Gov. Mark Parkinson says he'll do whatever he can to protect the jobs of state workers and avoid furloughs.

In a sit-down interview with 13 News, Parkinson said the state is dealing with its workforce expenses right now by not replacing employees who leave. He says the number of state employees is down 500 to 600.

Parkinson says he recognizes a smaller group of people is being asked to do more, but he says that hopefully means the state will be able to get through the current economic situation without layoffs, pay cuts or furloughs.

Budget issues have been a top focus for Parkinson since he took office last month, following Kathleen Sebelius' confirmation as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. Parkinson says what he's able to do from here depends largely on the economy recovering. He says the state is getting stimulus money to help turn the economy around and he will work to ensure that money is spent in the best way possible.

However, the economy isn't the only thing Parkinson wants to work on during his time in office. He's already said he won't seek election in 2010, but Parkinson insists "this will not be a do-nothing administration." For his long-term goals, Parkinson lists working on a new comprehensive transportation program, furthering the process of earning KU Medical Center a National Cancer Institute designation and protecting the state's victory in bringing a new bio-defense facility to Manhattan, a decision the state of Texas is challenging.

Though some analysts speculated the former GOP state chairman could encounter hostilities from the Republican-controlled legislature for defecting to the Democratic Party, Parkinson says he hasn't felt any animosity. He admits it might have happened in normal times, but he says lawmakers recognized the dire economic situation and put aside partisan politics to reach solutions to the problem. Parkinson likened it to the nation's coming together following Pearl Harbor, saying this is the economic equivalent.

As for finding a lieutenant governor, Parkinson says he has ten to twelve candidates in mind and he has begun the process of contacting them. However, he declined to give any names or background information on potential choices, saying he didn't want to disappoint anyone who ultimately isn't selected.

Parkinson says his family is in the process of relocating to Cedar Crest. Two of his three children still live at home, and will attend Topeka West High School next year. He says they've toured the Cedar Crest residence and are excited about the move.

Parkinson's own adjustment led to some exploring. He says he recently went for a jog around the Cedar Crest trails and ended up getting lost. He says he listened for I-70 and found his way back without much trouble, though he thinks he might stick to the less-hilly neighborhoods around the home from now on.

Parkinson says his family enjoys typical past times, including playing with the two family dogs and dining out at restaurants. He says people can expect to see them out and about around the Capital City.