Manhattan Mercury 11/3/2006 12:59:49 PM
The race for 66th District
Biography
Republican. Iowa native and graduate of South Dakota State University who received his degree in economics. Helped found Cryotech - an airport and aircraft de-icing company - and currently works in acquisitions for its parent company, General Atomics. Has lived in Manhattan since 2004. Is a member of the Manhattan Rotary Club and chairs its youth exchange program. Is also a member of the city's Human Rights Commission.
What is your vision of the state's role in funding K-12 and higher education?
Cites the maintenance of a solid infrastructure and the buildup of the private business sector to maintain a solid tax base from which to draw higher education funds for K-12 and higher education. Says the private sector tax base must be expanded before the state can adequately fund higher education.
What taxes do you advocate changing or eliminating?
Calls for a cap on the property tax for senior citizens over 65 who are on Social Security. Wants to get rid of the sales tax on staple foods, such as milk, vegetables, fruits and meats. Says the revenue that would be lost from the elimination of those taxes could be made up by the private sector growth he hopes to foster.
Do you advocate any changes in the process of selecting judges?
Says Kansans must be careful when playing with the constitution based on short-term observations and complaints. Does not support Jim Barnett's plan to change the way judges or the school board are selected, calling it a wedge issue brought up for the election and saying it's bad for democracy.
What should the state's role be regarding tuition for illegal immigrants?
Does not think they should receive in-state tuition as a matter of principle. Calls it "a burr under the saddle of Kansans."
What proposals do you advocate to spur private sector growth?
Proposes marrying businesses with infrastructure that is already in place, like K-State. Wants to use that approach to bring in ethanol and chemical companies.
What proposals do you advocate to impact the cost of healthcare?
Says the state already has pseudo-universal health care because doctors are required to treat anyone with an ailment. Doesn't think the system is managed well, and the cost of treatment of patients without insurance is passed on to insurance companies, which drives up the cost. Wants to focus state assistance on people who make less than $50,000. Thinks people should be able to buy insurance in- or out-of-state. Would like people to be able to join private sector health plans, groups plans, and have health care savings accounts (HSA's). Also advocates tort reform of some sort.
What are your three main priorities?
•Capping the property tax for seniors over 65 who are on Social Security.
•A BRAC-type commission to study the reorganization and streamlining of state government to cut costs.
•Foster private sector job growth.
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