TOPEKA (AP) – Governor Sam Brownback cites the “Road Map for Kansas” he outlined during his campaign as the template for his administration. It contains a promise to reform state
government, declaring it should be accountable and transparent.

But there are questions about the Brownback administration’s commitment to transparency because of private meetings he’s had at his official residence with fellow Republicans who hold majorities on specific legislative committees. The Shawnee County district attorney is investigating whether the gatherings violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

Brownback and his top aides are confident the gatherings were legal. But details haven’t fully emerged, and some accounts from legislators have differed.

The dispute isn’t likely to disappear soon because the district attorney expects his office to question dozens of legislators by Valentine’s Day.