Issues

Economy and Jobs
I am a free market advocate who believes that low taxes encourages economic growth. High taxes stifles growth, weakens the economy, and puts more people out of work. Our economy works best when individuals have more of their income to spend and save, and businesses have money to invest and add jobs.

I remain firm on the belief that government should create the legal framework, and regulate for fraud, checks and balances, but not directly participate in the marketplace.

Overall I support a smaller government, low taxes, and common sense regulations. This will promote the expansion of existing businesses, attract new businesses, and will result in more jobs and prosperity for Kansans.

Health Care
I believe that all Kansans should have access to health care. The truly poor should be given a helping hand to receive basic health care. I am opposed to any health care legislation that does not address, head on, the underlying reasons that are driving up costs. I oppose any legislation, be it at the state or federal level that will increase government spending, increase government encroachment, and lower the quality of care, especially for elders on Medicare. I support strengthening the existing private market system with policies that will drive down costs and make it easier for people to purchase patient centered insurance.

Energy and Environment
I support common-sense environmental policy that will help to reduce pollution. I believe that we should all leave anything we treasure in better shape than we found it.

Of course I support development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, and natural gas. Reducing our dependence of foreign oil will make us safer as well as insulate our economy from external damage caused by oil price spikes. I oppose a national cap and trade program because of the higher costs that families and businesses would incur. Cap and Trade legislation is more about politics and growing government bigger than anything else.

Education
Quality schools and teachers go hand in hand with quality communities to live and work in. Accountability and high standards are paramount in any school system. I support parent choice through charter schools, private schools, public schools, and home schools.

I will continue to support a fairer school finance formula for Johnson County taxpayers and schools. This includes local control, budgets, and priorities.

Gun issues
I support the Second Amendment and believe that citizens have the right to keep and bear arms as a basic constitutional liberty. Gun ownership should remain guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

Veterans
I am well aware of the sacrifice our men and women have made through serving in the military. Both Marearl and my fathers were born on the same day, same year. They were two Kansas farm boys who joined the Army, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. Marearl’s dad fought near Bastogne. My Dad fought in Sessenheim-Stattmatten where he had orders to “hold at all cost”. Which he did, was captured, and was a POW in Stalag 11-B until liberated in April 1945. I will be a vigorous supporter of returning service members and for families of those killed in action. Will do my best to recognize the importance of all our service members