- Why are you running for this position?
I am running to give back to the Salina community that which has so freely been given to me.
- The state has struggled in recent years with budget issues. What would you do to increase income or reduce costs? Please cite specific examples.
The state has done fairly well in recent years with tax revenue increases generated by an expanding economy. I will continue to support legislation that would encourage expansion of the economy.
The budget problems have arisen with increased spending. I support efforts that are underway to decrease spending. In the past few months, since the Legislature adjourned, legislative leadership and the governor have taken proactive steps to reduce expenses. The Legislature has cut its approved 2009 budget by 2% or $600,000 by reducing travel and printing expenses and through employee attrition. The governor has requested all department heads to reduce their approved budgets by 2%.
Kansas is fortunate that our economy is still strong because of agriculture, aircraft manufacturing, and oil and gas (revenue for the first two months of FY 2009 is 3% ahead of estimates). Should any or all of those industries turn down and we have decreased tax revenue that can’t support our already reduced budget, we will have to review our options.
- What should the state do to ensure that its citizens have adequate electricity now and in the future? To what extent should the state go in encouraging the development of renewable sources of energy? Should the state allow expansion of coal-burning plants?
Any discussion of the energy future in Kansas should include consideration of the cost we are willing to bear. If we want more renewable energy, to limit carbon dioxide emissions, and maintain reliable service we can do that, but it will increase our costs. If we want to provide the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost, it will mean more emissions and or less renewable energy. The correct policy answer combines what we want and what we can afford.
I feel the state should encourage all energy development including coal and nuclear power.
- What should the role of the Legislature be in promoting energy efficiency, the construction of coal or nuclear power plants or the construction of wind farms?
Energy efficiency/conservation is a series of economic decisions that individual Kansans make everyday. The state should stay away from endorsing specific energy type plant construction, but must establish environmental and safety standards. We should encourage them all. Advances in technology and the market place will determine what gets built.
- What should the state do to ensure an adequate supply of quality water for its citizens? What should the role of the Legislature be? Should the "first in time, first in right" doctrine of water law be changed? Should the State of Kansas adopt a zero-depletion policy for water use? If so, how soon?
The state looks at long term water situations regionally. In Kansas, water is closely tied to our economy. So, to ensure an adequate supply of quality water we first must ask what type of communities and economy we want for our area. When those priorities are established, local and state authorities can determine whether we want to reduce consumption in the future or develop more supplies.
In the Salina area, since we want our community to grow, we will not want to reduce use, only improve efficiency. The state’s effort to extend the useful periods of our reservoirs is a step in the right direction. The Salina area should be taking advantage of any opportunities to store additional water when we have excess so that quantities are available during extended periods of drought.
The “first in time, first in right” doctrine of water law should only be changed if we want to change the priority of water usage. We all understand that water needs for human consumption is an obvious priority in times of shortage, and I believe the public water supply utilities have the wherewithal to secure additional water resources when needed under present policy.
Zero-depletion policies have been discussed in the past mostly concerning the Ogallala Aquifer which has been and continues to be depleting. A zero-depletion policy should be implemented (voted on) locally and not statewide and only after thoughtful discussion and debate on the pros and cons.
- Is the state adequately funding education? Would you do anything to change the way education is funded, or the amount of funding?
Funding K-12 education is the legislature’s number one priority. A well educated work force is essential to a growing economy. We need to continue to work towards funding education as outlined in the Legislative Post Audit and Augenblick and Myers reports.
- Immigration is an issue on the national and state level. Is there anything that could or should be done on the state level to address the issue?
We all want our borders to be secure and for all people to be here legally. I don’t see a way the state can address this federal issue without hurting our economy or families.
- Would you like to see a statewide smoking ban? What form should it take?
I support a statewide ban on smoking in enclosed areas and at public meetings.
- Would you advocate any changes in the state's abortion laws?
No
- The Kansas Department of Transportation is gearing up to pitch a new, 10-year highway program. The state says the current funding mechanisms generate only half the money needed, and that was before news that the federal highway trust is about to run out of money. How much money, relative to the current spending, should be committed to a new highway program? If more money is required, where should it come from? What should be the funding priorities?
Again, we must determine our priorities and conduct a cost benefit analysis. If we want a robust and expanding economy, a 10-year highway program similar in size to what we have had ($13 billion over ten years) is vital. Transportation needs are essential to Salina’s growth with our good fortune to have these assets: Interstate Highways I35 and 70, Salina Municipal Airport, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center.
Possible sources of new revenue may include: expand toll roads, increase highway use tax and/or vehicle license tax, replace the per-gallon gas tax with a miles driven tax, bond issues, or give local governments the option of a sales tax for transportation needs.
Salina is lucky to have the Salina Airport Authority’s CEO, Tim Rogers, co-chair the T-LINK process of determining our state transportation priorities from a list submitted by cities and counties all over Kansas. The Legislature and the Governor have the ultimate responsibility of approving the final plan.
- Is there any need for a revision of state education standards?
State education standards come under the responsibility of the State Board of Education. Electing more thoughtful members will ensure proper standards.
- What could Kansas do to become more competitive in attracting and retaining businesses? What should the Legislature's role be in the process?
Businesses thrive where there is a competitive tax environment, a talented, willing, mobile and well trained labor pool, and regulations that are fair and evenly applied. In past sessions I have supported the elimination of the machinery and equipment tax. I also voted in favor of a reduction in business contributions to the unemployment trust fund while insuring adequate reserves to help those employees who are temporarily laid off.
- What should the Legislature's role be in ensuring accessibility to health care, and dealing with the rising cost?
Consumer-driven health care reforms (HSAs, pricing transparency, tax code changes) can reduce the cost of health care while also empowering the individual to control their own health care. If the cost of health care is reduced, it will lower the cost of coverage and the number of uninsured will go down. That said there will always be a need for a safety net for those that are in extreme poverty, the disabled and the chronically ill. The Salina area is fortunate to have a terrific safety net clinic: the Salina Family Healthcare Center that is supported by a combination of government and private funds.
