Staying involved in Kansas issues still important to resigning senator

By Jason E. Silvers

Fort Scott Tribune

Sen. Jim Barone, D-Frontenac, may be stepping down from his position in the 13th Senate District, but this does not mean he plans to stay completely away from the political arena.

"Oh, I plan to stay involved," Barone said Monday. "I will still comment whenever it's appropriate."

Barone said there are a few major statewide issues that were touched on during the most recent session of the Kansas Legislature that will need to be addressed further in the near future.

"I'm very concerned recently with out-of-control state spending that's going to need more attention soon," Barone said. "Coal plants, future energy uses across the state, illegal immigration, none of these have been resolved. Tourism is also an issue, and health care."

Barone said he has supported several positive regional initiatives that state government has made over the years during his nearly 13-year stint in the Kansas Senate, including the extension of the completed U.S. Highway 69 south to the Kansas-Oklahoma border; and local option gaming, which allows voters to determine if they want to use money generated by area casinos as a way to increase state revenues.

"I've never really supported gaming in that way, but I've always thought that if the people want it, let them vote to have it," he said.

Barone said tax rates are also lower now than when he began his career as a legislator in 1995.

Barone said some of the reasons he chose to leave his position on the Kansas Senate including spending more time with his grandchildren and other family members and friends. He also cited a long, fulfilling career, and the fact that periodic change is needed to make political representation continue to work, as big reasons behind his decision to step down.

"It was a great run, but it's time for a change," he said. "The time has gone by incredibly fast. I can't believe it's been 12 years -- that's a long time for anyone to be doing anything."

In a letter to The Fort Scott Tribune, Barone said the Kansas Constitution does not allow for full-time, career professional politicians. Only three of the 15 states that have term limits permit politicians to serve for 12 years, and no state permits service of more than 12 years, Barone said in the letter.

"Being guided by the historic tradition of this Senate District, the spirit of a citizen legislature, not professional politicians, and my personal beliefs, I have always planned on doing my best to represent the constituency of the 13th Senate District, to make my contribution, and then move on to other interests and challenges," he said. "With that said, I will not seek re-election."

He also said he plans to possibly devote more time to his property management and real estate business, and to continue keeping up with state governmental affairs periodically.

"We'll just see what comes up," he said. "I've enjoyed it. The people have been great to me. Fort Scott has been good to me and I've had a lot of support there. I want to continue the friendships that I have made."

The race for Barone's seat is currently being contested by two men, Pittsburg Republican Jacob LaTurner, and Fort Scott Republican Bob Marshall. Any Democrat who chooses to enter the race has until Tuesday to file for the position, although as of press time, no Democratic candidate has done so. The 13th Kansas Senate District serves Cherokee, Crawford and Bourbon counties in Southeast Kansas.