Early Years

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was born and raised in a small village in Kenya, where he grew up herding goats with his own father, who was a domestic servant to the British.

Barack's mother, Ann Dunham, grew up in small-town Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs during the Depression, and then signed up for World War II after Pearl Harbor, where he marched across Europe in Patton's army. Her mother went to work on a bomber assembly line, and after the war, they studied on the G.I. Bill, bought a house through the Federal Housing Program, and moved west to Hawaii.

It was there, at the University of Hawaii, where Barack's parents met. His mother was a student there, and his father had won a scholarship that allowed him to leave Kenya and pursue his dreams in America.

Barack's father eventually returned to Kenya, and Barack grew up with his mother in Hawaii, and for a few years in Indonesia. Later, he moved to New York, where he graduated from Columbia University in 1983.

The College Years

Remembering the values of empathy and service that his mother taught him, Barack put law school and corporate life on hold after college and moved to Chicago in 1985, where he became a community organizer with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment.

The group had some success, but Barack had come to realize that in order to truly improve the lives of people in that community and other communities, it would take not just a change at the local level, but a change in our laws and in our politics.

He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Soon after, he returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. Finally, his advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the U.S. Senate.

Political Career

It has been the rich and varied experiences of Barack Obama's life - growing up in different places with people who had differing ideas - that have animated his political journey. Amid the partisanship and bickering of today's public debate, he still believes in the ability to unite people around a politics of purpose - a politics that puts solving the challenges of everyday Americans ahead of partisan calculation and political gain.

In the Illinois State Senate, this meant working with both Democrats and Republicans to help working families get ahead by creating programs like the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. He also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama worked with law enforcement officials to require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

In the U.S. Senate, he has focused on tackling the challenges of a globalized, 21st century world with fresh thinking and a politics that no longer settles for the lowest common denominator. His first law was passed with Republican Tom Coburn, a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent. He has also been the lead voice in championing ethics reform that would root out Jack Abramoff-style corruption in Congress.

As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Obama has fought to help Illinois veterans get the disability pay they were promised, while working to prepare the VA for the return of the thousands of veterans who will need care after Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizing the terrorist threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, he traveled to Russia with Republican Dick Lugar to begin a new generation of non-proliferation efforts designed to find and secure deadly weapons around the world. And knowing the threat we face to our economy and our security from America's addiction to oil, he's working to bring auto companies, unions, farmers, businesses and politicians of both parties together to promote the greater use of alternative fuels and higher fuel standards in our cars.

Whether it's the poverty exposed by Katrina, the genocide in Darfur, or the role of faith in our politics, Barack Obama continues to speak out on the issues that will define America in the 21st century. But above all his accomplishments and experiences, he is most proud and grateful for his family. His wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, live on Chicago's South Side.

Pledging independent leadership to move Kansas forward, in 2003 Kathleen Sebelius became the 44th Governor of the State of Kansas. Governor Sebelius was reelected to a second term in 2006.

At the heart of Governor Sebelius’ administration is a commitment to growing the Kansas economy and creating jobs; ensuring every Kansas child receives a quality education; protecting Kansas families and communities; improving access to quality, affordable health care; and taking advantage of the state’s renewable energy assets.

Through a commitment to making the state’s business climate more attractive – and by balancing the state budget without raising taxes – the Kansas economy has rebounded resulting in low unemployment and the creation of thousands of new jobs.

Because good schools equal good jobs and a growing economy, Governor Sebelius has made improving public education a priority. During her first term the state made a historic commitment to Kansas’ schoolchildren, and in her second term, Sebelius has strengthened that commitment, proposing significant funding increases for early childhood learning and pre-kindergarten programs.

Another responsibility is to keep Kansas communities safe. Governor Sebelius works closely with Kansas first responders and law enforcement to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies. In order to enhance the safety and security of Kansas citizens, the Governor proposed the creation of five regional training centers for first responders and Kansas National Guard personnel.

Since the rising cost of health care is a threat to families and businesses, the Governor is working to ensure Kansans have access to quality and affordable health care. She’s also proposed providing health insurance to every uninsured Kansas child from birth to age five in order to give these children a healthy start on life.

Sebelius believes Kansas must take advantage of its enormous potential for renewable energy production. She’s working with business and community leaders, utilities, and local governments to promote wind energy and biofuels production in Kansas, as well as expanded energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

Governor Sebelius serves on the National Governors Association’s Executive Committee and is co-chair of the National Governors Association’s initiative, Securing a Clean Energy Future. Sebelius is the immediate past chair of the Education Commission of the States and as past chair of the Democratic Governors Association, she currently serves on the DGA Executive Committee.

Married to husband, Gary, a federal magistrate judge, for 33 years, they have two sons: Ned and John. Both Sebelius boys are products of the Topeka public school system, pre-kindergarten through high school. Ned is a law student, and John is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Sebelius is the first daughter of a Governor (John Gilligan, Ohio, 1971-1975) in U.S. history to be elected to that same position.

 

Kathleen Sebelius - Brief Biography

(Suitable for introductions)

Pledging independent leadership to move Kansas forward, Kathleen Sebelius became the 44th Governor of the State of Kansas in 2003. She was reelected to a second term in 2006.

At the heart of Governor Sebelius’ administration is a commitment to growing the Kansas economy and creating jobs; ensuring every Kansas child receives a quality education; protecting Kansas families and communities; improving access to quality, affordable health care; and taking advantage of the state’s renewable energy assets.

Governor Sebelius serves on the National Governors Association’s Executive Committee and is co-chair of the National Governors Association’s initiative, Securing a Clean Energy Future. Sebelius is the immediate past chair of the Education Commission of the States and as past chair of the Democratic Governors Association, she currently serves on the DGA Executive Committee.

Married to husband, Gary, a federal magistrate judge, for 33 years, they have two sons: Ned and John. Both Sebelius boys are products of the Topeka public school system, pre-kindergarten through high school. Ned is a law student, and John is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Sebelius is the first daughter of a Governor (John Gilligan, Ohio, 1971-1975) in U.S. history to be elected to that same position.

 

A successful businessman and former legislator, Mark Parkinson is a native Kansan who grew up in Wichita and now resides in Olathe. Mark’s family has its roots in Scott City, where they still operate a family farm.

Born in Wichita, Parkinson attended Wichita Public Schools and graduated from Heights High School, before going on to graduate summa cum laude from Wichita State University in 1980. He graduated first in his class from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1984.

Parkinson then entered private practice, going on to form his own law firm in 1986, and served as president of the Johnson County Bar Foundation.

Parkinson was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1990. Two years later he was elected to the Kansas Senate. While in the Legislature, Parkinson was known as someone who bridged party lines. He worked to strengthen Kansas schools and enhance local control.

In 1996, Parkinson’s career path focused on a new passion: helping enhance older Kansans’ quality of life through first-class elder-care retirement facilities. His company’s assisted living facilities have received national recognition for their design, and the business has been named as an outstanding business in Northeast Johnson County.

Parkinson served as chairman of the Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce board in 2004, and in 2005 was the “Chair of the Chairs” of the six chambers of commerce in Johnson County. In 2006, he joined Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ ticket for office. He is now Lt. Governor for the State of Kansas.

Governor Sebelius appointed Parkinson as co-chair of the Kansas Energy Council and chair of the Kansas Wind Working Group. In the summer of 2007, he launched Volunteer Kansas to assist in connecting volunteers to service organizations.  Parkinson also serves on the Kansas Mentors Leadership Council, chaired by Coach Bill Snyder.  He continues to lead the BEST efforts, the Governor’s budget-savings initiative.

Mark and Stacy, his wife of more than 25 years, are active in community and charitable organizations, including co-chairing the successful Sunflower House Capital Campaign which raised $4.2 million to support the child abuse assistance agency. They also completed a $6.7 million Capital Campaign for SAFEHOME, one of the most comprehensive domestic violence agencies in Kansas. Both involvements led the United Community Services of Johnson County to name Mark and Stacy as 2006 Co-Citizens of the Year. They are parents to three children: Alex, Sam, and Kit. They belong to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.

Steve Six was sworn in as the 43rd Attorney General of Kansas on January 31, 2008, stepping down as a district court judge to serve the people of Kansas in a new role.

Steve grew up in Lawrence. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. Following in the foot steps of his father, Steve went on to study law at the University of Kansas. Steve’s father, Justice Fred Six, served on the Kansas Supreme Court for more than 15 years before retiring in 2005.

In 1993, Steve graduated from the KU Law School. He immediately went to work as a clerk for the Honorable Deanell Tacha of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

In 1994, Steve joined the law firm of Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman in Kansas City, Mo. He specialized in complex litigation and trial work. In 2000, he was named partner in that firm.

After representing the interests of everyday Kansans for nearly ten years, Steve was appointed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius as a District Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District in 2005. During his time on the bench, he gained respect as a fair, independent legal mind while presiding over criminal, civil and domestic violence dockets.

Since becoming Kansas Attorney General, Steve has focused on increasing awareness and preventing Internet crime. He is strengthening the Cyber Crime Unit in an effort to hold more cyber criminals accountable and stop Internet crimes in Kansas. He is working to increase outreach and education for parent and kids to keep our families safe.

Protecting consumers is one of Steve’s highest priorities. He has spent the early months of his term restructuring his office’s Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division to better serve Kansans. He is focusing on mediation, swift complaint resolution and ensuring Kansas’s businesses can compete on a level playing field.

Steve has taken a hands-on approach to the state’s ongoing legal battle for Kansas’ natural resources, including water from Republican River. He is committed to protecting Kansas farmers and communities and ensuring our state receives our fair share of water.

Since taking over the office, Steve has also focused on enhancing the technological capabilities of the office by upgrading the information technology infrastructure and case management system. In conducting this overhaul, Steve hopes to increase the efficiency of the office and improve the office’s ability to communicate with the public.

Six and his wife Betsy have four young children.

Dennis Moore, a lifelong Kansan, is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. (See What It's Like to be a Congressman for a look at life in the House.)

Moore was born in Anthony, Kansas, in 1945. He was educated in Wichita public schools. In 1967, he graduated from the University of Kansas, and received his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1970.

After service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, Moore started his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Kansas. He entered private legal practice in Johnson County in 1973.

In 1976, Moore was elected District Attorney in Johnson County and was reelected twice, serving a total of 12 years. During his tenure, Moore earned a reputation as a tough, but fair, prosecutor.

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As District Attorney, Moore:

• personally prosecuted more than twenty-five felony jury trials;
• led the Consumer Protection Division in the investigation and successful prosecution of a national oil company charged with rigging gas pumps to cheat consumers;
• established the first Victim Assistance Unit;
• served as President of the Kansas County and District Attorney's Association.

In 1993, Moore was elected to the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees and was elected to a second term.

Since being elected to Congress in 1998, Moore has served his country and the constituents of the Third District of Kansas.

In Congress, Moore:

• serves as a leading advocate for fiscal responsibility, including reinstatement of the 'Pay As You Go' budget rule requiring that any legislation affecting entitlement spending be revenue neutral;
• helped bring the Amber Alert system to the Kansas City metro area;
• wrote legislation, now law, providing full airfare payment for soldiers stationed overseas returning home for Rest and Recuperation;
• led effort giving Medicare negotiating authority to lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries;
• wrote legislation, now law, raising the death gratuity benefit from $12,000 to $100,000 for families of service persons killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Moore is a member of the House Committees on the Budget and Financial Services, and is on a leave of absence from the House Small Business Committee during the 110th Congress.

Moore is also a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate to conservative Democrats committed to restoring fiscal responsibility and accountability to government. Moore serves as Co-Chair for Policy, charged with overseeing various task forces to develop the group's policy positions.

As a member of the Center Aisle Caucus, a group formed to bring more civility and bipartisanship to Congress, Moore has developed a reputation as someone who will reach across the aisle to develop common-sense solutions to issues.

The Kansas City Star said, "[Moore] cuts through the partisan rhetoric in search of logical, common-sense solutions." The Johnson County Sun noted that "Dennis Moore votes with his district on major issues…his concerns and his interests lie right here, where he spends a great deal of his time.”

Moore resides in Lenexa with his wife Stephene, a registered nurse. They have seven children and eight grandchildren.

For more than three decades, Marci Francisco is making a difference in our city, county, and state. She has brought diverse points of view together to arrive at creative solutions.

As a Democrat in the Kansas Senate, Marci has worked with our governor to strengthen the foundations of the Kansas economy by:

   1. Improving Health Care for Kansans
   2. Funding Public Education
   3. Caring for Our Natural Resources

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FAMILY

Marci and her husband, Joe Bickford, a long time employee of the K-Mart Distribution Center, have worked together to save and renovate homes in Lawrence neighborhoods.
ACHIEVEMENTS & PUBLIC SERVICE

   1. 38 years at the University of Kansas
   2. Bachelor’s of Architecture degree, 1977
   3. Career in facilities and space management
   4. Lawrence City Commission, 1979-1983
   5. Mayor of Lawrence, 1981-1983
   6. Community Block Grant Advisory Board
   7. Recycling & Resource Conservation Board
   8. Received the 2008 Helen Fluker Open an Accessible Government Award by the Lawrence-Douglas County League of Women Voters

COMMUNITY, COUNTY & STATE

   1. Headquarters Counseling Center Participant
   2. Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.
   3. Kansas Preservation Alliance
   4. Lawrence and Douglas County Preservation Alliances
   5. League of Women Voters Lawrence-Douglas County
   6. League of Women Voters of Kansas
   7. Ranking Minority Member, Senate Agriculture Committee
   8. Ranking Minority Member National Resources Committee
   9. Member, Federal and State Affairs
  10. Member, Midwest Higher Education Compact
  11. Member, Joint Committee on Arts and Cultural Resources
  12. Member, Committee on Utilities
  13. Member, Legislative Educational Planning Committee

3rd District Residency: Baldwin City resident since 1993 Family Background: Married to Barbara for over 27 years Extremely proud parent of four great kids! Thomas - 2004 Kansas University graduate / 2000 Lawrence High School graduate Derek - Baker University senior / 2004 Lawrence High School graduate Brandon - Kansas University freshman /   2007 Lawrence High School graduate Louisa - Schwegler Elementary School
Legislative Experience: State Representative of the Kansas House 10th District - January 2003 to Present Occupation: Owner and President - Holland Technologies, Incorporated (active since 1994) Corporate Achievement and Recognition: 1999 & 2000 - Deloitte & Touche Kansas / Western Missouri Technology Fast 50 Award Education: Indiana University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Dec 1982 University of Minnesota, Masters of Business Administration, Aug 1987 Professional Certifications: Project Management Professional™ (Since 2001) Community Activities and Awards: Advisory Board Co-chair, Kansas Small Business Development Center (Present) Recognized by Kansas Disability Caucus for showing leadership to fund programs for people with disabilities (August 2003) Member of Plymouth Congregational Church since 1996: Annual Appeal Chairman (2007) Stewardship Board Chairman (2006) / previously served as member Co-founded "Gathering of Grace" contemporary worship service / previously served as music director Coached numerous baseball and softball teams including Louie Holcom Amateur Baseball Association, Douglas County Amateur Baseball Association, Lawrence Parks and Recreation, and Lawrence Girls Fast Pitch Association (1996 to 2001, 2007) Webelos Den Leader (1995 to 1997) Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Monroe County - Bloomington, IN (1981 to 1982) Kansas State Rifle Association Favorite Political Figures: Franklin Roosevelt Thomas Jefferson Theodore Roosevelt Winston Churchill Harry Truman

Still working for you!

Working for excellence in our
public schools and universities.

Working for affordable, quality
health care.

Working to create jobs in a
stronger economy while preserving
a clean environment.

Working to fight adult and
juvenile crime for community safety
and stability.

Paul Davis is a lifelong Lawrence resident. He attended Lawrence Public Schools and graduated from Lawrence High School. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kansas, Davis went on to obtain a Juris Doctor from the Washburn University School of Law. He currently practices law with the firm of Meyer & Davis, L.L.C. in Lawrence.

Davis, who represents the 46th House of Representatives District, took office in 2003. He serves on the House Taxation, Transportation and Judiciary committees. During his first term, he organized a bi-partisan group of freshmen legislators that offered an alternative budget plan which would increase funding for K-12 education, higher education, social services and would shore up the unfunded liability of the KPERS retirement system. Davis also introduced legislation that would require insurance companies to cover all forms of contraception for women along with introducing a bill that would completely revamp the legislative and congressional reapportionment process.

During the 2004 session, Davis worked with Governor Sebelius to pass a bill in the House of Representatives that would put almost $150 million new dollars into K-12 education. He also worked with Republican and Democratic legislators to save the state van pool program along with authoring a new law that cracks down on persons who perpetrate financial scams against senior citizens.

Prior to his service in the Kansas Legislature, Davis was on the staff of former Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius as her Assistant Director for Government Affairs and worked for almost four years as the Legislative and Ethics Counsel to the Kansas Bar Association. He is currently President of the Health Care Access Clinic Board of Directors, Vice President of the Arc of Douglas County Board of Directors and is a member of the City of Lawrence Housing Trust Fund Board. Davis is also a graduate of Leadership Lawrence and is a former member of the Leadership Lawrence Advisory Board.

Davis' record of accomplishment in the Legislature has been recognized by several organizations. In 2003, he was recognized "for his courageous leadership to address the need to fund programs for people with disabilities" by the Kansas Disability Caucus. He was also named by the National Journal as a rising star in Kansas politics. In 2004, Kansas Families United for Public Education recognized Davis as "a true friend of public education". He was also awarded the "On Target" award by Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri for his efforts to protect reproductive choice and promote mandatory contraceptive insurance coverage.

Ann Mah was born in Clay Center, Kansas, on May 5, 1951, to Wayne and Evelyn Clark.  They moved to the Wichita/Haysville area where her mother was a public school teacher and her father was a machinist at BOEING.

Ann is married to Larry Mah, who is retired from Southwestern Bell and now works for USD 450.  Their son, Cary, graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 2004.  He graduated from Kaw Area Technical School in automotive technology.

Public Education:

Ann graduated from Haysville Campus High School.  She has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Emporia State University.  Maintaining her interest in public education, Ann works at the state and national level on school improvement. As a member of the North Central Association state committee, she reviews school improvement plans to ensure Kansas schools are meeting state and national standards. Ann also reviews school improvement plans for post-secondary technical education schools nationwide.

Career:

Ann taught high school science for five years before going to work for Southwestern Bell as an engineer in Topeka in 1979. She worked at Southwestern Bell for nearly 22 years before retiring in 2000. Ann Mah is now the owner of Discover! Strategies, a company providing speaking, consulting, and training services.  She also owns Compass Series Publishing and has published three business training books.  She was the business skills writer for Hers Kansas magazine.  You can get more information about Ann’s companies at www.annmah.com.

Community Activities:

Ann is an active community volunteer. She serves on both the United Way of Greater Topeka and the Shawnee Heights Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors. She is president of the Lutheran Fine Arts Council of Topeka. She is an adult education leader at Faith Lutheran Church. She is also a member of the Telephone Pioneers and Chapter GK of PEO.

Past activities include President of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Topeka, Chairman of the Visions of the 21st Century Women’s Conference, Kansas Department of Education QPA Advisory Council, Shawnee County Chairman of Kids Voting Kansas, Teacher of the Year State Steering Committee, and member of the Kansas Advisory Committee on Technical Education.

Awards/Honors:

Ann was recognized as the 1997 national Woman of the Year by the 50,000 member American Business Women’s Association. She served as the Association’s national president in 2002. In that capacity, Ann traveled throughout the country speaking on business and education issues. In 2000, Ann was also recognized as a YWCA Woman of Excellence.

Charles Jones has lived in Douglas County since 1976 and served on the county commission since first elected in 1998. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He has served as Director of the KU Public Management Center since 2003. He lives with wife Carol and their dogs in the historic Pinckney Neighborhood of Lawrence.

The following values guide his public-policy decisions:

• neighborhoods are the building blocks of community;
• quality of life and economic development must go hand-in-hand;
• growth should be well conceived, consistent with community planning efforts, thoughtful and self-supporting;
• government works best when community interests have a fair, proportionate voice in the process; and
• it is both wise and proper for government to address market failures and the needs of disenfranchised populations.

For recreation, Jones enjoys fly-fishing, woodworking, playing ukulele and reading history.

Family  |  Connor, Scotty, Katy & Scott Thellman, MD

Douglas County  |  Lawrence, Kansas - born, raised & educated

Registered Nurse  |  KU School of Nursing - Nursing Homes - Emergency Rooms - Intensive Care Units

Ordained Presbyterian Minister  |  Vanderbilt Divinity School

Associate Pastor  |  Plymouth Congregational Church - First Presbyterian Church

Community organizations  |  Habitat for Humanity - Douglas County Red Cross - Parkinson’s Disease Support Group -
Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer - Citizens for Responsible Planning - Kaw Valley Food Future

Life-Long Democrat

  When District Attorney Charles Branson took office in January 2005, some of his
opponent’s supporters predicted disaster, chaos and an office filled with inexperienced
political hacks. Those predictions, fortunately, were just plain wrong.

     Charles has avoided the pitfalls of political partisanship and assembled a highly
professional prosecutorial team. His first act was to hire a respected Republican former
state Deputy Attorney General to take a leadership role in his office. Today, Charles leads
an office of seasoned and successful prosecutors of every political stripe.

     In less than three years, Charles Branson has amassed an impressive record.
Consider:

•      The office hasn’t lost a single murder trial and has obtained convictions in each of nine
  murder cases involving deaths of 11 persons;
  

•      Delivering on a campaign promise, Branson launched the first consumer protection
  program in Douglas County prompting the local press to call him a true “consumer
  advocate.” His office has helped hundreds of consumers and generated court orders for
  thousands of dollars in restitution;
  

•      Branson revamped the domestic violence unit to be sensitive to domestic violence
  survivors’ needs. He created a partnership with KU and local agencies to provide interns
  who can work and counsel with violence survivors; and
  

•      Crime victims and witnesses now participate in a new educational program designed to
  make the legal process less threatening and frightening

Jamie Shew was a college relations coordinator for Metropolitan Community Colleges in Kansas City, Mo.

With a bachelor's degree in government and political science as well as a business background he is
well qualified to perform the duties of the Douglas County Clerk.

Paula Gilchrist is an experienced professional with a public service background and fine business and managerial credentials.

• Director of the Fredonia, Kansas Chamber of Commerce and its economic development corporation. In that capacity, she held leadership positions in regional tourism and bi-county strategic planning
  
  
• District aide for US Congressman Jim Slattery. She researched grants and provided excellent services to 2nd District constituents in 13 counties
  
  
• With a master's degree in psychology, Paula has held positions in a range of social service agencies. Her professional work with the Salvation Army in Lawrence assists many clients every day.

Paula connects with people because she cares about people, and it shows.

Here is information about community involvement and appointments for the walking piece and the website:

Community service/volunteerism

• University Place Neighborhood Association, Lawrence, Newsletter Editor, 1988-90
• Lawrence Women's Leadership, Lawrence, 1989-1990
• Altoona-Midway Schools Site Council, Altoona, KS, 1991-1993
• Southeast Kansas Regional Tourism, Secretary,1991-1993
• Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Affairs Committee, 1994-1995
• Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1994-1997
• Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Affairs Committee, 1997-2001
• Crawford County Democratic Women, 1996-2001, Vice President 2000, 2001
• Coalition On Homeless Concerns, Lawrence, Co-Chair, 2003-2004


Appointments


• City of Lawrence, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board, University Place Neighborhood
• Representative, 1988-1990
• Wilson County, Bi-County Strategic Planning Commission, 1992
• Wilson County, Southeast Kansas Solid Waste Advisory Board, 1992-1993
• City of Lawrence, Neighborhood Resource Advisory Committee, 2002 to present


Political Involvement


• (Southeast Kansas District Aide for Congressman Jim Slattery, 2nd Congressional District, 1994)
• Crawford County Co-Chair, John Frieden, 2nd Congressional District Candidate, 1995-1996
• Steering Committee, R.J. Wilson, House of Representatives, 2000, and Assistant Democratic Leader, 2002
• Steering Committee, Congressman Dennis Moore, 3rd Congressional District, 2002
• Precinct Committee Woman, Lawrence, 2001-2003


Family

My oldest son Paul (R) is a graduate of the US Naval Academy stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This picture was taken in Annapolis at his May 2003 graduation. My youngest son, Rob (L) is a Loadmaster with the Air Force stationed at McChord AFB in Washington state. He calculates weights and distributions of all types of cargo from presidential limousines to med-evac to flag draped caskets on a C-17 cargo jet. He is currently making frequent flights in and out of Afghanistan and Iraq.

I'm Kay Pesnell
Your state certified
Register of Deeds.


I'd appreciate your
vote on November 4th.


Eighteen years of
dedication to efficient
public service.


Forty-six years as your
Douglas County
neighbor.



As Custodian of Douglas County's important public
records, I will continue to employ the most up-to-date
methods, while maintaining a courteous home-town
environment. If we can assist you, please do not
hesitate to contact us.