What do you see as the three greatest challenges facing Kansas right now?
“I think education has to remain on the list, with that focus now being shared by higher education funding. But K-12 will certainly still be on the agenda. For the first time in several years, we’ll have a session where there isn’t at least a threat of a lawsuit in the background.
“Economic development would be another priority and the third would probably be improving efficiency in government. It’s been well-recognized that Kansas is a state that spends far more money on government than most states do. ... It’s time we get serious about regionalization and the importance of consolidation, and sharing and collaborating between units of government.”
Perhaps the highest profile issue in the Legislature last session was education. Tell me what you think of the bill that was passed and what more, if anything, needs to be done to help education in the future?
“I think there’s opportunity over the next couple of years to look at reform in public education financing. I think that we’ll be looking at a completely new methodology of determining school funding, though I don’t know if it will gain a lot of traction.
“Our legislative post audit study that was done a year ago ... suggested some ways that we might modify our system. One of its conclusions was that Kansas is spending too much on low-enrollment weighting. That’s a concern that needs to be looked at and verified, to see if there’s a way to address that without hurting the system.
“On higher education, the concern I have is the need to remain competitive and the issue of deferred maintenance.
“One other thing I’m concerned about in K-12 education is the looming teacher shortage. I don’t think the public yet understands and most legislators may not understand the looming problems we’re going to have over the next five to 10 years when the baby boomers start leaving the system. We’re not preparing teachers at the rate we need to.”
Economic development has always been a crucial consideration for Kansas. How do you see the overall economic picture in this state? What needs to be done to help the state grow?
“I see it as improving and I see a lot of opportunities for continued improvement. I think most of the tools are in place. Those tools include the Kansas Economic Growth Act that was passed a couple of years ago and the bio-science initiative. I think both have demonstrated their viability and their promise.
“I think tourism is another area where we’ve seen significant growth and progress and that will continue to be the case. I’m encouraged by the success we’ve had in the (military) base re-alignment process.
“And I think higher education and health will substantially contribute to the economy. The tools are in place and we’re building momentum. We just need to see that we do what we can to make sure these things continue, and that we have some competitiveness with our tax structure.”
An expansion of gambling has been proposed by some as one way to help the state raise funds while others consider it a step in the wrong direction. Where do you stand and why?
“I don’t believe an expansion of gambling is going to be necessary for budgetary purposes. I opposed the gambling expansion proposal that was made in the last session. I think we need to not close the door on the possibility, but the only way I would support a gambling proposal would be if it were on a very limited basis and included some re-negotiations of the compacts we have with the sovereign Indian nations.
“I think the good news is with the extent to which revenues have improved over the last 18 months, the Legislature is not going to be compelled to look at gambling as a source of revenue to balance the budget.”
Tell me what you have to offer the 60th District. Why should we vote for you instead of your opponent?
“I think the value of four years’ experience and the value of the leadership opportunities I’ve had, along with my long-standing experience and leadership in the community. My willingness to continue to learn and to be positive and to take a common sense bipartisan approach are all good for Emporia and have served the 60th District well. I hope for the opportunity to continue.”