HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Speaker of the House for the Kansas Legislature, Mike O'Neal, just doesn't get it. He doesn't seem to understand how his actions look to the ordinary citizens he is supposed to represent.
For those who haven't heard, he is accepting money from workers compensation funds, the Kansas Bankers Association, the Kansas Realtors Association, and Speedy Cash to sue the state. These special interest groups have every right to lobby the legislature. But make no mistake about it, they try to influence legislation. And when Mr. O'Neal accepted money from these groups it sure looks like he is charging for access to his office. O'Neal may not consider this paying for access. But I do. And many other Reno County residents do.
The question isn't whether the suit has merit. The question is, what are these groups getting for their "legal fees"? They get to talk to the Speaker of the Kansas House about legislation and budget issues. They get access that ordinary citizens do not.
I know Mr. O'Neal is indignant that anyone would question him on this. I'm sorry Mr. Speaker, but I do. The citizens of Reno County deserve answers.
- How much are you being paid?
- When have you met with your "clients"?
- Have you billed them for time, when you should have been working for the citizens you are supposed represent?
- Have any of these clients visited you in the Speakers Office?
- What legislation have you discussed with your clients?
I will be blunt. It looks like you are charging for access. If, as you claim, your being paid to sue the state is a legitimate activity, you should be willing answer these questions.
The citizens of Kansas are waiting for an answer.
How, pray tell, can it be ethical to pass laws and then get paid, by those who think your law infringes upon their freedom, to sue to overturn those laws? What, in the world, constitutes conflict of interest?