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Parkinson visits Fort Scott
The Liberty Theatre was packed Tuesday evening -- many of those in attendance wearing leis and other Hawaiian attire for the event's theme -- for a campaign fundraiser for District 4 Rep. Shirley Palmer, D-Fort Scott.
Gov. Mark Parkinson, a former businessman and attorney from Olathe, was the guest speaker for the event. Parkinson, a Democrat, was sworn in as governor on April 28 after former governor Kathleen Sebelius was confirmed as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Parkinson said he visited the region Tuesday, which included stops in Pittsburg and Fort Scott, and was pleased with the Fort Scott community and the venue for the event.
"I've seen alot of fundraisers, but I've never seen one quite so elaborate," Parkinson said. "What a wonderful theater, and what a beautiful job you've done with the community."
Organizers of the event decorated the theater in a Hawaiian theme, many guests sported Hawaiian clothing, and even entertainment that was provided was aimed at allowing guests to feel as though they were in a Hawaiian setting.
Parkinson, the 45th governor of Kansas, was presented a key to the City of Fort Scott by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Mark McCoy on behalf of the Fort Scott City Commission. Parkinson also received other gifts as tokens of appreciation on behalf of the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
"I've never been given a key to a city," Parkinson told the crowd shortly after his introduction. "There are a lot of things going through my head right now. Is there a Dairy Queen here? Because after we leave here that's where we're going first," he said to laughs from the audience.
Parkinson then switched the tone of his speech to address such issues as the state budget, the economic recession, cuts in state education funding, and other relevant matters currently facing the state of Kansas. He also took time to recognize and congratulate Palmer, who was first elected to the Kansas Legislature in 2006 and again in 2008, for her recent efforts in Topeka.
"Last session, Shirley was a key part of a group that held the state infrastructure together," he said. "Now that may sound like a big statement, but it's true."
Palmer, a former long-time USD 234 teacher and education proponent, has been instrumental in helping achieve stability in the Legislature during a "chaotic" year that included a weakened economy, a tight state budget, and cuts in education budgets statewide, Parkinson said.
"During that time, we needed calm, and legislators who could pull people together and achieve results -- Shirley was part of that group," he said.
The event was attended by other special guests, including Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney, 44th District Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, who sang the National Anthem during the event, a group of area military veterans who were recognized by McKinney, and others.
Local veteran Jake Underwood led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Several local and state government officials were also in attendance at the event.
Local businessman Jim Smith, the owner of the Liberty Theatre, received a special award from Palmer on behalf of the Kansas Legislature for his support of area soldiers and their families, and for his contributions to the local business community.
A group of USD 234 students performed songs following the event's Hawaiian theme. Mach 5, a vocal quintet from Fort Scott High School, performed an assortment of beach-themed songs. The group was accompanied by Pat Harry, the choir instructor at FSHS and Fort Scott Middle School.