Blue Ribbon Commission Holds Town Hall Meetings In Liberal

A three-member panel of the Blue Ribbon Commission that has been appointed to review all facets of the Kansas judiciary conducted th first of two public meetings in Liberal Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 at Seward County Community College to hear local concerns and suggestions to improve access and efficiency in the state’s court system. The meeting was facilitated by Bob Boaldin, Morton County Commissioner, and a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission. Also from the Commission were Calvin Williams, a Colby attorney in private practice and Commission Chair Judge Patrick McAnany. The meeting room was packed with local and area officials including city and county commissioners from the area, attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, court personnel and other concerned citizens. Input was requested on how to:

• What should be done to give the courts flexibility to adjust manpower or court facilities as workloads or funding for the courts change?

• Are there court services that could be better provided regionally, electronically, or at one central statewide location?

• How could we use technology to improve the court system?

• Are there certain court services that must be kept at the county level?

• What other concerns or issues do you want the Commission to consider

  Several attendees expressed concerns over losing judges and court services in our area and the possibility of regionalized District Courts. The Commission assured the group that they weren’t the "bad guys" and that they needed ideas from all of the 19 meetings across the state to present to the Kansas Supreme Court. Use of technology,e-filing, and visual technology, were just a few of the ideas mentioned. However the message that was clear from all those that shared thoughts and ideas, was that the rural court systems has been streamlined and stretched about as far as it can go, and if money is to be cut, it is simple economics, look at where the majority of the money is being spent, and look for cuts in those Districts. It was also mention several times that the State of Kansas does reach west of Wichita. The second meeting was held Wednesday evening and was open to the public.