A tall black metal fence is being erected around the governor’s mansion, Cedar Crest, in Topeka.
The barrier will replace a decorative split rail wood fence.
Because Cedar Crest borders a 244-acre park replete with walking and biking paths, the shady grounds are popular among locals, though they are not the reason for the increased security.
Instead, officials cite a “climate of civil unrest and threats toward governors in general and Gov. Kelly specifically,” according to Will Lawrence of the Governor’s office, who said the Kansas Highway Patrol and its security detail recommended heightened security, including the sturdy fence. Officials note a recent uptick in demonstrations, most notably by those frustrated with the Kansas Department of Labor’s handling of unemployment claims during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials note a recent uptick in demonstrations, most notably by those frustrated with the Kansas Department of Labor’s handling of unemployment claims during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Not that that’s Kelly’s fault. But because the 40-year-old computer system was overwhelmed during her administration, she gets the blame.
As usual, Gov. Kelly accepts the blame with equanimity and instead of looking for a scapegoat does something about it.
In April, Kelly signed into law measures to overhaul the antiquated system.
THE EXTRA protection also speaks to the toxic tenor that politics has devolved to over the past several years. Never before have members of Congress en masse feared being attacked by their fellow Americans such as on Jan. 6 when loyalists to former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Now that fear has trickled down to the state level. Other governors currently installing fencing around their official residences are Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Kim Reynolds of Iowa. That fear has trickled down to the state level. Other governors currently installing fencing around their official residences are Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Kim Reynolds of Iowa.
The security upgrades are putting these three Midwestern states in league with the majority of governor’s residences across the country.
Sad, but not surprising.
— Susan Lynn
