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Primary Election 2004 Q&A

By Staff | Jul 28, 2004

Editor’s note: Following are Q&As with candidates who have opposition in Tuesday’s primary election for the Third District Kansas Senate seat.

Third District Kansas Senate

Democrats

Jan Justice

14323 166th St., Bonner Springs

Age: 54

Occupation: executive director and chief executive officer of Community LINC, a not for profit serving homeless families

What are the top three issues facing the state of Kansas, and how would you address them, if elected?

By 2006, for every two workers that retire in the United States, only one worker will be available as baby boomers begin to retire. Kansas has had a slower population growth and has a larger percent of older Kansans than the national average. This will impact healthcare, tax base and economic development. The top three issues around this problem are: funding education and developing world-class schools; making healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to everyone; and finding ways to create and keep good paying jobs in Kansas.

Should additional state funds be earmarked for the education of Kansas children in K-12?

Yes, we need to increase funding. We need to make sure that the schools are fiscally responsible with the dollars that are currently allocated and that additional dollars are given for the teachers and classroom.

What programs and initiatives would you support for elderly Kansas?

There are three primary areas of support. The first area would be to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Many seniors in the district have found that their costs have actually increased with the new prescription drug card. The second area would be to limit any property tax increase for seniors as well as funding programs such as education adequately at the state level rather than forcing higher local level taxes. Last year alone, Leavenworth County’s general budget was decreased over $2.5 million from the state. The third would be to make social services more accessible.

What should be done at the state level to handle the effects of growth in northeast Kansas?

The state needs to have a strong infrastructure that can encourage growth throughout the state. This would include good roads, bridges and an excellent transportation system. In addition, we need to do a better job of coordinating the strategic plans of our cities, and counties with the state strategic plan for maximum utilization of resources. Lastly, we need to continue to invest in schools.

Is Kansas doing enough to promote economic development?

First, I believe that Gov. Sebelius has made strong headway in her first year of bringing new people to the table and promoting her vision of economic development in Kansas. The lieutenant governor has been making great strides in this area. We must remember that this is a long process and that it must be a bipartisan effort — something that has been a stumbling block particularly in the Senate. The Legislature needs to accept a vision for economic development and work jointly toward that vision.

Edward “Ed” Sass

21594 Millwood Rd., Easton

Age: 58

Occupation: Leavenworth County noxious weed and solid waste director

What are the top three issues facing the state of Kansas and how would you address them, if elected?

  • School financing: It is unbelievable that on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, Kansas is still in the court system regarding school funding. The Legislature must respond to Judge Bullock’s order to make school financing fair and equitable to all schools in Kansas. My school district in northern Leavenworth County with an enrollment of approximately 600 students, generates approximately $23,000 per mill (tax). A school district in Johnson County generates $1,780,000 for the same tax mill with an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students while a school district in Wyandotte County generates less than $700,000 per tax mill with more than 13,000 students. In 1997 the Kansas Senate passed a bill directed at school districts’ general funds that reduced funds for Leavenworth County schools by over $950,000, add local option budgets and it is clear school finance is not fair and equitable.
  • Health Care: The rates of health insurance to our citizens continue to escalate out of control. The state should facilitate the creation of groups of like job categories such as small business, farmers, ranchers, construction jobs, etc., and establish an HMO insurance group based on the individual job categories. All people would be guaranteed the opportunity to be insured based on their occupation.
  • Funding state government. The state should stop tax exemption for retail property and the entertainment industry. County option casino gaming would create a tremendous economic development for this area. As an example, look at Polk County, Iowa, with a race track that includes casino gaming. Horse owners buy feed, vehicles, fuel, meals and rent property which adds greatly to the local economy.

Should additional state funds be earmarked for the education of Kansas children in K-12?

Yes. After school finance formula is addressed the current level of funding may be adequate. Any additional funding must be directed to the classroom to increase teacher pay helping to elevate the teachers above 39th in the nation. The state has an obligation to its children to provide an education that will make them competitive with any child from any other state when it is time for admittance into colleges or acquiring a job.

What programs and initiatives would you support for elderly Kansans?

The current Council on Aging programs should continue. There is a need to improve funding for the Respite Care program.

What should be done at the state level to handle the effects of growth in northeast Kansas?

Assistance from the state with development of roads and infrastructure should be readily available in preparation for the anticipated growth in the northeast. Well-planned growth will provide for an attractive environment for business and industry looking to locate in Kansas. Continue the use of planning and zoning plans at the local level. The local board of education should have some control of residential development in their districts.

Is Kansas doing enough to promote economic development?

Good schools promote economic development. By properly funding education at the K-12 level, people want to move to our communities which then encourages business and industry to follow thus creating jobs and tax revenues.

Third District Kansas Senate

Republicans

Connie O’Brien

22123 211th St., Tonganoxie

Age: 57

Occupation: substitute teacher

What are the top three issues facing the state of Kansas, and how would you address them, if elected?

I plan to work with other fiscal conservatives to reduce taxes. No new taxes. Our economy is rebounding, more people are working. That is the way to enhance government revenues, through “job creation, not taxation.” These additional revenues will allow further tax reductions. I would like to eliminate property taxes for fixed income retirees.

It is imperative that we pass the Kansas Marriage Amendment. I am confident that given the chance, Kansans will affirm the traditional definition of marriage that Kansans have cherished for generations, “One Man, One Woman.”

With approximately $9,000 per student, per year we need to find ways to eliminate bureaucracy and channel more of those funds so they actually benefit the teachers and students. Let’s get the resources to the classroom.

Should additional state funds be earmarked for the education of Kansas Children in K-12?

More money will not necessarily solve the problems that we currently have. Reducing state spending mandates, allowing parents and local school boards to select curriculum, and rewarding teachers through pay incentive will help.

What programs and initiatives would you support for elderly Kansans?

Property taxes are especially burdensome on fixed income retirees. I will introduce legislation to eliminate property taxes for those retirees whose only source of income is their pension checks. This would free up some much-needed money for their living expenditures. We need to increase the amount that retirees can earn without losing benefit eligibility. That will help them meet the rising health care cost.

What should be done at the state level to handle the effects of growth in northeast Kansas?

Demand transfers provide assistance to county and city governments. These transfers help local governments to handle growth. I will support continued funding of demand transfers.

Is Kansas doing enough to promote economic development?

Supporting policies that promote and encourage good high paying jobs will be among my objectives as a Kansas senator. The recent Bio Tech Bill was a good example. It will encourage the bio tech industry in Kansas and is estimated to create thousands of good high paying jobs.

Roger Pine

1783 E. 1500 Rd., Lawrence

Age: 64

Occupation: owner of Pine Family Farms

What are the top three issues facing the state of Kansas, and how would you address them?

As state senator, I will strive to help Kansas realize its potential as a national leader in quality of education, to develop a strong and diverse economy, and promote an efficient government. To me, these are the three biggest issues facing Kansas today and if we can accomplish these three goals we will have the financial resources to address other critical needs of the state. Specifically, economic development: Kansas faces a constant struggle to support its traditional industries. We must develop a strong business environment that supports our current industries and draws new and broader enterprises to create a strong and expanding tax base with growing employment and good pay. Education: We are educating today for responsible, productive and healthy lives tomorrow. We must realize our state and communities will prosper only if we have an excellently educated and trained work force and leaders with vision and creativity. We must broaden our tax base, re-examine the school finance formula and use our tax dollars wisely for the optimum return on investment. Government efficiency: These are financially challenging times for families and for government. We must examine all areas and levels of government to ensure we are using our tax dollars effectively and efficiently.

Should additional state funds be earmarked for the education of Kansas Children in K-12?

I do believe that additional state funds should be earmarked for education because for our state to prosper we must ensure all children receive an excellent education. However, I believe those additional funds can come from sources other than new and higher taxes. For example, I will support measures that will broaden the tax base and allow more dollars to be dedicated to our public schools. In addition, I will work to re-examine the school finance formula and look for ways to use our tax dollars wisely for the optimum return on investment.

What programs and initiatives would you support for elderly Kansans?

This is a very broad question to a complex area regarding the state’s responsibilities to our elderly population. However, in general, I support taking a hard look at the many facets of Medicaid and would work to maximize federal dollars to help support our citizens in need. I will also look for ways to reduce the cost of prescription drugs in order to assist our older population in the purchase of these needed medications. I will also work to support local health care opportunities so that no senior will have to travel too far to receive necessary medical care.

What should be done at the state level to handle the effects of growth in northeast Kansas?

Although I believe that growth issues should primarily be handled at the local level, the state must give local municipalities the funding and tools necessary to respond to the growth issues facing northeast Kansas. The state must also ensure that its agencies, such as Department of Agriculture, Commerce and Health and Environment, as well as more specialized entities such as the Conservation Commission and Kansas Water Office, work closely with local officials to assist them in monitoring and adapting to the inevitable change that occurs with rapid population growth.

Is Kansas doing enough to promote economic development?

It is my belief that a state can never do “enough” to promote economic development. We must continually work to ensure our state’s economy grows. Certainly today Kansas faces a constant struggle to support even its traditional industries. We must develop a strong business environment that supports our current industries and draws new and broader enterprises to create a strong and expanding tax base with growing employment and good pay. In addition, I would support promoting Kansas as a tourist destination as a means to broaden the tax base, including support of an exemption from liability for agri-tourism ventures.

Chuck Quinn

802 E. Front St., Perry

Age: 42

Occupation: engineering technician

What are the top three issues facing the state of Kansas, and how would you address them, if elected?

One of the top three is taxes. We need to straighten out our economy in order to address the issues that are important to everyone. Kansans are the most over taxed people in the region. And I have a plan to correct these problems.

My plan will eliminate property taxes, the most regressive of taxes. It will reduce the retail sales tax and the gasoline tax, to bring them in line with neighboring states. This revenue will be replaced with a single wholesale tax, that is designed to share the load with out of state producers that are getting a free ride from Kansas taxpayers. It will produce more revenue, while reducing the load on individuals and small businesses in this state. Special interest exemptions will also be targeted.

Another is the security of our senior citizens. Our elderly are being taxed out of their homes. My plan will alleviate this. Then we can tackle the prescription drug and healthcare problems.

School finance. With the working room my plan presents we should be able to contribute additional funding to schools. First we need to agree on how much it will cost to educate our children. This will require standards. It will not cost the same in each district. Therefore we need district by district budgets following set standards. We are not required to spend equal dollars on each child, but to dole out equal education.

Should additional state funds be earmarked for the education of Kansas children in K-12?

Yes, and my plan will do just that. But we have to have budgets in order to accomplish this. Only when we know how much it will cost can we fix the school finance formula. Comparing to other states doesn’t provide answers. We need details.

What programs and initiatives would you support for elderly Kansans?

I touched on this already. Quit taxing seniors out of their homes. Work on the prescription drug and healthcare problem. Eliminate fraud related to healthcare. I am aware that large pharmacy chains are able to lock out smaller pharmacies from having access to certain markets. We need to target this problem which will help limit cost.

What should be done at the state level to handle the effects of growth in northeast Kansas?

We need to monitor growth in our region to see that our transportation system and utilities are capable of facilitating the increased demands. With the passage of my plan growth would likely continue.

Is Kansas doing enough to promote economic development?

Our economic development system is in need of major changes. My plan will boost economic development without state dollars. It seems that there have been problems with people connected to the political scene getting grant money for failing investments. We should look at producing competition for companies that pull up stakes and leave our state. They generally tend to leave skilled workers behind. Usually enough so that with some start-up capital they might successfully compete with the very company that left.

Richard Rodewald

451 N. 2300 E. Rd., Eudora

Age: 68

Occupation: retired from General Motors; now raises trees

What are the top three issues facing the state of Kansas, and how would you address them, if elected?

Richard Rodewald has learned the hard way why ordinary Kansas citizens and taxpayers don’t count during legislative sessions in Topeka.

For 15 years Rodewald has lobbied the Legislature as a citizen lobbyist (at his own expense) for fair and equal property appraisal, water rights, security laws that protect small investors, revised forestry regulations, and other issues. He’s dealt with a long line of legislators, committee chairmen and lobbyists. He’s fought endless battles with bureaucrats that won’t talk io him, refuse to give him public documents, don’t tell him the truth and cause him trouble to make sure he can’t find out what Kansas government is doing.

Rodewald has been told to shut up, sit down, don’t come back, haven’t got time to talk to you, stay out of my committee hearings, why don’t you go back to your farm and plant more trees, not interested in what you have to say, you don’t know what you’re talking about. The secretary of state once tried to deny him the right to act as a lobbyist because he only represented himself, not an “identifiable group.” Rodewald said, “Either you let me lobby for taxpayers who can’t be here to speak for themselves or you’re in court.” He still lobbies.

“Less than half of the legislature actually cares what citizens think,” Rodewald says. “The rest of them think Joe Blow Citizens are ignorant, naive troublemakers.”

Should additional state funds be earmarked for the education of Kansas children in K-12?

Kansas is spending $9,700 per K-12 student according to Senator Lyons. A (20) student class room has Kansas average generated $194,000 income to support that classroom. Where is all the money going?

I agree with our governor, we need to audit the schools and find methods that give our children the best possible education to compete in our world economic environment.

Two-thirds of Kansas’ $9 billion budget goes to education. And a big chunk of that goes to school construction debt. Buildings, not teachers or educational programs. Teacher salaries are well below the national average.

What programs and initiatives would you support for elderly Kansans?

Richard Rodewald has 15 years experience as a citizen lobbyist (at his own expense), filing nearly 100 property tax protests and six lawsuits that included writing his own appellate court briefs. That experience convinces him that county and state property tax officials work for Government Inc. — the bureaucrats — not for citizens and property owners.

Why? Government bureaucrats want the money to feather their nest and don’t care about “fair and equal taxation” — which Article II of the Kansas Constitution supposedly guarantees.

County appraisal officials and their lawyers ignore the law to impose illegally excessive appraisal values.

What should be done at the state level to handle the effects of growth in northeast Kansas? Is Kansas doing enough to promote economic development?

Population growth is a county and city issue. The Legislature has control over the tax laws, quality of education to support high paying jobs, water usage, and other state business inputs, men, money, machines, material and management. The sorry condition Kansas has placed themselves, companies do not consider Kansas a good state to do business other than sell. Johnson and McPherson counties are the only counties that make an effort to attract business.

Primary Election 2004 Candidate Q&A

By Staff | Jul 28, 2004

Editor’s note: Following are Q&As with candidates who have opposition in Tuesday’s primary election. Candidates are for Leavenworth County sheriff.

Leavenworth County Sheriff

Democrats

Gene Tomrell

3718 Hughes Road, Leavenworth

Age: 55

Occupation: special education paraprofessional and driver’s education instructor at Leavenworth High School

What are your top three priorities for the sheriff’s office?

First I am going to have a departmental meeting and find out what some of the issues are that have created the problems within the department and find out what can be done to make things more efficient. Second I am going to open the jail to other agencies that are crowded and need our space. This will create more revenue to the department and save some of our tax dollars. Keeping our jail at a 90 percent capacity will generate income and make us more self-sufficient. Third I would put in a kitchen, which we have space that is not being used and make it so we cook for ourselves cutting the cost of catering out and saving again some tax dollars. Also we could create a commissary for the commodities that prisoners buy while they are in our services instead of ordering them through a company. This will bring more money into the department for our use, again saving tax dollars. I am going to look into several ways of saving tax dollars and hopefully increase our protection for the people in Leavenworth County.

Is the amount of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the county sufficient?

From my experience as a Leavenworth police officer we worked very well within the county with all the agencies, supporting each other when needed. Law enforcement is a team and it does not matter who you work for if support is needed everyone comes to each others need whenever necessary and I plan on continuing that support whomever needs our help.

What unique qualifications do you have to handle the job of Leavenworth County sheriff?

I have 29 years of law enforcement experience and have worked well with the people. I am a hands-on person and I love helping others in time of need. I have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in psychology and driver education. I have attended graduate school taking courses in supervision and criminal investigation. I have also taken graduate courses in education and dealing with conflicts and counseling of family problems. I am very good with numbers and common sense and will enjoy seeing what I can do to help make our department more self-sufficient.

Is the sheriff’s office responsive enough to county residents?

I believe the sheriff department could be more responsive to the people by making more contact with the citizens in the county and letting them know we are out there for them and their needs. We have a tremendous shortage within the department and I am going to try and change that so our officers can help cut crime and make the criminals pay. I know money is tight these days but by creating more revenue to the department this can assist the county in developing more manpower and better services that our citizens are wanting.

What are the greatest needs in the sheriff’s department?

I believe the greatest needs within the department are that of the deputies and staff working together for a better purpose to create better morale thus making it more efficient. There are a lot of conflicts between the officers and the administration that I feel could be made better so that people would enjoy their job and produce more efficiently. We also need to address the money issue and see what can be done to make things run more smoothly and trim our costs. We have the capacity to expand and bring more revenue into the department thus saving tax dollars that could be used for more important things.

Dave Zoellner

1724 Ottawa Street, Leavenworth

Age: 57

Occupation: Leavenworth County undersheriff

What are your top three priorities for the sheriff’s office?

  • I will fill existing vacancies within the Sheriff’s Department with good, competent people.
  • Due to rapid growth and activity in southern Leavenworth County, calls for service have increased. I will establish additional patrol districts within the county to better serve and protect all citizens. These district locations would be based on information compiled from calls for service, including type and location.
  • I would like to complete the kitchen area of the jail to allow for food preparation and provide meals for both adult and juvenile offenders, rather than contracting out for such service.

Is the amount of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the county sufficient?

Yes. Communication and cooperation are important in solving crime and protecting people. I feel that law enforcement agencies have and will continue to work together for the good of the community. The Sheriff’s Department is one of the larger agencies in the county and has more resources. Those resources are made available to agencies as needed.

What unique qualifications do you have to handle the job of Leavenworth County sheriff?

I have served on the Sheriff’s Department for 36 years. With merit promotions, I rose through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant and captain. In 1999, I attained the rank of major and presently serve as undersheriff.

I have worked in every phase of operations in the Sheriff’s Department, including patrol, dispatch, jail, drug enforcement and investigations. During the past 31 years, I have been a supervisor and an administrator. In the capacity of administrator, my duties have included overseeing personnel, managing department operations, preparing budgets and running the department in the absence of the sheriff.

Is the sheriff’s office responsive enough to county residents?

Officers respond to all calls received from citizens. I believe, with additional personnel and patrol districts, officers will be provided more time for follow-up investigations, which are needed.

What are the greatest needs in the sheriff’s department?

Bring the staff back to full capacity through better recruitment.

Provide strong leadership and sound policy.

Seek to ensure that officer salaries are equal to those agencies that are comparable in size.

Good health benefits.

Even though the latter two are not directly under the Sheriff’s control, I believe that it is the responsibility of the Sheriff to provide input and work with the Board of County Commissioners to attain this.

Primary Election 2004 Candidate Q&A

By Staff | Jul 28, 2004

Editor’s note: Following are Q&As with candidates who have opposition in Tuesday’s primary election. Candidates are for the Third District Leavenworth County Commission seat.

Third District
Leavenworth County Commission

Republicans

Dick Brauer
19651 Linwood Road, Linwood
Age: 63
Occupation: Certified real estate appraiser, real estate broker and farmer

What are the top three issues facing Leavenworth County, and how would you address them, if elected?
I believe the most important or “top” issues are those for which the county is directly responsible and which have a meaningful and basic effect on the general welfare of the people. By this criteria the top issue must be:
¢ Proper law enforcement. Other issues don’t matter very much without it. Society cannot function well without the presence of trusted and thoroughly professional law enforcement officials. The oversight and administrative responsibilities of the county do a great deal to affect the quality of law enforcement. I will do my best to insure that the county commission works in an effective partnership with law enforcement authorities.
¢ Taxes. Ideally, taxes are the combined contributions, which citizens entrust to their government so that it may supply, contract for or purchase those things that the citizens want or need. Problems sometimes arise when governments confuse the needs and wants of its citizens with its own desires. I will work hard to guard against such confusion.
¢ Roads and bridges. Discussions about roads and bridges, etc., are as common as potholes in the spring. On a daily basis, county road crews are perhaps the most visible manifestation of county government. Unless we are willing to bankrupt ourselves, roads will probably never be perfect. Even so, the resources available must be efficiently applied to make our roads as serviceable and safe as possible. I will work for that outcome.

Do you favor the hiring a county administrator or manager?
Recently, it has been proposed that a county administrator or a county manager be hired to do part of the work that the county commission has been doing. Some years ago, county commission salaries were dramatically increased (including perpetual automatic increases) because it was argued that such increases were necessary to attract competent commissioners. Each of the commissioners now receives a substantially higher salary than the average citizen whom they are elected to serve. If the proposal to hire an administrator or manager is adopted, the salaries of the commissioners should be suitably adjusted to reflect their reduced workload.

What unique qualifications do you have to handle the job of county commissioner?
I’m a little uncomfortable talking about my “unique qualifications.” I pretty much trust the voters to decide that for themselves. However, I recall that when I was in college, I was aware of no institution of higher learning that offered a degree in “common sense.” Common sense is nothing more than the proper application of knowledge. Learning the facts is always important but it means little unless one can put the facts to work solving problems. To the extent possible, I have always made an effort to develop and exercise good common sense.

Should the existing one-cent county sales tax continue after 2006?
It has been said that “Nothing is so permanent as a temporary tax.” If that’s true, it shouldn’t be. When the citizens of Leavenworth County voted for the one-cent sales tax to be applied to the construction of the Justice Center, they also voted that the tax should expire in 2006. Although there may be some practical arguments for continuing the tax, people should be able to rely on the original promises and assurances of their leaders. I would work to see that promises made to the people are kept.

What role should the county play in expanding the area’s tax base?
Expanding the tax base is one way for the county to raise more money or to spread the existing tax burden over more people. Of course there are trade-offs. For example, a large sulpher-spewing, petro-chemical refinery might offer a huge increase to the tax base but the obvious disadvantages of such a facility might serve to remove it from consideration. Sometimes the advantages of an expanded tax base aren’t the most important consideration. I would first work to strike a fair and equitable balance among legitimate competing interests. Secondly, I would insist that the people be allowed to vote on any proposal likely to result in major changes to the tax base.

Jon Gallion
15756 Donahoo Rd., Basehor
Age: 57
Occupation: investment adviser-stock broker

What are the top three issues facing Leavenworth County, and how would you address them, if elected?
Southern Leavenworth County is growing rapidly. Improving the infrastructure to accommodate that growth, whether it is housing or new business is of utmost importance. The improvement of roads and the installation of sewer and water are expensive, but necessary to support that growth. We need to encourage business development that will provide additional tax revenue and employment. We should also look into state and federal grants that may be available and explore the possibility of issuing bonds to raise funds that would be repaid from the revenues generated by sewer and water fees rather than raise taxes. We also need to review the maintenance program and long range plan for all roads to ensure we are providing the best service for the people of Leavenworth County.

Do you favor the hiring a county administrator or manager?
I would favor the hiring of someone for this position if the voters approve and she/he could produce enough revenue, through grants or other means, to offset their salary and that of any staff they may require. A county administrator would be responsible for overseeing the administration of all county departments, preparing an annual budget and carrying out all decisions made by the county commissioners.

What unique qualifications do you have to handle the job of county commissioner?
I retired from Sprint Corp. after 30 years in various management and administrative positions. I believe the experience I acquired creating and administering budgets, managing and working with various personalities and coordinating interdepartmental projects will be very beneficial. As building committee chairman for the Basehor United Methodist Church I acquired additional construction and budgeting expertise. During the planning and building process I had the opportunity to work with many county personnel. I also have experience in managing my own personal business.

Should the existing one-cent county sales tax continue after 2006?
I believe we should continue the existing one-cent county sales tax to provide needed revenue. My position would be to give each community an apportionment of the revenues, with the remainder targeted for specific improvements such as roads and other projects to accommodate growth. The sales tax served the county well by paying for the new Justice Center and would continue to benefit all residents by providing revenue for other projects.

What role should the county play in expanding the area’s tax base?
The county government needs to do everything it can to encourage the establishment of new businesses as well as the growth of existing businesses. Businesses typically pay higher taxes and provide employment for county residents. More employment translates into additional sales and property tax revenue. The county, through the commissioners, then needs to ensure the tax revenue is spent in the most judicious manner.

Dean Oroke
17395 Chieftain Rd, Tonganoxie
Age: 59
Occupation: construction/farmer

What are the top three issues facing Leavenworth County, and how would you address them, if elected?
¢ Taxes: As property values continue to increase to near double digit figures in the county, we must maintain the line on the mill levy and budget spending. County services must be maintained without imposing a hardship on the “taxpayers,” particularly the retired who must live on a fixed income.
¢ Road and bridge: We must do a better job of maintaining our current rock roads and expanding our plan to hard surface those roads that are most traveled. It is critical that the county develop a comprehensive “5-Year Road Plan” to plan for the future. There is federal aid available to support secondary road systems, which I’m certain the county has not fully utilized.
The county must develop a better working relationship with the Kansas Department of Transportation and all the utility entities that serve Leavenworth County.
¢ Development of U.S. 73/K-7 Corridor: The highway development of U.S. 73 & K-7 is very critical to the eastern development of Leavenworth County to support the movement of traffic to and from our county. I will work with local units of government to determine what is best for the residents of Leavenworth County. Having served as campaign chairman of the 24-40 highway expansion when the road system was widened from two to four lanes from Tonganoxie to Wyandotte County, I know the magnitude of the problem. I also worked with state and federal officials on the realignment of U.S. 73 Highway north of Leavenworth and I understand what it takes to make such a project successful.

Do you favor hiring a county administrator or manager?
Yes, I favor the hiring of a county administrator. Our county is becoming large enough that this position is needed and would definitely enhance the performance of our county business. The job must be well defined by the county commission and the financing of this position must be provided for within existing county budget. I feel this position would lend itself for better organization and communication within the county.

What unique qualifications do you have to handle the job of county commissioner?
During my 54 years of residency in Leavenworth County, I have served on many community organizations: from a fireman/policeman, Recreation Commission member and Rural Water District officer; to the Courthouse to the State Capitol. I served as a member of the Kansas Eastern Region Insurance Trust and VP of an eight-county MARC Board. I I own a small business and I know the difficulties involved in running a business. I have always been one to research and learn about the issues and how they interface with government and have not been afraid to become involved. My experience with various levels of government has equipment me with a broad knowledge to utilize within this position. Being able to work with people is critical if we want to truly improve our county government and I believe I can foster that support.

Should the existing one-cent county sales tax continue after 2006?
Yes, I personally favor the continuing of the countywide sales tax. The sales tax is paid by all who purchase goods or merchandise within Leavenworth County and not just county residents. The tax has financed the county judicial building as well as many projects within each individual city. The tax is estimated to generate $5,428,517 in 2004 with the following distribution:

Leavenworth $2,187,512
Leavenworth County $2,336,565
Lansing $527,512
Tonganoxie $191,722
Basehor $151,816
Linwood $18,017
Easton $15,760

If the countywide tax were approved by the voters, I would recommend a good portion of those funds be used for county road improvements and property tax reduction.

What role should the county play in expanding the area’s tax base?
The commissioners must personally become involved in recruiting new business and maintaining current businesses with in county. Economic development is an excellent way to increase our tax revenue base. Additionally, I fully support the efforts of the Leavenworth Area Development, Port Authority and the local chambers of commerce, in supporting our current businesses and pursuing new businesses as our county grows. Business creates jobs for the residents and generates revenues to support county services. We have two business parks in the county, one in Leavenworth that is almost full and one in Tonganoxie that has been slow to develop. More work needs to be done to improve economic development to increase the tax base.

Ken Rahjes
314 E. 8th St., Tonganoxie
Age: 38
Occupation: vice president of marketing for Association Resources and Communications, Topeka

What are the top three issues facing Leavenworth County, and how would you address them, if elected?
¢ Growth/economic development: I support the efforts of Leavenworth Area Development and the Leavenworth County Port Authority in addition to the local chambers of commerce in attracting new businesses to and retaining existing businesses in the county. Exploring opportunities in the recently passed Kansas Economic Growth Act, which focuses on research and technology in the life sciences, in addition to encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit are areas that I believe hold real opportunities of bringing new ways of thinking and new ways of creating employment. We must pursue the possibility of turnpike access for Leavenworth County and the opportunities this would bring.
¢ Infrastructure: Roads are a vital and important part of county government. We need to make sure our comprehensive plan is sufficient. This applies not only to roads but to utilities and fundamental services as well. A compromise needs to be reached on any change in road improvement fees, making it equitable for both the landowner and the county.
¢ Quality of life: We all have different reasons why we chose to live in Southern Leavenworth County. We boast great schools, safe neighborhoods and a spirit of community. We must continue to strive for that quality of life that led us here. Growth is good, controlled growth is better. Planning is the key. I want to be your voice in county government.

Do you favor the hiring a county administrator or manager?
I favor the hiring of an administrator. This person would be hired by, work with and be accountable to the commissioners. We owe it to our citizens to have a trained expert to help find cost savings and seek out sources of revenue, in addition to making sure we are getting the best value for each dollar to make Leavenworth County run efficiently and effectively. The result of this fiscally responsible step should ease the tax burden on each of us while allowing us to have the services we require.

What unique qualifications do you have to handle the job of county commissioner?
I have previous experience as a township clerk and school board member. In addition, I am currently serving as treasurer for the Tonganoxie Public Library so I have some experience with the governmental budgeting process. I also have a thorough understanding of the legislative process and have personal relationships with many of the state legislators as well as our national representatives. For us to be successful we need to have as many partners as possible. I will work to create an environment where everyone can and will be heard, and approach each issue with an open mind.

Should the existing one-cent county sales tax continue after 2006?
This issue should be decided by the voters of Leavenworth County. The key is having specific plans as to where and how the money will be used if the tax is extended. That said, we must make sure our taxing structure does not create an undue burden for business and retailers by forcing consumers out of the county to seek lower prices on consumable goods and services. We don’t want to tax ourselves out of revenue.

What role should the county play in expanding the area’s tax base?
The best way to boost our tax base is by bringing in jobs rather than continuing to expand our tax base on the backs of homeowners. The county has a talented work force and we must learn from other successful counties and communities in their recruiting efforts to bring in companies that are seeking a quality work force, diverse in their abilities. We must not simply rely on higher valuations of personal property and stable mill levies to allow us to maintain our current delivery of services.

Marvin Torneden
22912 Linwood Road, Linwood
Age: 62
Occupation: custodian, Basehor-Linwood Schools

What are the top three issues facing Leavenworth County, and how would you address them, if elected?
Taxes, Roads, Zoning. All three are tied together in some ways.
Taxes affect all age groups after high school age and business to include farming. I would look into all spending of taxes and collections of taxes.
Make sure all properties pay taxes, to spread tax load out. Cut spending if possible without cutting necessary services, with input from voters.
Roads. Look at the needs of local areas or communities and best ways to address roads for each area leaving none out. Taxes affect roads also. Look at possibility of more state or federal help through grants or assistance in the relocation of business and large numbers of people to rural areas by their choice. It should not be financed by present taxpayers.

Do you favor the hiring a county administrator or manager?
I am open on the issue of county administrator or manager if budget will support and voter’s desire through petition followed by a vote on issue.
Although I would be against it if it was a way for any county commissioner to get away from responsibility and a way to put blame on someone else or hide behind.

What unique qualifications do you have to handle the job of county commissioner?
I have a general knowledge of county government and have been involved in most issues for over 30 years. I am involved in public service and have been through Reno Fire Department, church and working for “Reno Township on Roads 1972-1973.” I have to work with budgets on farm, church and when working with Reno Township.

Should the existing one-cent county sales tax continue after 2006?
People should decide on one-cent sales tax after 2006, by vote. I would look into possibility of help on property taxes, roads and limited income people; (on social security and the like) if left in effect after 2006.

What role should the county play in expanding the area’s tax base?
The county should be involved almost 100 percent in expanding the area’s tax base “with city government’s help.”
It should not be through increasing old or present tax bases or loads, to pay, help or reduce new or future tax bases for new development.
It should be looked into to find new ways to help finance services required.

¢ Third District county commission candidate Fauna Dean did not respond to The Mirror’s questionnaire.