Why did you decide to run for office?
It all started when my oldest son was attending Kansas State University. We had a discussion about how I felt he should stand on principle or he would lose his own self-respect and identity. That statement convinced me to get involved in knowing who was serving us in public office and what they stood for. I was later encouraged to run and was honored and very surprised to win.
What do you see as the greatest challenges facing this office?
The greatest challenge to this office is learning how to get things accomplished. There is a very steep learning curve on the issues, the agencies and the process of working together with others to address the things that need to be changed.
What are the three greatest challenges facing Kansas as a whole?
A. Economic development is a top priority to me. I can see a bright future ahead for Kansas if we can work together to accomplish it. Just Tuesday, I spoke with a senator who told me that there are many companies that are prepared to locate to Kansas to put our state on the map for animal-health expertise. That is exciting to me. Agriculture is still our top industry and this venture would help many in Kansas who need it most.
B. We have a growing number of elderly. It is time that we focus on how we will address this important group of individuals. They, too, can be vital members of our communities and I consider them to be an important resource. But we must address their needs. Looking at things like senior nutrition plans, property tax and health care issues needs to be a priority.
C. Education will always be a top priority for Kansas, as it should be. We need to focus on a vision of where we want to take education in the next 10 years. How will we address the growing need for more nurses, dentists, engineers and teachers? We need to focus on providing a good education for the leaders of our future and then make sure we can provide the jobs that will keep them in Kansas.
What do you hope to achieve if elected to another term in office?
I am pleased with some of the accomplishments that have been accredited to me since taking office. Many of my constituents have come to me with many things that needed to be addressed and, thanks to them, we have had some surprising successes. Tanner Burenheide from Olpe has asked once again that we try to give our veterans a special day off for Veteran’s Day. I am excited about giving that another try. I look forward to working with individuals and organizations from this area that have good ideas that will move this area of Kansas forward economically.
Why should people vote for you instead of your opponent?
You are known by the company you keep. The Kansas Highway Patrol has give me a 100 percent voting record for 2006. The Kansas Sheriff’s Association awarded me “The Friend of Law Enforcement” in 2005. I was also given the “Americanism” award from the American Legion in 2005. The Chamber of Commerce of Kansas has endorsed me and the National Federation of Independent Business has given me a hearty endorsement. I am also endorsed by the Kansas Farm Bureau as well as the Lyon County Farm Bureau Association. I am known as a friend of the taxpayer and a friend of life as well as a strong defender of the 10th amendment (in which powers not granted to the state or federal governments is reserved by the people — Ed.). With 10 years of experience, I have gained a great deal of influence in the legislative process and serve on some tough committees such as Legislative Post Audit and Health Policy Oversight. I look forward to continuing my work and appreciate the support that I have received from the people I serve.