Manhattan Mercury 11/5/2006 10:00:49 AM

For 66th, 67th Districts...

Statewide races have drawn their share of attention this election season, but among the most intriguing races for local residents have been those for the 66th and 67th District seats in the Kansas House of Representatives.

Before commenting further, let us congratulate the local party establishments for fielding four outstanding legislative candidates.

In the 66th District, the candidates are the Democratic incumbent, Sydney Carlin, and the Republican challenger, Bob Strawn.

Mrs. Carlin has served admirably for two terms and built an impressive resume of elected and volunteer public service before that. She has been an earnest and persistent advocate of low-income and elderly Kansans and of education. We are confident that if re-elected, she would continue her tireless efforts on behalf of this district.

That said, we lean toward Mr. Strawn because we believe he will be more effective in Topeka. We don't penalize him for not having Mrs. Carlin's record of local service. Instead, we note that wherever he's lived - and that includes many years elsewhere in Kansas - he has been productive.

He brings an array of credentials, including intangibles like imagination and initiative, that can serve not just this community and its university well, but also the entire state. One doesn't become a successful entrepreneur without learning to solve problems - and problem-solvers are conspicuous by their absence in the Legislature.

In the 67th District, Tom Hawk, the Democratic incumbent, is running against Dick Miller, a Republican. We recommend Mr. Hawk.

Perhaps best known as an educator - a well respected one - Mr. Hawk is a strong supporter of higher education as well as schooling for younger students. He also has operated his own business and is well aware of the challenges that businesses as well as paying customers face. He's a liberal, but he's also blessed with a liberal dose of common sense and a talent for working with people with other points of view.

Mr. Miller also has an impressive resume. Army officer and combat veteran, decision-maker, educator and entrepreneur, he brings great strength of character to challenges he confronts. We don't doubt that he, too, would represent the 67th District with distinction. We just don't see any reason for Mr. Hawk to step aside.

Whether readers agree or disagree, what's important is that they act on their convictions and support with their votes the candidates of their choice.