Supreme Court speaks out against new judicial law

The Kansas Supreme Court today spoke out against a judicial bill that was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Sam Brownback.

In a news release, the Supreme Court stated that it had strongly opposed the bill since it was proposed and it is now “troubled” with its signing into law.
The bill, Senate Substitute for HB 2338, “weakens the centralized authority of the Kansas unified court system in exchange for money to pay our employees and keep courts open. And the money it provides still may fall short of even doing that,” the court stated.

“This is a poor trade. We have very serious concerns about what will happen to the administration of justice in Kansas,” the court stated. “We believe Kansans deserve better.”

Also issuing a statement today was Kansans for Fair Courts, www.KansansForFairCourts.org.

“We are disheartened that the governor has allowed political retribution to stand as a substitute for reasoned policymaking and respect for the rule of law,” the organization stated. “The Legislature passed this bill to punish the Supreme Court for upholding the Kansas Constitution and ensuring that Kansas children have equitable access to a world-class education. Despite hearing from hundreds of Kansans urging him to veto this extreme measure, the governor has once again chosen politics over protecting the best interests of our state.”

Among the changes in the new law, it removes from the Supreme Court the authority to appoint the chief judge in each judicial district. Instead it says the district court judges will elect a chief judge from each district. It also allows a longer time, up to 120 days, in filling district court judge vacancies.

The bill gives an additional $2 million to the judicial branch in fiscal year 2015 and increases some docket fees.

To read the bill summary, visit www.kslegislature.org/li/b2013_14/measures/hb2338/.

Open house planned on I-70 viaduct design

A public open house on plans for the I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the Hilton Garden Inn-Eisenhower Room, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

At the open house, the aesthetic design concept for the viaduct will be presented.

Those attending may see the viaduct design, and see a review of the project and a schedule. Kansas Department of Transportation staff members will be available to answer questions and discuss the design concept process. There is no formal presentation scheduled.

It is a drop-in event.  Burns and McDonnell of Kansas City, Mo., is handling the design. Those who require special assistance at the open house may call 816-349-6766.

Kansas City, Kan., police reports

March 26
Theft, 700 block of North 38th, Hyundai Sonata, $6,000 value.
Burglary, 3000 block of South 53rd, safe, cash, necklace, $3,700 value.
Burglary, criminal damage, 1300 block of North 76th, window trim, $800 value.
Burglary, criminal damage, 2900 block of North 52nd, window pane, three televisions, $4,165 value.
Burglary, criminal damage, 3600 block of Farrow, handgun, two televisions, $1,249.99 value.

March 25
Burglary, criminal damage, 2600 block of South 28th, door frame damaged, can of tuna stolen, meat cleaver recovered, $106.25 value.

March 22
Burglary, 2800 block of Eaton, motorcycle, motorcycle jacket, helmet, $8,400 value.
March 15
Criminal use of financial card, 4600 block of Shawnee Drive, cash, $300 value.