Wayne Billinger had a love of music. What we will miss more is his approach to government.

At its best, music is without boundaries. Whether intentional or not, Billinger brought that same approach to those elected to serve the region.

Billinger, former Hays City Commissioner and mayor, was among those who formed the Northwest Kansas Mayors Association -- a group of community leaders dedicated to the idea that working together only will be a benefit to the region.

The Victoria High graduate earned his degree from Fort Hays State University, lived in and served Hays, and attended church at St. Fidelis in Victoria. Billinger certainly knew success was about more than what happens within one community's city limits -- an exceptional realization for a civic leader and one for which he deserves credit and kudos.

With some notable exceptions, northwest Kansas is sorely lacking in efforts to promote and preserve the region as a whole. While nonproifit groups attempt to work together, collaboration between units of government remains rare.

Billinger and his colleagues on the mayors association hopes to fill that vacuum. While the group has had its ups and downs since its formation more than three years ago, we hope it can survive and thrive despite the absence of one of its driving forces.

Editorial by Ron Fields

rfields@dailynews.net