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DeAun Michael | Reporter
When the new session of the Kansas Legislature convenes on Jan.
12, a familiar face to Osage and Franklin county residents will
not be in his seat representing the 59th District. State Rep. Joe
Humerickhouse, who has served the district for the last 14 years,
will be retiring from public service in the Kansas House of Representatives.
Humerickhouse began his career as state representative for the 59th
district in 1994 after retiring from a 30-year career with Hallmark
Company. His interest in a career of public service was motivated
by his active membership in the Jaycees organization. His involvement
in Jaycees escalated from the local level to regional director and
eventually to state president of the organization. The enjoyment
he gained from his experiences traveling statewide and helping other
chapters in the state, served as one motivation for him to run for
elected office.
After many years of involvement at the county and regional level
of the Republican Party, he and his wife, Thelma, made the decision
that he would run for the seat. In 1993, Humerickhouse was elected
to the 59th district position vacated by then state Rep. Elaine
Wells. His hope in being elected as a state representative was to
bring to the Legislature business concepts he had gained throughout
his career, and community service he felt would benefit the people
of the 59th district.
When asked what accomplishments he is most proud of in his years
as state representative, he said, “There are a lot of things,
small things like when someone calls and needs help with problems
or an issue with a state agency.
“A lot of the time, what you do in Topeka is to keep things
from happening, rather than always making things happen.”
He added, “One of the most noteworthy accomplishments would
be the turn lane additions to Highway 56 at the Santa Fe High School
entrance.”
In response to area residents’ concerns, and through his work
on the House transportation committee, he was able to assist in
getting turn lanes put in place, providing an added measure of safety
for students and others who travel in that area. He served on the
transportation committee for all of his 14 years as a representative.
In contrast, Humerickhouse said, “Public education has probably
been the most non-rewarding part of my tenure in the Legislature.”
As a product of public education, he was always an advocate, but
said he believes state legislature has very little control or ability
to influence change in the public education system and this was
a point of frustration to him throughout the time he served the
district.
No conversation involving political office could avoid the inevitable
questions about the challenges the Legislature will be facing this
coming session with the current economic situation.
Humerickhouse said he has served through times when money was tight,
however probably not as tight as it will be for the next few years.
“This is going to be a rough one,” Humerickhouse said,
referring to the upcoming session and the issues facing the Legislature
in 2009.
Despite the slow economy, he believes the state has a number of
good things in store including a renewed possibility of the expansion
of the coal-fired power plant in Holcomb. He believes the plant
could provide the state with additional jobs and economic opportunities
in Kansas for many years to come.
Humerickhouse gives much credit to Thelma for her support and assistance
throughout the years. She has always been his strong supporter throughout
campaigns and during his years of service in the Legislature. At
the same time, she was an active participant in the legislative
spouse organization.
“Thelma and I both feel it has been an honor and a privilege
serving the people of the 59th District,” Humerickhouse said.
“We really feel honored to be elected to the job for that
many years and that we accomplished the things we were able to.”
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