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Questionnaire: Sandra Bohne, 42nd District Kansas House race

By Staff | Aug 2, 2012

Sandra Bohne

Editor’s note: Sandra Bohne of rural Leavenworth is running against state Rep. Connie O’Brien of rural Tonganoxie in the Republican primary for the 42nd Kansas House District, which includes parts of Leavenworth, as well as Tonganoxie and Eudora. Click here to read more about Bohne.

Biographical information

Bio information:

Sandra Bohne

Age: 60

Occupation: Community volunteer and business owner

Married: Yes

Children: Four

Religious affiliation: Mormon

Experience: In 2010, I ran against Democratic incumbent, Melanie Meier, in the 40th House District. I lost by 44 votes. I am a member of the Leavenworth County Republican Women’s Club and have been a delegate to two national conventions of the National Federation of Republican Women.

Education: I have a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University in New Orleans.

Quote: “School funding is a volatile issue. First of all, I have not, nor will I ever vote to move public funds to the private sector. When taxes are paid in, they become a public trust. I believe in the doctrine of the separation of church and state.”

Q: Why did you decide to run for this seat? What would be your top priority if elected to the Legislature?

A: It has been a lifelong ambition to serve in the state legislature. I want to represent my friends and neighbors in the state house. I want to be a part of designing our laws and budget.

Q: There has been much concern that the tax cuts signed into law by Gov. Sam Brownback — especially the portion that eliminates taxes on non-wage income for numerous business owners — will deprive the state of the revenue needed to properly fund schools, social services and public safety. Will you seek or support efforts to pare back those tax breaks for businesses?

A: Yes, I am concerned about the tax breaks. It is based on hope and not sound economics. It’s like quitting your job, before you have another one. How are you going to pay the bills in the meantime? Cutting income tax for business owners has the potential of stimulating the economy and creating jobs, but there are so many other negative variables in that equation right now, such as: possibly having to implement Obamacare, which will discourage business from hiring, overwhelming government regulation, an unstable worldwide economy, the outcome of the presidential election, too much outstanding debt and fear to spend money and invest.

I do not believe that taking income tax to zero and moving to a consumption tax (a glorified sales tax on every new item you buy of perhaps 15 percent or more) is the way for Kansas to go.

The European nations have tried this and their economies are in chaos.

In Spain, all purchases of new clothing and new cars are taxed 21 percent They are going under, just like Greece.

Do you really believe that your total taxes will be lower 5 years from now if we move to a consumption tax? I don’t believe it for a moment.

Q: Do you think schools are adequately funded? If not, what would be a proper level of funding and how would the state get that revenue?

A: School funding is a volatile issue. First of all, I have not, nor will I ever vote to move public funds to the private sector. When taxes are paid in, they become a public trust. I believe in the doctrine of the separation of church and state.

Q: Are there areas in the state budget that could be reduced? Please provide specifics.

A: The legislature has cut and departments have been reorganized. It will be a never ending battle, to continue to cut waste and learn to work smarter.

Q: Why should voters select you instead of your opponent?

A: I will be a strong, confident leader. I will evaluate issues and legislation and make up my own my mind how to vote. I won’t be anyone’s puppet. I will be a voice for business, families and education.

I will listen to my constituents.