Voters Guide 2006: State & Local
League of Women Voters
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Kansas House of Representatives,
District 60
Name: Don Hill
Age: 59
Address: 1720 Luther, Emporia
Occupation: Pharmacist, Business Owner
Education: BS Pharmacy University of Kansas
Email address: hill@house.state.ks.us
Website: www.repdonhill.org
Republican Party
Incumbent
Name: Charles M. Long
Address: 1112 Merchant M3, Emporia
Democratic Party
What are your reasons for running for this office? (The answer has a 75 word limit)
HILL: I am a common sense, problem solving Representative dedicated to helping make the atmosphere in the Kansas legislature positive in order to advance prudent public policy in critical areas such as health care, education, economic development and reasonable and responsible government. My experience and leadership prior to my election in 2002 and while in the legislature give me valuable perspective to serve Emporia. I am motivated by my desire to make Kansas a better place for future generations.
LONG: No response.
Education funding for K-12 has dominated the last two legislative sessions. What goals do you have for funding higher education? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
HILL: Legislative action in 2006 was productive for K-12 and for higher education. Among other things we succeeded in increasing funding to operations at institutions of higher education and we succeeded in gaining ownership of the interest on tuition dollars held in the state treasury. I am a co-chairman of the Higher Education Caucus, a bi-partisan, bi-cameral group of legislators who view higher education issues as a top priority. My priorities in higher ed for 2007 include at least starting to fund some of the cost of deferred maintenance, adding funding to the operational costs and addressing the affordability of higher ed for low-income families. Technical college needs must also be recognized and addressed because of their growing role in our new economy. I look forward to working with the Regents and legislature to continue improving higher education in Kansas.
LONG: No response.
What ideas do you have regarding energy resources and how will these affect air quality? Specifically address your position on alternative energy sources (e.g. solar, wind, biofuels) and pollution control measures. (The answer has a 150 word limit)
HILL: Dependence on energy from foreign sources, cost of energy and environmental impact of energy production all concern me. I favor development of alternative energy sources. Wind energy and ethanol and other bio fuels are all being substantially expanded in Kansas. Encouraging investment in these areas and creating incentives within limits is, I believe, sound public policy. University and private research on energy should be encouraged in Kansas. Transmission infrastructure for electricity and pipeline capacity need to be expanded. This should be done with care toward environmental and safety concerns, and in collaboration with the federal government and the private sector.
LONG: No response.
Water is a critical resource and the availability of clean water is imperative to the future of Kansas. What can the legislature do to maintain the availability and improve the quality of water in Kansas? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
HILL: I believe Kansas presently has adequate laws in place to protect water resources. The availability of water, the quality of water and the opportunity to maximize the recreation potential of water are all aspects that should continue to be carefully overseen by the legislature. The Kansas Water Authority, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Department of Commerce and the Attorney General have significant roles to play on behalf of the State in water policy execution. In addition conservation, environmentally sound practices, enforcement of compacts with other states are critical. I also support development around some lakes for the purpose of increasing recreational, tourism, residential and economic development.
LONG: No response.
What are your priorities for funding social services? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
HILL: I believe the first priority for social services and for health care cost containment is reducing the number of Kansans who are uninsured or under-insured A crucial companion to this priority is the need to identify and implement more effective strategies that bring a stronger focus on prevention and wellness issues in health care. Education has a central role to play beginning with pre-K and all day kindergarten and continuing through higher education and job training and retraining initiatives. This compels us to be creative and resourceful in the use of public dollars by encouraging public, private, and faith based resources in meeting social service needs. I believe we can do a better job of assisting those in need by consolidating and regionalizing administrative function in social service agencies.
LONG: No response.
Kansas House of Representatives,
District 76
Name: Susan G. Fowler
Age: 47
Address: 1557 Road N, Emporia
Occupation: Information Management Consultant
Education: B.A. in Psychology, Master’s in Library Science, post-master’s certificate in legal information management
Email address: fowler4staterep@susangfowler.com
Website URL: www.susangfowler.com/campaign.htm
Democratic Party
Mrs. Peggy L. Mast
Age: 58
Address: 765 Road 110, Emporia
Occupation: Secretary-bookkeeper
Education: High school +
Email address: pmast@ink.org
Web site: www.peggymast.com
Republican Party
Incumbent
What are your reasons for running for this office? (The answer has a 75 word limit)
FOWLER: To give voters a choice and a voice. Voters should have a choice of who to vote for, and they should have an opportunity to discuss publicly the issues important to them. Also, I am a Kansan who wants what is best for her district and is willing to work hard in Topeka to achieve that.
MAST: I am again running for the office of State Representative because I love doing the job. It is such a privilege to serve the people of Kansas in this capacity and I have begun work on some issues that need to be completed. Last year I authored a bill to farmers; a bill that was requested by law enforcement, and a bill regarding health care. I need to finish these tasks.
Education funding for K-12 has dominated the last two legislative sessions. What goals do you have for funding higher education? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
FOWLER: We have three urgent needs in higher education: building and equipment maintenance, faculty salaries, and skyrocketing tuition rates. Our physical resources – including technology – are the tools by which students learn. It is more economical to stay on top of needed repairs or replacements rather than pay the high price of neglect. Faculty salaries lag behind peer institutions nationally and in neighboring states. To ensure academic excellence—a key factor in student recruitment and retention—we must compete nationally for the best professors and researchers. Tuition rates have soared in recent years. It’s not unusual to find students (at Emporia State University) working two or three part-time jobs and taking a half-load in order to afford college. I hope to help Kansas invest in higher education, because the taxes paid by each college graduate are many times more than what they received in state support.
MAST: For several years, the legislature has focused on the funding of K-12. We have significantly increased the dollars that are going to our schools. It is apparent that we now need to turn a strong focus toward higher education. The Regents have brought it to our attention that many of our aged buildings need to be renovated, and we are falling behind in keeping up with inflation rates on student funding.
What ideas do you have regarding energy resources and how will these affect air quality? Specifically address your position on alternative energy sources (e.g. solar, wind, biofuels) and pollution control measures. (The answer has a 150 word limit)
FOWLER: Our first step should be to encourage a reduction in consumption of non-renewable sources, such as petroleum products. The state can assist in this by funding “green” and efficient mass transportation within and between our towns. As a state, we must encourage the energy industry to use the best available technology for reducing mercury emissions and other pollutants. I support the development and use of alternative energy sources to protect the environment and as a means for economic development. Biodiesel and ethanol production are logical industries for this legislative district, and I would like to see increased research on raw materials for ethanol that require less fossil fuels for processing. I would support legislation that rewards responsible environmental behavior, such as installing wind turbines in housing developments, encouraging revitalization of existing neighborhoods before irreparably altering agricultural land, and developing alternative fuels.
MAST: We have some great minds in our area who are working very hard to help provide clean energy for our state. I have had lengthy conversations with individuals who are very informed on hydrogen potential. We are also seeing methane production become promising in this area. I have opposed wind turbines in the Flinthills and I treasure the rights of individuals to protect their own personal property from eminent domain. I am excited about the increased production of biofuels in our state and remain open to learn as much as possible.
Water is a critical resource and the availability of clean water is imperative to the future of Kansas. What can the legislature do to maintain the availability and improve the quality of water in Kansas? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
FOWLER: We are fortunate to have in-state expertise to address this issue, and unfortunate in that agencies have been under funded, making it impossible to meet program goals that will move us forward in guaranteeing the public a safe, clean supply of water. Short-term, the legislature can fund requests from the Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources, State Conservation Commission and Kansas Water Office for an additional $2.2 million to replace funds currently used for operational costs. This would allow our state experts to address priority water issues. Long-term I would want to make sure our experts have the resources they need to guarantee Kansans a future of clean water.
MAST: Water has been an important issue in our state for many years. Our Attorney Generals have had to sue both Nebraska and Colorado to protect this precious resource and still we are seeing the depletion of the water tables in the Western part of the state. The water standards of Kansas have been set higher than the standards of most states around us and Emporia has a reputation for having some of the best tasting water in the nation. I will work to help to protect this vital resource.
What are your priorities for funding social services? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
FOWLER: We need to eliminate hunger, poverty, and improve health, and we need to start looking at preventive measures rather than trying to fix the problem after the fact. We know that the more education a person has, the more likely he or she is to be healthy. And if women are healthy, their children are more likely to be healthy. That’s why funding education appropriately is at the top of my issues – it can have a significant, positive impact by improving health and making adults eligible for better-paying jobs. Priorities for funding social services would be efforts that will help us achieve the goals of eliminating hunger and poverty, and improving health. If we focus on the most important part of the equation – the people who receive the services rather than the providers – we can make better choices for how we spend our money.
MAST: I have a burden for the elderly and our servicemen. At this current time, I think that their needs are being overlooked and I want to actively try to help these individuals who have contributed so much. We also have great needs in mental health throughout the state. Our state hospitals are not doing an adequate job of rehabilitation when individuals are sent for care from our court system and I plan on addressing this great need. My position on Social Services Committee will give me an opportunity to do just that. Thanks for the opportunity to inform those interested in this important election.
Kansas Board of Education, District 9
Name: Dr. Kent Runyan
Age: 56
Address: P.O. Box 211, Pittsburg, KS 66762
Occupation: College Professor
Education: B.S. Language Arts, Marshall University, M.A. ,Educational Administration, Marshall University, Ed. D. Educational Leadership, West Virginia University
Website URL: www.kentrunyan.com
Email Address: lrunyan@fament.com
Democratic Party
Name: Jana Shaver
Age: Sixty-four
Address: 113 Woodlane Drive, Independence, KS 67301
Occupation: Retired classroom teacher, reading teacher, curriculum director
Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education; Master of Science, Elementary Teaching; Specialist in Education, Reading; Administrative Certification; all from Pittsburg State University
Website: www.janashaver.com
Email Address: janashaver@cableone.net
Republican Party
Why did you decide to run for this office? (The answer has a 75 word limit)
RUNYAN: I was motivated to run because the present board has lost the vision of providing an educational system of which Kansas can be proud. As a former teacher, coach, administrator, school board member, and now a college professor, I have worn many hats and know the complexities of creating effective classrooms and schools. I want to use my experience to return reason and pride to the Kansas State Board of Education.
SHAVER: I saw a need for a change on the State Board of Education. I felt that the six member majority was spending too much time debating “wedge issues” and too little time making important policy decisions critical to the future of public education in our state. I was concerned about the negative image Kansas education was developing nationwide. I want to see our State Board of Education looking at the “big picture” and making objective decisions for Kansas schools.
Do you support continued participation in the “No Child Left Behind” program?
If yes: How would you, as a member of state BOE, work to assist local school districts in meeting the standards of NCLB?
If no: what revenue sources would you propose to make up for the loss of $150 million in federal funding that currently comes to the state for participating?
(The answer has a 150 word limit)
RUNYAN: Yes. NCLB’s idea of bridging the achievement gap is a basic tenet for every American school. However, to fit Kansas’s schools it needs to be fixed. If elected, I would advocate for less standardized testing and more authentic assessment. Presently, we are testing our children to death. We are seeing teachers teach more for the test than for understanding. We are seeing the development of a narrow curricula that doesn’t educate the whole child. We are setting impossible testing levels and judging schools on how well students filled in ovals on one given day. Though NCLB sounds good, it is doing more harm than good in its present form. I believe we need to move away from paper and pencil testing and explore a comprehensive performance assessment system that provides for different learning styles and alternative methods of showing what a child knows, believes, and can do.
SHAVER: Yes. We can’t afford to lose $150-300 million. I believe that NCLB has admirable goals. We should have high expectations for our students. We should focus on providing them with a 21st century education to enable them to be productive, literate workers and citizens. The board should focus on changing the implementation of NCLB. Some of the expectations and regulations are unrealistic. As a state board member, I would favor a more flexible, realistic plan of accountability that would enable schools to use their dollars in the most efficient, cost effective manner. I would seek input from teachers and administrators on how to simplify testing requirements. I would direct the KSBE staff to assist schools by providing examples of Best Practices along with Staff Development experiences. I would strengthen early intervention programs. Above all, I would stress teacher retention, recruitment and training. Keeping good teachers in the classroom is key to improving student performance.
State your position on who should have the authority to ban books from school libraries and/or add warning labels to student textbooks. (The answer has a 100 word limit)
RUNYAN: Being a former English teacher and parent of three children, I am highly aware and sensitive to the concern a community has for what their children read. I believe it is the local community’s responsibility to select appropriate textbooks and library books that its children read. To me, a local representative committee of parents, teachers, community members, and students is the most viable method for making decisions on books. Their recommendations on textbooks should always be approved by the local board of education.
SHAVER: I believe that local school boards should have this authority. They know their students, parents and the values of their communities. This is a local issue. All local boards have policies outlining procedures for addressing issues when parents or community members question the content of textbooks or library books. They should follow this procedure.
What is your opinion of the natural science standards recently established by the current Board of Education? What would you do if local school districts chose not to follow those standards? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
RUNYAN: Over the last several years, no issue has more divided our state than rewriting the definition of science. This curriculum adoption has held our state up to ridicule from David Letterman to the New York Time’s editorial cartoons. It did nothing to move our state forward. As American citizens we greatly value our right to go to the church of our choice. In my way of thinking, religion and science are two different ways of viewing reality. They are compatible, not contradictory. Science deals with testable observation; religion deals with matters of faith. I think we have blurred the two perspectives with the new science definition. Schools should deal with science; churches, and even more importantly the home, with religion. If elected, I would continue to advocate for the right of each local community, through its elected local board of education, to adopt its own curricula.
SHAVER: Because I value the opinions of scientists, science teachers and national science organizations, I view the standards as being inadequate. The Fordham Foundation rates the standards in all 50 states. Our current science standards received an F-, the lowest in the nation. No national science organization has rated the standards as adequate and they have withdrawn copyright support. Local school boards should make the final decisions on curriculum issues, so I would not interfere if a school district chose not to follow these standards. I support adopting Science Standards that are developed with input from science teachers and other experts and are endorsed by scientists and science organizations.
Lyon County Commissioner, District 1
Name: Kenneth L. (Ken) Bazil
Age: 61 years old
Address: 1486 Road 180, Emporia
Occupation: Retiring from Lyon-Coffey Electric as Director of Operations in October.
Education: High School, 44 hrs Electric Power Distribution Engineering, and many continuing educational hours in employee management and other training.
Email address: kenbazil@netscape.net
Name: Scott Briggs
Age: 51
Address: 2594 Road X, Reading, 66868
Occupation: Farmer-Stockman
Education: 2 years college
Email Address: puffysb99@yahoo.com
Why did you decide to run for this office? (The answer has a 75 word limit)
BAZIL: I was approached by friends and neighbors in Lyon County and asked to run for Commissioner. I have had a great thirty six years providing services to the public, and feel I can be a service to people whom supported my family and me. I know what it is to work day and night to provide essential service to the communities.
BRIGGS: I feel that the 1st district needed to be represented by someone who will take to time to listen to the concerns of the people, and have an understanding of community issues. It is an opportunity for me to make Lyon County safer and stronger.
Please address the need for improving city-county cooperation (e.g. issues such as ambulance service, LCAT, sanitation/recycling, land use/planning/zoning, and the proposed new Westar plant). (The answer has a 150 word limit)
BAZIL: We must work together to provide the services for both the city and the county that have been agreed upon by the two commissions. We will need to assess all of the services we provide together, and find ways to provide those same services as economically possible. Everyone is a part of Lyon County. I feel we need to take a good look at LCAT, sanitation/recycling to provide the services needed now and in the future. Land use should be decided by how a person does what is right and according to the law or regulations on the books. Veterans fought and died for our right to live and raise our families where we want. Zoning is a tool to make sure that the rights of all people are protected.
BRIGGS: County and City cooperation is a must for many issues. I would say that a meeting between the two commissions should be a priority to hammer out some type of agreement that would benefit both city and county residents. We need to identify who is responsible for the cost of the ambulance service, health department, LCAT, and other seemingly shared responsibilities. We should then document it. Once we know these answers we can move on to more positive and productive issues.
If voters approve the county manager position, what specific responsibilities should pass from commissioners to manager? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
BAZIL: The county commissioners cannot give away any responsibilities to the manager; the manager is a tool to be used to provide a greater service to everyone. The responsibilities of the county manager will be to provide a liaison between the Commissioners and the elected officials and the department heads. The manager would be in charge of budget information, personnel matters, and providing information to the commissioners. Personnel policies would be written and policies reviewed as required to meet current laws. The public would have a person to go to on a daily basis if they have a problem or are seeking information that cannot be provided by someone else. I would say that someone is doing this job at this time and is likely one or three people. The manager would work with the cities and other entities as needed. He/she would work with departments to provide goals and present…{edited for length}
BRIGGS: First I would say that anything relating to policy making would not be passed on. From that point forward I believe not being involved with the day to day commission business would not qualify me to make an intelligent decision to the job description of a county manager. I would think it would take some time and experience to make that judgment. The people should understand that a county manager system will be difficult to implement, as we have five elected officials that answer to the voters, not the commissioners or a proposed county manger. It is my understanding that the commissioners only oversee the budget of these departments.
The cost of running the county has soared on a per capita basis even when adjusted for inflation. What do you think are the major reasons for these increases in costs and how would you manage these costs in the future? (The answer has a 150 word limit)
BAZIL: I saw the costs in the newspaper and was amazed along with everyone else. I think that we offer and provide a great deal more services than we did in 1986. We have all seen government intervention into our private lives. We are required to provide many more services than we did twenty years ago. The state and federal government mandated them and then didn’t provide the funding they promised when times got hard. The counties and cities where left holding the bag. I feel with my training, budget experience, and problem solving abilities, I can lead and work with everyone to find solutions to help relieve some of the cost of running the county. Some of the solutions aren’t going to be popular, but we can’t expect the employee’s to carry the cost of all the solutions. The employee’s can be our greatest asset when it comes to finding …{edited for length}
BRIGGS: Building the courthouse a few years ago is one cause. Not only the cost of construction, but combined with the higher costs of fuel that are required to heat and cool it has made a substantial increase in taxes. I understand that the increase in law enforcement has risen dramatically, largely due to the demographics of the population. This includes the increase in the number of inmates that are the responsibility of the county. Again fuel is a factor in the higher costs of law enforcement, to run the patrol cars. LCAT costs are higher. Health department costs are also higher. As a county commissioner I would constantly seek ways to control spending and make the county more efficient. Working to attract business to create jobs would be a top priority in managing costs of running the county.