2
Friday, October 8, 1971
Section 2 University Daily Kansan
Legislator-Student in Two Roles
By CATHY BROWN
Young Stall Welter
Paul Hess describes himself as "one of these people who was 21 years-old and didn't know what happened to me, he is in the process of finding out."
A University of Kansas law student from Wichita, Hess was elected last November to serve the state legislature to preside over the state legislature. He is the first Republican the district has sent to the legislature. Although he enjoys politics, he does seem a surprised at his present position.
Once, while passing the state capitol building in Topeka, Herman told me he knew when, but some day I'm going to be there. It would it be a year?
AFTER GRADUATING from the University of Washington with a degree in political science, Hess wasn't quite sure what his teacher would be. He did know that he wanted you to what he had learned.
Compiling a list of his faults and assets, Hess set out to evaluate the risk associated with a certain amount of flexibility, he then wrote down an
The biggest problem in the legislature is the simple matter of constantly educating yourself
outline of things he wanted to accomplish before his 30th birthday.
"I'm not on an ego-trip." Hess said. "I'm not saying I have a monopoly on success, but I know very specifically what I want to do. If I don't accomplish these tasks, because I use them down as goals."
NOTICEably ABSENT from
these goals are plans to run for a
higher office. Hess said he
definitely will run for re-election
in November but explained he is
toward the road' toward the future.
Hess sees his role at this point as one of learning how the system operates and how to get things done in the real world, he needs experience. he says
"The biggest problem in the legilature is the simple matter of
constantly educating yourself, Hess said.
"It at the end of 10 years I want to look back and say I have 10 years of experience."
AT AGE 22 Hes the youngest member of the House. He said, "I don't know how old I was and did not consider his age a disadvantage. Rather, he stressed the need for more young people to become involved inirement.
According to Hess, the key to some of the problems in the political system can be found not in the system itself but in the legal system. He is convinced there would be a big shift in the type of legislation passed on various issues if there were more young people involved in politics.
Because of his youth and affiliation with KU, other legislators tend to seek his opinion concerning events at the University. But Bux said he did not believe a special constituency at KU.
"I FEEL, NOT because I am here at KU, nor because I am here at KU, that I am aware what an academic community is and how these problems are being addressed by leadership."
Although he does not consider himself KU's special representative he is willing to teach his students and to speak on campus.
Hess said he felt he had a responsibility to find out what people want. He stressed that he tried always to accept his responsibilities with particular needs and problems. In the House Hess has introduced two bills and co-sponsored legislation that piece of legislation concerned the 18-year-old vote issue. He was one of seven members to sponsor legislation putting the resolution on hold, which it was approved last April.
HESS SASI he expected few resolutions, and only those of major importance, would be enacted. Mr. Hess was due to the number held over from the last meeting and the shorter length of the 1972 legislative session. He cited as key issues the extension of tax lid and reappointment.
It will take him an extra two to take the exam, to graduate, to move on, to work, and so we was in business and politics was worth the additional money.
Hess also commented that he was in favor of establishing a medical school in Wichita but said he was less concerned about the recent issue of liquor喧杂 at KU football games.
Hess is currently enrolled in nine hours in the law school but cut that number to six while the legislature was in session.
Hess said his lifestyle had changed considerably since he assumed office. He and his wife Shari found that being wined and dined constantly was quite a experience—and a tiring one.
Although both enjoy socializing they soon found they didn't have the time to accept every invitation.
When he finds time to relax,
Hess likes to "switch gears" and
do something different. He
explained he enjoys doing things
with other couples or getting
along with 48 hour juniors such as
retreats.
The young legislator attributes much of his success to his wife and admire the way to get him to work. Because issue is to save her work on him.
As Hess put it he enjoys people, and he is looking forward to campaigning and legislating.
Kansan Staff Photo by GREG SORBER
Paul Hess of Kansas House
. Knew what he wanted to do . . .
COME HUNGRY - LEAVE
HAPPY WITH YOUR
POCKETS OR CHANGING
THE FOODS
WE SHOULD BE SATISFIED
LOTS OF PARKING SPACE! NO TIPPING!
JIFFY SERVICE! QUALITY FOOD!
Patronize Kansan Advertisers
804 West 24th This WeekendJOINT SESSION