All too easily, big wheels think the rules apply to everyone but themselves.
You know the type. Their position grants them “special privileges.”
Such is the case with Gene Suellentrop, majority leader of the Kansas Senate, who refuses to relinquish power despite facing felony charges.
On Friday, Suellentrop was charged with drunk driving and eluding law enforcement officers on the night of March 16.
Despite the level nine felony offense, Suellentrop has continued to call the shots in the Kansas Senate, according to colleagues.
The main responsibility of the majority leader is to decide which proposals and bills are debated each day, weighing heavily in their negotiations. It’s the second-highest leadership job in the Senate.
Initially, the Wichita legislator said he would cede his responsibilities to Sen. Larry Alley, a Winfield Republican, the assistant majority leader. That didn’t happen.
“He’s been actively engaged,” in his official duties, according to Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican.
Now that Suellentrop has been officially charged with five offenses, it’s incumbent Senate Republicans request the majority leader step down.
Better yet would be for Suellentrop to resign on his own accord.
LAW ENFORCEMENT officials were first alerted about Suellentrop when multiple people called 911 to report a white SUV headed the wrong way on Interstate 70 in the wee hours of March 16, a Tuesday.
“They about hit me, but I’m OK,” one caller said.
A police officer also reported Suellentrop’s vehicle almost hit him.
Suellentrop was clocked going 90 mph. His blood alcohol limit exceeded that which is deemed legal to operate a motor vehicle.
More than 10,000 people are killed in the U.S. each year by drunk drivers. That’s 10,000 preventable deaths. In the 11 minutes that Suellentrop was recorded driving, he could have easily added to the tally.
