County Commission Appointments Prompt Discussion

Gov. Sam Brownback wants state legislators to rewrite an obscure law that required him to fill two newly created seats on the Saline County Commission and have voters fill similar vacancies in the future.

A local lawmaker promised Monday to pursue the issue.

The Republican governor faced criticism over the Saline County appointments because his office refused to release candidates’ names before announcing his choices last week.

The dispute also highlighted how the governor fills the vacancies when local voters expand their county governing boards. Saline County enlarged its commission in November from three to five members.

Brownback said local voters should fill the new seats. State Rep. and Salina Republican J.R. Claeys said he will work with Brownback on a bill during the legislative session opening Jan. 12.