We deserve politicians who work for all Kansans, not just the powerful | Opinion

Seventy days.

That’s how long our organization Leading Kansas has been waiting for Sen. Jerry Moran to respond to our invitation to host him at a public town hall. Other elected officials — including some from out of state and even a retired Supreme Court justice — answered similar requests weeks ago. Sen. Moran’s silence speaks volumes.

Back in early February, I met with Moran’s then-Wichita staffer, joined by four other concerned Kansans. We discussed serious matters: the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development, the Trump administration’s posture on Ukraine and broader worries about executive overreach. At the end of the visit, we requested to meet with the senator in person at his earliest convenience. Despite multiple follow-up attempts, we never received a response.

As it turns out, we weren’t the only ones troubled by federal measures at the time. In the following weeks, Wichitans gathered to share fears about the direction of our country and the absence of meaningful accountability. Shortly thereafter, we launched Leading Kansas, a nonpartisan civic organization committed to defending freedoms, protecting institutions, securing Kansas and championing the truth. Today, Leading Kansas has hundreds of members across the state.

We held our first major public event, the “Hands Off Kansas” rally, on April 5 in Wichita. More than 1,700 people registered, and nearly 1,000 showed up in person despite frigid weather. The collective passion was undeniable. On May 10, we followed up with our “Leading Kansas to Common Ground” town hall on Wichita State University’s campus, where more than 200 Kansans showed up to share their most urgent questions and concerns. What became clear is this: People across the political spectrum are worried about the erosion of democratic norms and the growing distance between elected officials and the people they represent. They want answers and their leaders are nowhere to be found.

That’s why Leading Kansas has launched its “Civic Demand for Answers,” a statewide petition now live at leadingkansas.org/civicdemand It calls on our lawmakers — state and federal — to hold open forums, provide clear written responses to pressing questions and reaffirm their duty to serve all Kansans — not just donors, insiders or party loyalists.

The “Civil Demand for Answers” outlines five urgent questions Kansans want public officials to address:

1. What are the constitutional limits of presidential power — and what recourse do citizens have when those limits are exceeded?
2. Why are critical federal funding streams being cut unilaterally, without transparency or explanation?
3. Why are corporate-backed bills shaping Kansas law with no public input?
4. What are the rules and standards for immigration enforcement in Kansas?
5. Why aren’t elected officials representing all their constituents?

These are not partisan talking points. They are basic civic questions that every Kansan has the right to ask and every public official has the duty to answer.

This moment is so much bigger than party politics. Americans are frightened by what they see unfolding, and far too many of our elected officials are absent when it matters most. The members of Leading Kansas are stepping up to fill that void. We are not lobbyists. We are not operatives. We are everyday Kansans who believe that accountability and democracy go hand in hand.

To our elected officials: Show up. Speak clearly. Reclaim your integrity.

To our fellow Kansans: Visit leadingkansas.org Sign the petition. Share it with your networks. Join the movement.

Because when our leaders won’t lead, we, the people, must.