 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Photos by |
|
By Tim Vandenack DODGE CITY - Now that she's decided to step down from her post effective Oct. 31, state Rep. Ethel Peterson says it's time to start thinking about taking it easy. "I have never had time to travel or anything," the 69-year-old Dodge City lawmaker said. "I'm going to find a way to make it to Australia." Peterson, a counselor and educator for 41 years before getting into politics, announced this week she would step down as the 119th District representative, citing fatigue brought on by the demands of political life. She has held the post for nearly seven years and will step down in the middle of her fourth two-year term, requiring selection by local Democrats of a replacement to fill out the last year. "I had struggled with it all summer," she said. The decision took some by surprise, but leaders and others of all stripes praised the lawmaker, whose legislative and personal passions were children and education. "She's a great lady," said Dana Stanton, public information officer of the Dodge City school district, where Peterson spent much of her career before politics. "She deserves a break, and she deserves to enjoy her life." Even Dave Rebein, a Dodge City lawyer active in the Ford County Republican Party, found room for praise. "We may have differed on the issues, but she definitely worked hard for the district," Rebein said. That she was able to hold onto the 119th District seat in four elections despite the preponderance of Republicans in Ford County, he added, "is testimony to Ethel Peterson." After the previous legislative session ended last spring, Peterson thought the break from politics would re-energize her. But as the political season has started to ratchet up with informal meetings on various issues in advance of the January start of the next legislative session, she found she lacked the energy. Moreover, she said she didn't relish the prospect of the cross-state drive to and from Topeka each week that is required when the Legislature is in session. "I was just tired to death of driving," she said. Peterson, who first took office in 1997, said the hope to help children drove her into politics. "I could write a book about what really happens to Kansas kids," she said. She said she has been most proud of her help in shaping debate on education and her role in passing a higher education bill that united the state's two-year and four-year colleges under one authority. Another high point, she said, was her part in helping pass the Comprehensive Transportation Program, legislation aimed at improving Kansas' roads. But Peterson will leave office wishing education could get more money, particularly to fund additional school counselors. And she said she will miss the give and take of politics. "It's exciting, you feel useful, you're busy doing things that ought to be done," she said. "I'll miss not being there to make those decisions." In addition to Australia, Peterson says there are two or three other places she'd like to visit after she leaves office. Other priorities after Oct. 31, which is also her 70th birthday, will be redecorating her Dodge City home and "catching up on sleep," she said. Peterson said she intends to take a break of at least a year or so from active civic life. But Pat Murray, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party, said he hoped Peterson remained active in the Ford County Democratic Party. And others sung Peterson's praises. Stanton said Peterson was a positive influence on thousands of children during her days as an educator. Peterson served as a teacher and counselor, mainly at Sunnyside Elementary School, and also worked for Newman University in the school's Dodge City office before getting into politics. "She made the world a better place for the students and staff that she came in contact with daily," Stanton said. Larry Daniels, chairman of the Ford County Democratic Central Committee and a Dodge City lawyer, added that it won't be easy to fill her shoes. "She's an excellent representative," he said. "It's going to be hard to fine anyone as good as she is." Tim Vandenack is based in Dodge City. He can be reached at 620-227-2712.
810 Frontview, P.O.
Box 1147, Dodge City, Kansas 67801 |
