County officials began discussion of changes that are being made in state government during this week’s Barton County Commission meeting, and that discussion will continue next week when a letter of appreciation to Mike Hayden is considered.
According to the agenda for next week’s meeting, Hayden, who served in prior administrations as the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks secretary, was important in the development of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. It also notes that his support was important for work on townships roads “in and around Cheyenne Bottoms.”
Hayden’s support for the county and the Bottoms was discussed by County Administrator Richard Boeckman at the commission meeting this week. He led work on the K-4 overlook and on bridge replacement near the Bottoms.
Commissioner Kenny Schremmer added that Hayden was instrumental in the South Hoisington clean up effort as well.
Though some of Hayden’s goals — including the development of a major RV parking facility in the South Hoisington area — have not been realized, his activity was crucial in getting the clean up effort funded and realized.
It was announced recently that Gov. Sam Brownback had chosen Robin Jennison as his KDWP secretary.
Jennison, who has been involved in Kansas government for more than 20 years, is a former speaker of the Kansas House, and worked with Brownback on outdoors programs.
Hayden had been appointed secretary by Bill Graves in 2001 and was retained by both Kathleen Sebelius and Mark Parkinson.
Prior to that, Hayden had served as govern from 1987 to 1991.