TOPEKA, Kan. - Citing his experience, professionalism and dedication, Governor Mark Parkinson today named Chris Biggs as Kansas' Secretary of State.
"Chris has been in public service for more than twenty years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our state, our citizens, and our future," Parkinson said. "Chris will bring his forward-looking vision to the Office of Secretary of State while increasing the efficiency and participation in Kansas' elections."
Prior to today's appointment, Biggs, also served as an attorney in public service, including 14 years as Geary County Attorney. Biggs is a graduate of Kansas State University and KU Law School.
"Protecting the integrity of our state's securities has been my mission for the past eight years. I bring that same experience and resolve in protecting the integrity of our state's business filings and electoral system. I am honored, and truly humbled, to be selected for this new post," said Secretary Biggs.
Biggs currently serves as the state's Securities Commissioner, where he most recently, and successfully, prosecuted founder Thomas Etheredge, 55, for a bankrupt theme park Wild West World in Wichita. Etheredge had defrauded roughly 250 investors of over $750,000.
Etheredge was found guilty on seven of nine counts of securities fraud in Sedgwick County District Court last month, and could face the maximum imprisonment of 25 years.
The jury reached a verdict after a three-week trial and almost two days of deliberation. The case was co-prosecuted by Rick Fleming, General Counsel for the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner.
Etheredge defrauded private investors, many from his church congregation, by not disclosing factual information about his past criminal history and business experience.
Etheredge used a book, which included a chapter about his religious conversion experience to induce various members of the Summit Church to invest. The church at one time held services at the theme park.
Biggs, who currently lives in rural Geary County, had decided to run for Secretary of State in this year's primary. Kansas State Senator Chris Steineger, who also announced his intention to run for Kansas Secretary of State, will now face Biggs in the primary.
With all due respect to Gov. Parkinson and Chris Biggs, I support Chris Steineger for Ks. Secy of State. I have known Chris for many years and have seen up close and personal his passion for public service, his integrity, his strong work ethic, and his deep understanding of how government works, while at the same time taking positions on issues based on what he really believes is best for his constituents and not just based on what is popular or easy. Chris Steineger has the courage, experience and vision to be a great Secretary of State.