An important story from The Topeka Capital-Journals tireless government reporter Tim Carpenter detailed further issues with the tenure of former Commerce secretary Antonio Soave.
Soave, who led the department from 2015 to 2017 and was forced out amid ethics concerns, apparently transferred a treasure trove of state data on thousands of Kansas companies, business executives and economic development specialists to the secretarys own private consulting firm.
These target files, which included information about more than 10,000 firms, were created using state resources. That is, they were created using taxpayer money. They were meant to help benefit the state and its economy. Instead, Soave seems to have used his position to duplicate those files for his own personal business use.
This is totally unacceptable, and along with the array of previously reported allegations against Soave, underscore problems from former Gov. Sam Brownbacks tenure.
Both Republicans and Democrats voiced concern and disappointment over the information contained in Carpenters extensive report. Thats a start. But its difficult to know what they would have done differently if they had to make the decision to confirm Soave today.
For example, state Sen. Julia Lynn, who runs the Senate Commerce Committee, said, I guess Im not surprised in that the Department of Commerce is run so loosely without oversight, and it has for many years.
But isnt that at least part of her committees role?
Democrats dont get off the hook either. The vote to confirm Soave was a unanimous one. What would they have done differently? Its critical for nominees to be vetted carefully and critically, and while no one wants knee-jerk partisanship, a healthy skepticism would be useful.
Finally, and most importantly perhaps, Carpenters story underscores the importance of transparency in our state government. Its deeply, profoundly concerning that the documents Carpenter used to report his story werent revealed until now. Indeed, the story notes that the documents surfaced despite assurances from the Department of Commerce in 2017 that communications sought under KORA either didnt exist or couldnt be found.
That strongly suggests either incompetence or a desire to sweep incriminating information under the rug. Neither has a place in state government, under either party.
Soaves tenure was mercifully brief, but it should underscore the importance of strong legislative oversight and agency transparency. Without those critical checks in place, the people of Kansas cant be assured that their interests are being fairly and fully represented.
