not, whether as a whole passing the bill is better than the alternative.

You can continue to contact me by e-mail me at: Brookens70@sbcglobal.net, or write me at 201 Meadow Lane, Marion, KS 66861, or call me at 620-382-2133.

More from Rep. Bob Brookens
New governor, familiar issues await legislature
Well, it?s off to Topeka for the beginning of the 2011 legislative...
Read More