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The following is a statement from Governor Mark Parkinson regarding the recent announcement from Ron Thornburgh that he will be stepping down as Kansas’ Secretary of State:

“Ron deserves our thanks for his many years of service to Kansas and for the past 15 years as our Secretary of State; I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. As I begin the process of finding our new Secretary of State, I am committed to naming a Kansan who can represent the office with honor and distinction while protecting and assisting Kansas voters and businesses.”

The following is a statement from Governor Mark Parkinson regarding the recent statement of support for a statewide public smoking ban by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce:

“Voters want a real smoking ban, health experts want a real smoking ban and with the endorsement of the Greater Kansas City Chamber, it’s clear that the business community wants a real smoking ban. This overwhelming support and increased attention makes this year the year for Kansas to join the majority of other states and ban smoking in public places.”

To promote and advance Kansas’ higher education institutions, Governor Mark Parkinson has appointed Ed McKechnie to the Kansas Board of Regents. The governor named McKechnie to serve the remainder of former member William (Bill) Thornton’s term which expires in June 2010. Thornton resigned after being named Secretary of the Department of Commerce.

The following is a statement from Governor Mark Parkinson regarding the Obama Administration’s $40 million commitment to the construction of the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas:

"In his State of the Union Address, President Obama voiced a commitment to strengthening our nation’s homeland security efforts, including our fight against bioterrorism. The President and his Administration backed up that commitment with action by committing $40 million for the construction of the National Bio and Agro Defense facility in Manhattan, Kansas.