Friends:

Welcome back to the Sharp Record.  Congress takes an August recess, kids go back to school (and recess) in August, and I took a Sharp Record recess as well.

Watch for me on TV!!! 

I filmed a "Newsmakers with Mike Shanin" segment for the local cable providers and I heard it has been showing.  I don't know the schedule, but if you go to Time Warner KC On Demand Channel 113, I'm under the August 2006 interviews.  I think it's only TWC and Comcast.  I'm working to get the file on my website as well.

I'm hoping by now that you've put your yard sign back in your garage.  I'll email when to put it back out for the General Election.  PLEASE don't toss yard signs – they are more than $2.50 EACH!  After the November election, we WILL come pick them up in a day or two.

§          Need a yard sign for the General Election?  Reply to this email with your address!

Announcements

Opportunities
Education and Personal Activities
Where's Waldo
Resources

Announcements

Election Outcomes:

Dan and I are the newly elected Precinct Committeeman and Committeewoman in Lenexa 3-7.  Thank you for your overwhelming support!

I am happy to say that many of my friends will be staying in the House, except for the unfortunate loss of veteran Overland Park lawmaker, Jim Yonally. 

§          This year was a perfect example of my motto: Get Involved - the world is run by those who show up.  In Kansas, that means the August primary.

§          The BULK of Kansas voters (not just Johnson County) just plain didn't show up.  When Kansans are fighting and dying for freedom around the world, it is truly disheartening when only a fraction (<18%) of eligible voters honor that sacrifice by voting.

Fortunately, the Kansas State Board of Education took a positive turn, hopefully away from the late-night-talk-show-favorite it has been in recent years.  Regardless of your leanings on their issues, hopefully we can get folks to say how great Kansas really is!

As we look toward November:  I expect the races for Governor and 3rd District U.S. Congress to be overshadowed financially and in the media by the race for Attorney General.  The race showcases the best of Kansas talent - former Shawnee Representative and current Attorney General, Phill Kline versus JoCo District Attorney and 17th District constituent, Paul Morrison.

Election information for your family:

If your son or daughter will be turning 18 by November 7th, be sure to get them registered to vote:  http://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf

ALSO - if you have recently moved, use the form above to update your voter information.

Think you may be away on business?  Caring for family?  On vacation?  Fill out an absentee ballot application: http://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf

Opportunities

Campaign lingo #1:  The Lit Drop

If you would be interested in:

1. Getting great exercise,
2. Investigating the different types of screen doors in your neighborhood, and
3. Helping to continue responsible, reasonable, and responsive leadership for the 17th District, then you should:
4. Join the literature drop (lit drop) opportunities in October!

Beyond calling your friend and neighbors from the comfort of your Lazy-E-Boy, this is the easiest way to help.  No knocking on doors, you don't have to debate anyone, simply drop information at your neighbors' doors.

This is a fun way to get to know other volunteers in the district, and I provide breakfast before and lunch after.  Two people can generally lit drop an entire precinct in just one morning!  Email me for lit drop dates or if you have any questions!

Intern Opportunities

Does your student write well?  Is s/he interested in politics?  I am looking for an intern for the 2007 legislative session.  Students commit either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays to come to Topeka to intern in the Statehouse.  They receive credit for the course through their university and see/hear/participate first hand in the Capitol happenings!

Qualifications:  

1. Junior or Senior
2. Attend Washburn or KU
3. Journalism or Political Science major

Send a resume and a writing sample (recent paper) to this email address.

Education and Personal Activities
Bills:  It's that time of year - start brainstorming for bills!  Anything that gets your blood boiling?  What about "stupid" laws?  Inconsistencies?  You're the boss - I'm the employee.  Let me know what you think should be changed in Kansas.  Reply to this email or give me a call at the number below and we can brainstorm.

Tutoring:  The State of Kansas launched an online tutoring program: www.homeworkkansas.org.  Tutors will be available from 4-11 pm seven days a week, twelve months of the year.

BACK TO SCHOOL INFO:

If you don't already have them, here are the school supply lists for schools in my district:

Pay lunch fees online:  https://feepayment.smsd.org/stusearch.asp

Elementary Schools

Benninghoven:  http://www.smsd.org/schools/benninghoven/news19736.htm

          Fees list:  http://www.smsd.org/schools/benninghoven/news19758.htm

McAuliffe:  Sign up for Principals Alert: kentpeach@smsd.org

          List not available on their website

Mill Creek:  http://www.smsd.org/schools/millcreek/news16570.htm

Rising Star:  List not available on their website

Shawanoe:  http://www.smsd.org/schools/shawanoe/news9577.htm

Sunflower:  List not available on their website

Middle Schools

Westridge:  http://www.smsd.org/schools/westridge/news19958.htm

        PTA website:  http://www.westridgepta.org/

Trailridge:  http://www.smsd.org/schools/trailridge/news19935.htm

High Schools

§          SM Northwest:  You should just check out all the information on this website, there is a TON of useful stuff - http://www.smsd.org/schools/smnorthwest/

§          SM West:  Ditto for this one - http://www.smsd.org/schools/smwest/

o       PTA website:  http://www.freewebs.com/smwptsa/

Where's Waldo?

§            Lenexa Chamber of Commerce lunch

§            Parkinson's Foundation reception honoring Rep. David Huff

§            Johnson County Delegation meeting

§            Guest on David Van Noy's real estate radio program, 10:00 am Saturdays on Hot Talk 1510AM

§            Rosewood Subdivision block party

§            Shawnee Mission Education Foundation breakfast

§            Blue Valley Education Foundation breakfast (tomorrow AM)

Resources

Stephanie's Blog:  www.keepkansassharp.blogspot.com

Johnson County Election Office - www.jocoelection.org

General Election Guide:

October 18, 2006        Advance voting begins

October 23, 2006        Last day to register to vote in general election

November 6, 2006      Advanced voting closes

November 7, 2006      GENERAL ELECTION DAY

Please do not hesitate to contact me about these or any other issues of interest to you.  I appreciate the opportunity to represent you in Topeka.

Rep. Stephanie Sharp
17th District, Kansas House
Serving Lenexa and Shawnee
www.stephaniesharp.com
Home:  913-894-1201

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