Ronald Reagan

The former IRS building in downtown Wichita, Kansas will be the first structure in the Sunflower State to be named after the late President Ronald Reagan. The building is now home to various county and city offices and is located near other municipal buildings. Leading the effort in Kansas, Sedgewick County Commissioner Karl Peterjohn explains why he has been pushing to name buildings after Reagan for years:

“Ronald Reagan’s eight years as president was a transformational turning point for the United States.  Domestically, the era of ‘malaise,’ was eradicated with a re-vitalized economy that served the American people well while providing a market oriented and taxpayer friendly model for the rest of the world.  Internationally, President Reagan was able to implement international arms agreements, and paved the way for creating the climate where, ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,’ was transformed from a dream for eastern Europeans, to shortly after he left office, a reality that signaled an end to the Cold War for everyone.”

Americans for Tax Reform is excited to add this building in Kansas to its archive of dedications to Ronald Reagan, aptly named the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project. The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project was started in 1997 by Grover G. Norquist. It pushes for states to name as many buildings, roads, landmarks, and other structures to commemorate the late president. The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project also encourages states to dedicate February 6th as Ronald Reagan Day. The purpose is to serve as a reminder of the legacy Ronald Reagan left behind. There are 17 international dedications to Ronald Reagan, and the county office building in Kansas will make 151 domestic dedications.

Reagan’s leadership left a resounding impact on the lives of citizens here at home and individuals worldwide.  His policies led us out of double-digit inflation, twenty percent plus interest rates, and double-digit unemployment.  Abroad, his disdain for communism moved him to set in place policies that would see the Soviet Union fall.

Grover Norquist, chairman of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project, said this of the effort in Wichita, Kansas:

“Every school, road, courthouse or any landmark that we name after Ronald Reagan becomes a teaching moment. It will open the door for parents to explain to young children who Ronald Reagan was. That is the path that Kansas is taking. I praise the county commissioners in Wichita leading the effort to get this building named after Reagan.”

Sedgewick County has taken an important step towards preserving the legacy of Ronald Reagan. The building will be officially renamed with the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 11th.