Kasha Kelley

Political Party: Republican
Occupation: CEO, First Intermark / State Rep. District 79
Family: Husband, son
Education: BS, Broadcast Journalism
Experience: Private enterprise business background, previous director of political watchdog, current representative for district, vice chair of General Government and Budget committee.
Contact information: (877) 79KASHA (cell), kasha@kansasleadership.com

1. What can the state do to best help Kansans in these tough economic times?
Outline core responsibilities of government and fund those items adequately. Slim back/cut out unnecessary funding, of which there is plenty. Continue to make progress on more favorable tax and regulation structures to make Kansas business-friendly for job creation. Focus on personal tax reductions for individuals and families. All of these things work hand-in-hand for a better Kansas, even during tough times... and perhaps especially during tough times. Between overspending and Kansas debt load, it is imperative those serving learn to say no to non-essential spending. Among savings areas: collapsing duplicative programs and funding only the most effective, funding only core functions of government.

What, if anything, should the state be doing to make health care more affordable and accessible?
The state has the ability to “lift” the unstated competition ban in Kansas to produce more coverage options, resulting in more competitive pricing and affordability. Further, as the current system pays most often when illness arises, the state has a greater role in the education and cost savings of preventative medicine. Beyond an educational approach of preventative measures, I believe the state could use its sway to encourage providers to cover more preventative medicine that will, in time, if used, begin to relieve the pressure on the system, helping to slow rates as our state became gradually healthier.

Should the state continue to fund public education at existing levels, despite apparent revenue shortfalls? Did you support the $35 million school construction bond recently approved by voters in USD 470?
a) The state should do what it can to honor its commitments. But the reality remains that, with current economic constraints, the state may need to reconsider all of its expenditures. I doubt education funding will be reduced, but each institution must learn to make a dollar go farther, make smarter business decisions with the money, and cut unnecessary expenses. There are not only cost-saving measures that should be implemented, but also restrictions to be lifted on school expenditures to allow more flexibility and maximum use of funds spent according to specified local district needs. b) Given my stance on debt financing and our local area’s current fiscal picture, I felt the recent proposal could have used a “sharpened pencil” version that would have been overall financially healthier for all involved.

Does the tax structure in Kansas need to be changed? If yes, how so?
In various data, Kansas shows as a higher (not the highest, but higher) tax state. Often at the core of peoples’ choice where to settle is tax structure. Just this campaign cycle, I had a gentleman from the Winfield area tell me that he and his wife love Kansas, but that he has a father in a neighboring state who pays less tax on roughly the equivalent to what he has, and he and his wife will probably make the decision to leave the state they love so they can live more affordably. These are real-life stories that go on everyday in Kansas because of what government exacts from our citizens’ pocketbooks.

How big a problem is illegal immigration in Kansas and what should be done about it?
In the absence of federal action, coupled with action of neighboring states, Kansas needs to effect law (not conflicting w/ federal dictates that would end up a loser in court) to help curb illegal immigration. This is not only an issue of fiscal importance, but one of the very reason laws exist and whether or not we will value them - and of course, in a civilized society - we must value them. Business needs workers and there are ways to both fulfill that need while ensuring Kansans are not paying for healthcare, education, social services, etc.

Census estimates show that family incomes in Arkansas City lag well behind the state average and behind Cowley County’s average. What can be done, If anything, at the state level to change that?
There is a productivity model from the University of Kansas that shows just this exactly, but that Kansas as a whole lags behind our region and certainly other states with regard to productivity and pay. Whether we’re talking about Ark City or Kansas, as a whole, so much goes back to our genuine outlook on economic development at the state level, our commitment to increasing the tax base (wooing people to our state) and how tax structure, regulations, mandates, etc. play into the ability to increase the productivity and resulting pay of Kansans through business stimulation.

The state’s 10-year transportation plan is on the agenda next year. How can we keep up with infrastructure needs that could cost billions over the next several years?
Obviously, roads are veins and arteries of our economy. But just like veins and arteries, some play a more crucial role than others. The plan will need great review and evaluation, especially given the current economic state of our state. I would suspect that some projects currently included in the scope of the identified monies are not truly necessary at this time and can be eliminated, allowing funds to be more appropriately spent on those items affecting public safety, need and trade.

What kind of energy policy should Kansas pursue?
Surely by this time, it’s obvious to most that our policy must encompass multiple energy platforms when/where appropriate, including clean coal, nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, natural gas, etc. — combined with a reasonable focus on conservation. The energy policy must be regulatory reasonable, not driving away but inviting. This was the great failure of the last legislative session, the inability to craft a comprehensive energy policy that could have brought jobs and added to our tax base. Instead, lack of policy and heavy-handedness drove a wedge in our ability to move forward. Of course regulation must be responsible from a health point-of-view also or we defeat our purpose when you circle back to the issue of healthcare.

Gene Burr

Political Party: Democrat
Occupation: Retired educator
Family: Wife of 49 years, Sally; two sons, 3 grandchildren
Education: Ark City High School Class of 1957, Cowley College (formerly ACJC); BS and MS from Emporia State University; additional graduate work at Ft. Hays State University and at the University of Oklahoma
Experience: 40-year veteran of public education as teacher, coach, principal (18 years in Dodge City, KS, and 22 years in Moore, OK)
Contact information: Home phone -- 620-442-5018;
email gene.burr@yahoo.com; web site - www.geneburr.com

What can the state do to best help Kansans in these tough economic times?
The state must act — and quickly – for the benefit of the people of Kansas. We should close the tax loopholes that give corporations the incentive to outsource jobs. We can create apprenticeship programs for college and trade school students that prepare them for immediate employment. We need to make Kansas the nation’s energy leader through investments in solar, nuclear and wind energy as well as bio-fuels. We must work to lower the cost of health insurance so local businesses can afford to add more jobs. Kansas government must start working for us, and stop catering to the large corporations.

What, if anything, should the state be doing to make health care more affordable and accessible?
One of the main functions of government is to ensure the health and safety of its people. Kansas government is falling short. In the last session several amendments were proposed which would have provided assistance to small businesses to enable them to offer health insurance to their employees. The Legislature, with the help of our representative, voted the measures down. We must correct this error. Kansas should help small businesses with this. We need to expand health coverage for all Kansas children, and we need to increase coverage under Medicaid to cover more disabled adults who are unable to work.

Should the state continue to fund public education at existing levels, despite apparent revenue shortfalls? School funding should not be cut. ?
The kids are our future and we must take care of them. We will have to look at all areas of spending and make some tough choices, but cutting school funding is not something I would support. I am confident we can find ways to reach our goals without increasing taxes or cutting school funding.

Did you support the $35 million school construction bond recently approved by voters in USD 470?
I did support the bond issue and I am not going to second-guess the administration and the elected Board of Education now. This was a need they discerned after much time and study, which they presented to voters who concurred. I respect their work and the people’s vote. I will always support whatever is in the best interests of students and teachers.

Does the tax structure in Kansas need to be changed?
If yes, how so? It is no secret that property taxes in Kansas are at the breaking point. I believe the fairer tax to be a sales tax. I would like to see more of Kansas’ revenues derived from sources other than property taxes such use taxes and the so-called sin taxes, in addition to sales taxes.

How big a problem is illegal immigration in Kansas and what should be done about it?
While campaigning I have heard many people say illegal immigration is a problem. While I favor legal immigration, I am not supportive of illegal immigration. We must be diligent in enforcing the current laws. This will mean there will be some very sad situations and I understand this, but I see no other workable, fair option. Businesses who knowingly hire illegal immigrants should be penalized – that’s the bottom line. This should be addressed primarily at the federal level, but help and enforcement must come at the state and local levels.

Census estimates show that family incomes in Arkansas City lag well behind the state average and behind Cowley County’s average. What can be done, if anything, at the state level to change that?
While everything must be done to retain the business and industry currently located in South Central Kansas, it is also the case that everything must also be done to attract new business and industry. Part of the responsibility for economic development in the area rests with the State. Encouraging business and industry to come here – perhaps through tax or other incentives — would help. Without some good-paying jobs being developed in this area, family incomes will continue to lag.

The state’s 10-year transportation plan is on the agenda next year. How can we keep up with infrastructure needs that could cost billions over the next several years?
We will have to see what the costs are actually deemed to be, what the revenues are or are projected to be, and go forward from there. For certain, it will cost less to maintain the infrastructure on a regular basis now than to let it deteriorate further, requiring a more costly expenditure down the line. New programs will have to be addressed on a need basis, and can only happen if funds are available. No one has the answer to this question now. Finding the answer will be the Legislature’s responsibility next term.

What kind of energy policy should Kansas pursue?
Certainly Kansas should take the lead in development of wind-sourced energy. Likewise, we are blessed with an abundance of sunny days, so we are a fertile ground for solar energy research. We should also pursue nuclear energy, continue in the development of bio-fuels, and give consideration to clean coal-fired power plants so long as they are located in areas with sufficient water to sustain their operation, and the energy generated is primarily for the benefit of Kansans.