Ross Doyen

Ross O. Doyen (October 1, 1926 – July 3, 2014) was an American rancher, farmer, and politician.

Early life and education Doyen was born on October 1, 1926, in a farm home near Rice, Kansas. He was the third of four sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Orville Doyen. Doyen attended a one-room rural school in Rice for eight years, where he typically had three to five classmates. He then attended high school for four years in Concordia, Kansas, where he later resided. After completing his education, he utilized his training in agricultural engineering to engage in family farm operations alongside his father and brother, Ray. Together, they operated 1,000 acres of cultivated land and 400 acres of pasture land in Cloud County, east of Concordia, Kansas. Their farming operations included approximately 300 head of cattle and calves. Their partnership was pivotal in advancing agricultural policies that benefited Kansas farmers and ranchers, showcasing Doyen's commitment to his constituents and his ability to work effectively within the legislative framework.

Legal involvement

Burnett v. Doyen (1976) In 1976, Ross O. Doyen was involved in the Supreme Court of Kansas case **Burnett v. Doyen**, 220 Kan. 400 (1976). The case centered around the Kansas Open Meeting Law and whether the Republican Caucus within the Kansas Senate should be open to the public.

Case summary

Plaintiff-appellee Stephen B. Burnett, a newsman for a Topeka television station.

Defendants-appellants Ross O. Doyen, Norman E. Gaar, Joseph C. Harder, J.C. Tillotson, and Robert W. Storey, all Republican members of the Kansas Senate.

Issue Whether the Republican Caucus meeting was subject to the Kansas Open Meeting Law (K.S.A. 1975 Supp. 75-4317, et seq.), requiring it to be open to the public.

Court's decision The Supreme Court of Kansas declared the case moot following significant amendments to the relevant Kansas statutes, which removed references to party caucuses from the Senate Rules.

Impact The case led to legislative amendments in 1976, significantly altering the Kansas Open Meeting Law by removing references to party caucuses in Senate Rules. This change reinforced the state's commitment to transparent governmental proceedings and clarified procedural guidelines for legislative meetings.

Impact The case underscored the delicate balance between maintaining clear separations of power within state government and the practical necessities of collaborative governance. Although the appeal was dismissed as moot, the court's discussion contributed to the understanding of how legislative members can participate in administrative roles without overstepping constitutional boundaries.

Political views and legislative impact Doyen considered himself a moderate Republican, though he acknowledged having conservative views in certain areas. He supported the principles advocated by Ronald Reagan and admired Reagan's efforts in improving welfare situations in California. Doyen was a proponent of the "right to work" principle, believing that individuals should have the basic right to choose whether or not to join a labor union. He expressed that while he did not strongly oppose unionization, he believed that membership should not be mandatory.

Personal life Doyen was married twice. He married Judy Elniff of Jewell in 1964, and they had two daughters, Cindy (born from Judy's previous marriage and adopted by Ross) and Angela. After their divorce, Doyen married Katherine Mosburg in 1993. He resided in Concordia, Kansas, with his family and continued his involvement in farming alongside his family members. Doyen died on July 3, 2014, in Concordia, Kansas.

Legacy Doyen is remembered for his long-standing commitment to agricultural and fiscal policies in Kansas. His leadership roles within the Kansas Legislature and national legislative organizations highlighted his influence in shaping state and intergovernmental relations. Additionally, his collaborative work with fellow legislators like Bill R. Fuller left a lasting impact on agricultural policy and legislative practices in the state. His involvement in significant legal cases underscored his active participation in upholding legislative integrity and governance principles.