This past weekend I completed a trek of 60 miles from Merriam, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas. People who thought I was crazy when I filed to run for a political office now know it. Who in their right mind would set out to walk 60 miles? Well I have had more than enough time to contemplate this question and here is a long answer.
In 2013, my youngest son was in 2nd grade. I was the PTA president. I, along with other parents, was concerned when my son’s class had 30 students. Thirty students was a wake-up call for me. Why were there 30 kids in my son’s class? Why had the library not had funds to buy new books in the last five years? Why was PTA picking up the tab for so many things to fill the gaps? These were the questions I was asking and not liking the answers.
One evening, a mother of my son’s classmates called and said “Dinah you are a sane person. I have this crazy idea and I want your opinion. I am thinking about walking to Topeka this weekend. What do you think?” I answered “I think this is a great idea. We need people to know what is going on in our state. We need to change what is happening in Topeka and this is a great idea. Let me know what you need.”
When she asked me that question, I was concerned with how decisions in Topeka were affecting my friends and family. I wanted people to notice so the situation would change for my child. Moms from our school took turns providing caffeine on the first walk. We met her at the finish line in Topeka and we were optimistic the walk had made a difference.
It wasn’t the turning point we had hoped for, but more people were paying attention. The next two years my husband joined the walk while I provided dinner for the walkers after the first day and helped where I could while carting my children to and from their numerous activities. In year three, I walked the last stage and joined them at the press conference at the Capitol. It was at the press conference when I decided I could do something more. The issues surrounding public education weren’t just a problem for my kids, but every Kansas kid. Sitting on the sidelines was a luxury our kids could no longer afford.
I started talking to friends and contemplating the idea of running for public office. I wasn’t sure what that would look like, but knew I needed to take a bigger step and fight for our kids. And by the time this year’s walk rolled around, I had filed to challenge my incumbent state senator, one of the most anti-public education people in Topeka, and committed to going the distance – the full 60 miles and on to the election on August 2. To be honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into in either case. The first night after walking 20 miles I laid down and prayed I could make it through the next day. I honestly prayed I would make it down the steps the next morning. Why was I doing this?
That exhaustion provided a reminder of my purpose – I was walking for my two sons, my niece, my nephews, the kids I served as PTA president, and my neighbors, because too many people in Topeka don’t listen, don’t care, and don’t represent those that elected them. Instead of trying to fix a problem they pit us against each other. We are asked to choose between public education, public safety, good roads, and good communities. This is not the answer! Our schools are the cornerstones of our communities. We have to stop attacking our children, our teachers, and our communities as if they are the problem when they are our greatest asset!
While my body will heal from minor swelling and bruises, our state will take decades to heal. Opportunities to offer the best education to our children are not repeated. Failing to educate our children adequately and equitably limits the future economic growth of our state. The quality of life Kansans know and enjoy is disappearing. Borrowing from the future to support a failed experiment is reprehensible.
Kansans deserve better. We need change. I walked for the change we need. I walked for the change our children deserve. I walked 60 miles and I need you to walk a mile with me in your neighborhood or through the streets of Old Town Lenexa for the Community Days Parade. When you have your “a-ha moment” about the state of affairs in Kansas, I’ll help you take the next step as so many have come alongside me.
It’s gametime in Kansas – Game On!
http://www.dinahsykes.com/2016/03/19/sykes-for-senate-a-walk-worth-walking/