We have Democratic Party heroes. We collectively just don't know about them or know enough about them. But instead of writing one of those "someone should get out there and do some research posts" I decided to get...out...there.. and do some... research.
I first got an introduction to Kathleen Sebelius from KOS's post Here
she's tirelessly worked to bring over those disenchanted moderates over to the Democratic side (including a former state chair of the Republican Party).
A true uniter.
A tireless worker.
She got a second term in a place which is 2 to 1 Republican v. Democrat!
Named one of the five best Governors in the Country
TIME
Through spending cuts, fee increases and some borrowing, Sebelius was able to balance Kansas’ budget in her first year in office without raising taxes or cutting funding for education
Simple ideas with practical results.
She has been pushing the people of Kansas to take some steps to better thier health options.
http://www.governor.ks.gov/
But did you know just a few simple steps can help you reduce your health costs and live a healthier, longer life? It’s true. Lifestyle changes and preventative health care can help you avoid illness and costly visits to the doctor or hospital.
That’s why I’m encouraging Kansans to take the Healthy Kansas Pledge and commit to making a few simple changes in their lives, namely: getting more physical activity, eating healthier and quitting smoking.
The Kansas City Star
Study finds Kansans healthier, but with weight problems
Kansas was one of the four most improved states in the country last year in terms of the health of its residents, according to a national study released Tuesday by the United Health Foundation.
She's big into education.
Kansas gets smarter
Protect and strengthen public schools after years of neglect. (Nov 2006)
Education First: Target additional $300M where most needed. (Jan 2004)
Minimize the need for college tuition increases. (Jan 2004)
Review district finances and bring efficiency. (Jan 2004)
Pay teachers adequately and provide them with health care. (Jan 2004)
Increase state funding instead of local property taxes. (Oct 2002)
Her thoughts on the role of Government
2003 inagural address
2003
The role of government is to empower citizens to come together and provide services we can't provide by ourselves - to build roads, organize schools, secure our borders and our neighborhoods, and promote commerce. Government must compliment and enhance the work of private citizens, not impede the progress of ndividuals.
She's wants to work together with people. She has even convinced many a moderate Republican to leave that party and join her as a Democrat.
Not hard to see how this can apply to more than just the state level.
That word together is important for us to have in the front of our minds and on the tips of our tongues this year. Today's problems are the results of many different things. Some of it has been the slowing economy. Some of it has been past choices that were made. Whatever the cause, we got into this problem together, and we will get out of it together. There is no time for blame. There is no time for second-guessing. There is only time to look ahead and move forward together.
The Kansas State motto
Ad Astra Per Aspera—To the Stars Through Difficulties.