WILSON — Sen. Jerry Moran was reminded once again Saturday that most — if not all — politics are local.

Appearing at the annual kolaches and coffee session at Wilson’s After Harvest Czech parade, the Kansas Republican talked immigration, tariffs and other national issues. Then Ellsworth resident and pilot Mike Olson stood and questioned Moran about an FAA decision to limit the length of the town’s new runway years after approving a longer version.

“They’re looking at the past. We’re looking at the future,” Olson said.

Also in the crowded front room at Grandma’s Soda Shop were Ellsworth city administrator Scott Moore, Mayor Alan Stefek and others with an interest in the airport project.

Ellsworth was one of three Kansas cities recently approved for full runway funding. The project, which has been on the drawing board for years, called for a 4,700-feet runway at a cost of $9.1 million. The additional length will allow larger aircraft, including King Air-size aircraft, to take off and land at Ellsworth. The current runway is 3,700 feet.

However, in recent weeks the FAA notified the city it would pay for a shorter runway, based on the airport’s past history. The decision could cost the city in either funding or business.

Moran couldn’t give the airport supporters a definite answer, but said “You have me and my staff ’s full attention.” He said the Trump Administration supports rural airports and transportation projects.

Moran appeared in Wilson on crutches, the result of an ankle injury he suffered while climbing Camelback Mountain in Arizona on his way to a tour of operations at the U.S. border with Mexico.

The senator said his two objectives in Washington are “to make sure rural Kansas has a future” and to advance the interests of the state’s farmers and ranchers.

In town hall meetings across the state, Moran said he was told rural producers continue to support Donald Trump; however, his tariffs have hurt agriculture and the pain won’t immediately go away once the tariffs are lifted.

“While we’re waiting to get trade back in place, we’re creating an issue for future generations,” he said.

“It will take time to regain those markets.”

He said Congress must approve the agreement that is set to replace NAFTA. It involves the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Mexico, Moran said, is the No. 1 buyer of Kansas farm products. Canada is the No. 1 recipient of overall Kansas exports.

“We earn our living with what we sell outside the United States,” he said of agriculture.

On other issues:

• Moran described the process that led to military veterans being able to seek medical treatment in their communities. He said the same applies to mental health needs — this at a time when 20 veterans a day commit suicide.

However, the senator said the issue goes beyond an individual veteran who deserves to receive treatment.

“This is a benefit to our communities. Just as schools need students, our hospital need patients,” he said.

• Responding to a question from Ellsworth resident Jerry Marsh on the high cost of prescription drugs and the effect on young families, Moran said he expects a bill by September to address cost instead of the usual issue of — Who will pay the bill?

• Again in response to an audience question, Moran touched briefly on the division in the country, a situation the questioner compared to a civil war.

“Everything can’t be a battle if this country is going to work,” Moran said.

• Anna Hand of Ellsworth asked about efforts at the federal level to protect Kansans and the rest of the country from cybersecurity attacks. Moran said he was concerned cybersecurity will follow the same path as the arms race did after World War II.

“We’re making an effort but I don’t know if it’s sufficient,” he said.

Another audience member asked about the two election protection bills Senate president Mitch McConnell recently refused to put on the floor for a vote. This came after Moran indicated the NAFTA legislation rested the desk of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Moran said he wanted both sides of the aisle to do their jobs so issues can be decided by the full Congress.

“While we’re waiting to get trade back in place, we’re creating an issue for future generations.”
Sen. Jerry Moran
Kansas Republican