The Topeka Capital-Journal Sunday, July 15, 2018 C17
2018 PRIMARY VOTERS GUIDE REPUBLICAN
KANSAS HOUSE — 51ST DISTRICT: RON HIGHLAND Why are you running for the Kansas House? Encouragement from political leaders and constituents in the 51st District was the major factor for me in deciding to run again for a fourth term. What do you think about Kansas lowering (2012) and raising (2017) the state income taxes while hiking the sales tax rate (2015)? Unfortunately, economic conditions in the country and our state during those times created a situation where a choice of cutting spending or raising taxes presented itself. The will to cut spending was not there resulting in tax increases. Do you believe the $525 million, fiveyear school finance plan adopted by the 2018 Legislature complies with the Kansas Constitution? Yes. Is it necessary for legislators and Kansas voters to amend the state constitution to limit power of the judicial branch to dictate levels of state aid to public school districts? The Court is within its power as defined by the Constitution to evaluate equity. However,
the funding is strictly within the power of the Legislature. Unfortunately, a clear statement in the Constitution is needed. Why should, or why shouldn’t, the state government in Kansas expand eligibility for Medicaid? If expanded, do you support work or training requirements for “able-bodied” recipients? Every research document and information I have reviewed indicates that the cost of expansion would be too costly for Kansas. The experience of other states bears this conclusion to be true. The surest way for any recipient to become a productive citizen is to help that individual find and keep a job. Therefore, I do support such programs. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being diverted from the state’s highway program to support the government’s base budget. How is this appropriate or not? No. The money collected via the gasoline tax should go to the infrastructure development, maintenance, and planning. The budget should be maintained unless there is a catastrophic event. Identification of priorities by the Legislature and the Governor is required during the budgeting process.
In what ways should Kansas firearm laws be modified to address violent crime? The Legislature has made modifications to the laws recently and I feel they are sufficient. How would you reform state law regarding availability of abortion services? I would vote to strengthen, not weaken. Is it necessary for Kansas to follow other states with term limits for House and Senate members? If so, what do you propose? If not, why not? At first this sounds logical. But, the voters determine the length of time a person serves them. By passing a law to limit terms weakens the peoples vote and could lessen their involvement in the process. I would require a great deal more information before voting on such a bill. How would you improve public reporting on the results from large state tax breaks awarded companies that move a business to Kansas or promise to remain and increase jobs? We passed legislation in 2018 that creates transparency in this process within the Commerce Department. They will develop a web site that will be available to the public to see
RON HIGHLAND (incumbent)
Town of residence: Wamego Party affiliation: Republican Age: 71 Job: Retired veterinarian Prior elected offices: Kansas House; Wabaunsee County Republican Precinct Committeeman
the funds allocated, to whom, and the results. I would encourage local governments to do the same.
OTHER CANDIDATES Democrat Noah Wright, who is running for the Kansas House, 51st District, didn’t return the questionnaire.
D E M O C R AT
KANSAS HOUSE — 57TH DISTRICT: JOHN ALCALA Why are you running for the Kansas House? I’ve been in public service for many years now, and it’s incredibly important to me that my district is accurately and compassionately represented. I take pride in being accessible to all of my constituents and helping them in any way that I can. Taking their concerns and opinions to the Statehouse ensures we, including myself, are all properly represented. What do you think about Kansas lowering (2012) and raising (2017) state income taxes while hiking the sales tax rate (2015)? I was first elected to the House in November 2012, and unable to vote against the 2012 tax experiment. However, I would never have voted for such a reckless policy, and like my colleagues, foresaw this as a disaster to the state economy. I voted against the 2015 tax hike, which at that time was the largest in state history, because it was nothing more than covering up the failure of the 2012 policy. By the time we got to the vote in 2017, Kansas was $1 billion in the hole. There was no other option but to vote yes. Our state’s schools, social services, infrastructure, and entire economy depended upon it. Do you believe the $525 million, fiveyear school finance plan adopted by the 2018 Legislature complies with the Kansas Constitution? I agree with the Kansas Supreme Court that the plan was not adequate and did not provide appropriate adjustments for inflation. That is why I voted with my colleague Representative Trimmer to bring the inflation adjustments to the correct levels, unfortunately that amendment did not pass.
Is it necessary for legislators and Kansas voters to amend the state constitution to limit the power of the judicial branch to dictate levels of state aid to public school districts? Absolutely not. The three equal but separate branches of government are the very foundation of our democracy. This was nothing but an attempt to limit the power of a certain branch of government solely because one side didn’t or doesn’t agree with the outcome. Not only is this amendment attempt harmful to our children, it would strip the fundamental checks and balances from government. Why should, or why shouldn’t, the state government in Kansas expand eligibility for Medicaid? If expanded, do you support work or training requirements for “able-bodied” recipients? Kansas should absolutely expand Medicaid — and we should have done this years ago. Expanding Medicaid would not only provide healthcare coverage for over 150,000 Kansans that are currently in the coverage gap, but it would greatly improve their health and wellbeing. It would make Kansas a healthier state overall. We are also paying into a federal program and not getting anything in return — expansion is a cost-friendly option for helping thousands and thousands of Kansans. I do not support work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Many of the people who are eligible for Medicaid already have jobs, it’s just that those jobs pay so little they actually qualify for Medicaid. Corporations need to increase wages before the state implements work requirements. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being diverted from the state’s highway program to support the government’s base budget. How is
this appropriate or not? For years Governor Brownback raided the State Highway Fund to help offset the plummeting state budget after the enactment of his tax experiment. The Highway Fund is a valuable economic driver for our state and also ensures we have safe roads and bridges to travel on. I do not support taking money out of the Highway Fund to plug holes in the State’s budget and I will work to reverse this action. In what ways should Kansas firearm laws be modified to address violent crime? I fully support the second amendment, the Constitution, and what it stands for. However, we do need to find a failsafe way to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people. While I support law-abiding citizens’ right to access guns, I also support keeping guns out of our schools and hospitals, and out of the hands of domestic abusers. How would you reform state law regarding availability of abortion services? This is typically a national issue and not a state and local one. I do believe abortion services, like any medical services, should be provided in a safe and professional environment and that is where the state does come in. Is it necessary for Kansas to follow other states with term limits for House and Senate members? If so, what do you propose? If not, why not? Kansas does have term limits for House and Senate members — through elections. The people are the term limits. How would you improve public reporting by the governor on results from large state
JOHN ALCALA (incumbent)
Town of residence: Topeka Party affiliation: Democrat Age: 59 Job: Retired Prior elected offices: Kansas House; Topeka City Council
tax breaks awarded to companies that move a business to Kansas or promise to remain and increase jobs? The legislature needs to adopt legislation that would require the Governor to seek legislative approval for any large tax breaks provided to corporations to entice them to move or increase jobs. Doing so would greatly increase the transparency of these actions with the creation of a legislative record and would also provide accountability for the voters. Additionally, any tax break handed out to a corporation to increase jobs needs to have teeth by requiring they actually do create jobs. If that corporation doesn’t increase jobs, then they should pay back the tax breaks.
OTHER CANDIDATES Democrat Vic Miller, an incumbent running for the Kansas House, 58th District, didn’t return the questionnaire.
D E M O C R AT
SHAWNEE COUNTY COMMISSION — 1ST DISTRICT: CHRIS PALMER What makes you the best candidate for this job? Others may also be well suited, but I think my background in running a business, creating and meeting budgets and supervising those who have created and met budgets, as well as my involvement in partnerships where public and private entities worked together to address challenges make me a good fit for Shawnee County Commissioner. What’s the most common thing you hear from people as you’re out campaigning? “You’re much better looking in person!” Okay, I’ve never heard that. Most folks are optimistic about things happening in Topeka and Shawnee County and think it’s a great place to live and raise a family but local taxes and crime routinely come up as areas of concern. This position is partisan. Should it be? And how would the partisan nature of the position impact your role as a commissioner? I would prefer County Commissioner not be a partisan position, but it shouldn’t matter all that much. The closer you get to the people and local issues you really shouldn’t have time for pontificating on partisan issues. Just get the job done and work together. What do you consider to be the most important part of a county commissioner’s job? Being a good steward of public funds and working for the common good.
After earmarking $3 million of $6 million in available excess revenue to go for parks and recreation purposes, county commissioners recently have been discussing how to use the remaining $3 million. What do you think? The commission had agreed that any available excess revenue would go toward deferred maintenance for Parks and Recreation and/ or deferred maintenance at the Kansas Expo Centre. I think they should honor their commitment. There are still millions of dollars in deferred maintenance items carried over from the consolidation of the Topeka and Shawnee County Parks and Recreation departments. If you could make one change to Shawnee County laws/ordinances, what would it be? Review the home rule resolutions and eliminate any that are outdated, redundant or were implemented for a specific purpose that is no longer an issue. Even well thought out and properly executed regulations, if not reviewed, can become excessive and burdensome decades later. What’s your stance regarding whether the county should buy the property that formerly housed Camp Daisy Hindman? Camp Daisy could offer opportunities for all Shawnee County citizens to experience expanded and unique recreation experiences. However, I don’t see the rush to enter into a purchase of this size and continued responsibility before the county has done it’s due diligence. I would need to see a detailed proposal taking
into consideration all aspects of owning and operating a property of this size and scope and incorporating it into what I believe is a fine parks and recreation department before I could make a judgement. I do understand the passion and energy from the community; Camp Daisy has provided memories for tens of thousands of campers for decades. What does this community need to do from an economic development standpoint that it’s not doing already? My best advice is, "don’t be afraid to try!" As a community we have made mistakes and I’m sure we will make more. The thing that bothers me is when the fear of failing keeps us from being bold. I have participated in Chamber of Commerce sponsored inter-city trips and learned what other communities facing similar challenges have done and I am inspired by our progress toward economic and quality of life improvement. There are dedicated professionals working every day to further the cause of economic development in Topeka and Shawnee County. As a candidate I will continue to listen and learn more from them about the long-term goals and plans in the works. Do you have any potential “skeletons in your closet” you’d like to address? I am embarrassed to admit that until I was 40 years old, I thought the, “drummies” when you ordered chicken wings were from the legs of really small chickens.
CHRIS PALMER
Town of residence: Topeka Party affiliation: Democrat Age: 50 Job: Executive director of Cornerstone of Topeka Inc., a private, nonprofit affordable housing developer and provider that owns and manages 175 Topeka properties Prior elected offices: None
What’s your favorite thing about Shawnee County? It’s home.