Payne Ratner

Payne Harry Ratner (born October 3, 1896 in Casey , Illinois , † December 27, 1974 in Wichita , Kansas ) was an American politician and from 1939 to 1943 the 28th governor of the state of Kansas.

Early years and political advancement

Payne Ratner attended Blackwell High School in Oklahoma and Washington University in St. Louis . There he passed his law exam in 1920. Previously, he served during the First World War soldier of the US Navy . After qualifying as a lawyer, he first practiced in Sibley ( Iowa ) and then in Parsons (Kansas). There he was also District Attorney for Labette County between 1923 and 1927 . The Republican Ratner began his political career in 1929 when he served in the Kansas Senatewas chosen. In 1937 he moved back to this body. A year later he was nominated by his party as a candidate for the gubernatorial election and was subsequently elected to this office by the voters.

Kansas Governor

Ratner's term of office began on January 9, 1939. After a re-election in 1940, he was able to serve a total of four years. In his time the administration of Kansas was reorganized again. Among other things, the Ministry of Labor was newly established. An independent finance ministry was established and in the transport sector the previous ministries for highways (Highway Commission) and for motor vehicles were merged. The merit system was introduced in the public sector. At that time the school system was also improved and pensions for teachers increased. This created an incentive to take up this profession. In the field of fire fighting, the Fire Marshall's Office was created as a separate government department to coordinate fire departments . Also new was an economic control service that checked the state's hotels and restaurants. The end of Ratner's term of office was overshadowed by the Second World War . Since the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States had been at war with Japan and shortly afterwards with Germany. The main task of the government was now to ensure the conversion of industrial production to armaments. At the same time, soldiers had to be recruited. Like all other US states, Kansas also had to contribute its share of the country's war effort.

Another résumé

After the end of his tenure on January 11, 1943 Ratner withdrew from politics. He made headlines again in 1962 when he was charged with unethical activities. The process ended in an acquittal. Payne Ratner died in December 1974. He was married to Cliffe Dodd, with whom he had three children.

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personal data
SURNAME	Ratner, Payne
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Ratner, Payne Harry (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	October 3, 1896
PLACE OF BIRTH	Casey , Illinois
DATE OF DEATH	December 27, 1974
Place of death	Wichita , Kansas