One of the only staff members the public meets is Larry Howell, who works at the reception desk.
Larry Howell says, "We never lose track of the fact when we pick up the phone many of the people who are calling in, this is going to be their main contact with the Sebelius or the Parkinson administration."
Larry, like all the other staff, are not permanent state employees. They leave with each administration. Besides answering your calls, Larry also deals with the mail... lots of mail.
Larry Howell says, "This little plastic tub is basically full this time, we usually get about one of those a day. It's usually really full on Mondays, then it starts to trickle down towards the end of the week.
The first meeting on the Governor's agenda this day was a discussion to make broadband internet more available to the public.
Then, Secretary Jim Garner arrives ready for his meeting. Sec. Jim Garner says, "Governor Parkinson is a very hands on type of Governor. He wants to know what's going on and is very engage with what's happening with my agency, the Dept. Of Labor."
Gov. Parkinsons, says "We have an amazing staff because these are state jobs they don't pay exorbitant amounts of money people might think, despite that Gov. Sebelius was able to attract some remarkable people."
Next on the agenda, a taping at the Highway Patrol Headquarters.
The Governor's Communications Director, Beth Martino, explains the topic and helps the governor prepare for his closeup.
Beth Martino says, "We have to have a good team that knows all the in's and out's of that and it's our job to help ensure that he is getting his point across, getting his message across to KS citizens, that is what I was doing that day and that's what we try and do everyday." Gov. Parkinson, "despite the size of our staff I have never had people willing to help me with speeches and strategy, it's really been great."
After that then it's off to lunch at Cedar Crest with his wife, Stacy.
Then, back to the capital for more meetings.
During a normal day, dozens of people come in and out of Governor's Ceremonial Office.
Larry Howell says, "Their reactions vary a great deal. They'll say that can't be his desk cause there is nothing on it. Well he has another desk, which is about 60 feet behind that door." So, we get the okay to show you his real desk.
After his last meeting is over, we jump on the Governor's private plane to head to Hutchinson for a highway dedication. With a Department of Transportation vest on, the Governor gets the honor of unveiling the new highway sign via satellite to a DOT Convention nearby. After about 20 minutes, we are off to the convention where the Governor was asked to speak before the crowd.
As we tried to make our way out, several people had to stop and talk, but as we were almost out, a woman from Hays, a couple hours away, wanted the Governor to listen to her dilemma.
Beth Martino says, "When the governor goes out people will approach him with ideas and concerns and their thoughts and that day we had somebody who was pretty unhappy about something and approached us."
The Governor listened and then Beth took over.
Beth Martino says, "The Governor's role is really to just let them know he is there to hear their concern, which he did and I went on to get her information to make sure we followed up." 45:44>
Beth Martino: "He will often say I googled this over the weekend and have a topic in mind, so it's great to have someone on board with that so it makes it a lot easier."
Gov. Parkinson
For more insight on our day with the Governor follow me on Twitter at mitchweber.
