Category Archives: Elections

Bourbon County, Elections, Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Carolyn Tucker

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To Drink or Not to Drink

by Carolyn A. Tucker

Drinking alcohol is like playing Russian roulette. Sometimes you get by and sometimes you die. Everybody has their opinion about consuming alcoholic beverages, so we should see what God says about it.

“Wine has robbed my people of their understanding” (Hosea 4:11 NLT). That’s plain and simple, no commentary needed.

God was speaking in the Old Testament and said, “I chose some of your sons to be prophets and others to be Nazirites. Can you deny this, my people of Israel?” asks the Lord. “But you caused the Nazirites to sin by making them drink wine, and you commanded the prophets, ’Shut up!’” (Amos 2:11,12 NLT).

In the Bible, the Nazirites were set apart for God’s use and were not to drink wine. Today, Christians should desire to be sanctified (set apart) and dedicated to doing God’s work.

In another scripture, God says, “Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, ‘I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!’ That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!” (Micah 2:11 NLT). That’s plain and simple, no commentary needed.

Now we should see what life says about drinking alcohol. My mother had twelve brothers and two of them had miserable lives as alcoholics. The obituary for H.R.J. stated “he departed this life following a long illness.” After brother E.A.J.’s death, his wife wrote in a letter to a family member, “I sympathize with drinkers. If Elmer had only realized how hard he made it on his girls he would have quit. I’m sure.” The autopsy report revealed that he died of pneumonia and cirrhosis of the liver.

Drinking alcohol is like playing Russian roulette. Sometimes you get by and sometimes you die. It isn’t worth the risk. Perhaps you say, “I can handle it.” But what about your children and grandchildren that you influence…can they handle it?

Elections, Government

KDOR reminds voters of free ID services

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TOPEKA—Kansans who need a photo ID before the November 6th election can visit any driver’s license office, jump to the front of the line, and get one for free.

 

To ensure the ID is free, Kansans should specifically state they need it for voting. The cost for ID cards normally is $22.

 

“This service is always available and it’s important for us to remind voters that it’s an option ahead of the November 6th general election,” Director of Vehicles David Harper said.

 

For a list of driver’s license office locations and hours visit https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovstations.html.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Advanced Voting Has Begun

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The vote here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.

Advanced voting is happening now through noon on November 5 on the first floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse, then on the November 6, registered votes vote in designated polling places. If you have any questions please call the County Clerk’s Office at 620-223-3800.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Adam Lusker

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This is part of a series introducing the candidates in the November 6 election

State Representative, 2nd District (vote for one)

Adam J. Lusker Sr. 452 S. 210th St. Frontenac 66763 Democratic

Kenneth Collins 102 E. 1st Street Mulberry 66756 Republican

Adam Lusker

Name: Adam J. Lusker Sr.

Age: 46

Position running for: 2nd District Kansas State Representative

Residence: Frontenac, KS

Occupation: Mason

Community involvement:

Member of the following: American Legion Post 43, Frontenac Rotary, Frontenac Unified Methodist Church, Sacred Heart Church, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge 187, Mirza Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite, Former Member of Frontenac Education Foundation and USD 249 School Board, 25-year business owner

Party affiliation: Democrat

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

  1. Maintaining a consistent revenue source, to ensure our budget is balanced and meets the needs of our community.

Give your views on the sales tax.

  1. Sales taxes are regressive taxes. Higher sales taxes affect people’s buying power in a negative way, especially our lower and fixed-income citizens. Therefore, food sales tax impacts these same folks adversely. Our sales tax also puts border counties like ours at a disadvantage economically in regard to retail sales, food, mercantile, equipment, etc, with our neighboring state. I think we should work to reduce food sales tax, as well as sales tax in general as other sources of revenue, are realized.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana.

  1. I do not believe Kansas is ready for legalizing marijuana. Several states are still continuing to deal with legal marijuana. We were a test site for a very costly tax plan; I think we should let other states be the petri dish on this experiment.

Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid.

  1. We should continue to find ways to reduce health care costs, increase access to medicine and promote wellness in our state. Regardless of anyone’s opinion of the Affordable Care Act, it is law and Kansas has to take advantage of all we can to keep our hospitals open. Kansas taxpayers have sent over $3 billion of our money to other states to expand Medicaid. The numbers show that expanding Medicaid would have a positive impact on our healthcare systems and our communities.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood.

  1. I have a pro-life voting record and will continue. I think we should continue to invest in adoption and education to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing The Candidates: Jake LaTurner

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This is part of a series featuring candidates for the November 6 election.

State Treasurer (vote for one)

Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican

Name: Jake LaTurner

Age: 30

Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer

Place of residence: Topeka, Kansas

Current occupation: Kansas State Treasurer

Community involvement: Various church and community-related activities.

Party affiliation: Republican

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it:

Having served as State Treasurer for the last year and a half, I am proud to say that we improved the services offered to all Kansans while saving the taxpayer’s money.

I have taken the time to analyze agency operations, allowing us to find innovative solutions, efficiencies, and streamline processes.

For example, this last fiscal year we set a record for the most unclaimed property returned to Kansans’ in a single year by more than 12%. We have put over $37 million back into the pockets of Kansans.

Our Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Accounts were ranked Top 5 in the nation by Forbes.

We also launched the ABLE savings program for individuals living with a disability and enhanced it with legislation.

Additionally, we launched a brand new, user and mobile friendly website that improves the claims process and allows for direct deposit.

All of these things have been accomplished while decreasing the square footage of the office and reducing the budget.

I list these things because not only am I running for State Treasurer, but I have a proven record of success in the office. If elected to a full-year term, I will continue to look for ways of providing a better service at the best possible cost.

Give your views on food sales-tax:

Prior to becoming State Treasurer, I was honored to represent Fort Scott in the Kanas Senate. While in the legislature, I repeatedly voted to remove and/or reduce the sales tax on food.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

While in the legislature, I voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid:

Access to quality healthcare is a critical issue to Kansans, especially in our rural areas. Costs continue to increase and many Kansans are struggling to pay their bills. This is something families across our state grapple with daily, specifically, my heart goes out to the Ft. Scott community as they cope with their recent decrease in healthcare access. I believe we can find Kansas based solutions that increase access and affordability.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am pro-life and have a 100% pro-life voting record with Kansans for Life. My wife Suzanne and I are proud members of the pro-life generation because we believe women and their unborn children deserve better than abortion.

The vast majority of Kansans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars going to subsidize abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. My voting record on this issue is clear.

Bourbon County, Elections, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Candidates Forum October 22

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CANDIDATES’ FORUM – GENERAL ELECTION

Monday, October 22, 2018
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of FSCC

Doors Open 5:30 p.m., Forum Begins 6:00 p.m.

FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Candidates’ Forum for the 2018 General Election will be held Monday, October 22nd at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of FSCC, 2108 S. Horton. The doors will open at 5:30 pm and the forum will begin at 6 pm. Attendees are invited to arrive early to meet and greet the candidates.

Races that have been invited to the forum include Governor/Lt. Governor, U.S. House of Representatives District 2, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Insurance, Kansas Senate District 13, Kansas House of Representatives Districts 2 and 4, State Board of Education District, Bourbon County Commissioner District 1, Bourbon County Attorney, and Bourbon County Treasurer.

The general public may submit questions to the Chamber prior to the event by submitting them via email to [email protected] or dropping them off at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall Street, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 22nd. There will also be information presented at the forum on the “Liquor by the Drink” local issue that will be on the ballot for Bourbon County.

The forum will run in the hierarchy of offices from the federal, state, then local level. Candidates will have the opportunity to make a one-minute opening statement and two-minute closing statement. Three questions will be asked of each candidate, with each candidate being allowed one minute to respond. Individuals representing candidates, not in attendance will be given an opportunity to make up to a three-minute statement.

For more information please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Trevor Jacob

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This is part of a series featuring candidates in the Nov. 6 election.

State Representatives, 4th District (vote for one)

Lawrence Forbach 305 Dement Street Mound City 66056 Democratic

Trevor Jacobs 1927 Locust Rd Fort Scott 66701 Republican

Name: Trevor Jacobs

Age: 42

Candidate for the position of 4th District Kansas House of Representatives

Place of residence: Fort Scott Ks

Current occupation: BNSF Railway

Community involvement:

Preach on KMDO 1600 AM, KOMB 103.9 FM, Sunday mornings, for the radio broadcast Jesus Saves Ministries, preach at Linn County, Mound City Jail, Fort Scott Country Place, Fort Scott Guest Home Estates, Fort Scott Medical Lodge, and have a Bible outreach program, with Jesus Saves Ministries.

Party affiliation: Republican

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

To stand for our God-given rights of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I stand to protect our constitutional freedoms. To stand for true American and Kansas traditional values that have made this nation and state great. I stand for the life of the preborn and the protection of the elderly. I stand unashamedly for Biblical morality. I stand for our God-given right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property from government intrusion.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

I oppose sales tax on food. I voted every time to abolish the sales tax on food. This issue had been introduced and debated multiple times, in the Kansas House Chamber and was voted down everytime by the liberal fringes of both parties. If it wasn’t for partisan politics this issue would have already been resolved.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I oppose legalizing marijuana.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

This is a very important topic and issue and when considering the future of our healthcare system, the state has put itself in obligation to provide a safety net of healthcare to the elderly, disabled, and the poor. This program is taxpayer funded. It is extremely important to maintain the mindset that there must be serious checks and balances and a degree of accountability with the healthcare programs. Healthcare is not about the quantity of recipients on a particular plan, but of the quality of healthcare that the recipients are receiving.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I oppose the murder of children in the womb and I strongly believe it is contrary to the traditional values of the Founding Fathers and documents of this nation. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” God has formed and created every person for a purpose and a plan.

As for Planned Parenthood, I believe they do not deserve any taxpayer money…given the chance, I would vote to defund Planned Parenthood.

Bourbon County, Elections, Mercy Hospital

Introducing the Candidates: Jeff Caldwell

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This is a part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.
Governor/Lt. Governor (vote for one)

Kris Kobach/ Wink Hartman P.O. Box 1993 Topeka 66601 Republican

Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic

Jeff Caldwell/ Mary Gerlt 4900 W 108th St, Apt. 1202 Leawood 66211 Libertarian

Rick Kloos/Nathaniel Kloos 5339 SW 22nd Pl. Topeka 66614 Independent

Greg Orman/John Doll 18001 W 106th St Olathe 66061 Independent

Name:Jeff Caldwell
Age: 32
Candidate for the position of Governor of Kansas
Place of residence: Leawood, Kansas
Current occupation: Sales
Community involvement: Volunteer for Harvesters, Food Banks, and Food Pantries
Party affiliation: Libertarian
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The Kansas government spends way too much money and is $3.2 billion in debt. It’s time for Kansas to stop borrowing money from different agencies and stealing from KPERS. I will work with the legislators to responsibly cut government spending, abolish unnecessary agencies like the Board of Cosmetology, and eliminate overburdensome regulations and red tape. I will also look at returning state responsibilities back to local city governments and find ways to have nonprofit organizations take over some services provided by the state.
2)Give your views on food sales tax:
Kansas is one of only seven states in the entire United States that taxes food without a reduced rate or no rate at all. Kansas has one of the highest tax rates on food in the entire United States. Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado have a reduced tax rate on food. Oregon and Montana have no tax on food. Having some of the highest sales tax on food in the nation is a burden on everyone. My platform includes abolishing the tax on food and water, lowering private property taxes, and abolishing the income tax for the service industry.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I am the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to fully legalize cannabis. I am also the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to pardon all nonviolent cannabis offenses. Earlier this year, Kansas passed a $525 million school funding increase. The politicians in Topeka have not told us how they are going to pay for it or how they are going to improve our economic outlook. The unemployment rate in Kansas has been stuck at 3.4% for over 6 months; however, the Kansas legislators are telling us an improving economy will cover the funding. I want to use funds from full legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, hemp, and sports betting to cover the cost.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
I am running to keep Medicaid at current levels while cutting government regulations to allow free market solutions to health care [not privatization like Brownback, which created government granted monopolies]. This means more direct primary care doctors, ushering in coverage from insurance companies out of state, allowing more nonprofit organizations to enter health care, and allowing for importation of medicine from other countries. Having more doctors who do not require health insurance allows for there to be more doctors able to perform tasks without charge and have more flexible payments for people who cannot afford treatment. This offsets costs from catastrophic injuries and sickness. If we can cut enough government spending, and Medicaid expansion passes the house and senate, I will sign the bill for expansion. I will work to ensure expansion does not create more red tape and operates closer to a free market than having corporate or government monopolies on health care.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I would like to keep abortion laws the same as they are. To stop polarizing politics, I support allowing Kansans to choose where their tax dollars are spent. If a citizen does not want their tax dollars to go to Planned Parenthood, they should not be forced to fund Planned Parenthood. Furthermore, if a citizen believes in funding Planned Parenthood, they should be allowed to direct their tax dollars to Planned Parenthood.
Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Marci Francisco

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This is part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.

State Treasurer (vote for one)

Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican

Name: Marci Francisco

Age: 68

Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer

Place of residence: Lawrence, KS

Current occupation:

  • Kansas State Senator, 2nd District
  • Small business owner – My husband, Joe Bickford, and I renovate distressed properties to create quality affordable housing

Community involvement: As a member of the Lawrence City Commission from 1979-1983 and two-term Mayor from 1981-1983, I led efforts to protect the city’s vibrant downtown, revitalize existing neighborhoods, plan for new development, and start the city’s recycling program. I have remained involved in my community and state, serving as a member of my neighborhood association, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County and of Kansas, the Kansas Grassroots Arts Association, the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the University of Kansas Student Housing Association, Depot Redux, as a member of the Lawrence Advisory Board of Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., and as the Chair of my congregation’s Endowment Committee.

Party affiliation: Kansas Democratic Party

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it: The State Treasurer must ensure that all programs overseen by the office are managed responsibly. I do believe that it will be vital for legislators and the public to have an accurate picture of the state’s finances so we can plan appropriately to dig ourselves out of the fiscal hole created by the failed Brownback/Kobach tax experiment. Towards that end, all reports generated by the office must be made publicly available along with information about contracts and personnel expenditures made by the state. The legislature and the public need to have a good understanding of the state’s financial health and be able to address any concerns regarding inappropriate expenditures.

I am also concerned about reports indicating the state’s Learning Quest program, overseen by the State Treasurer, is among one of the poorest performings in the nation. Although the state should be encouraging families to save for post-high-school education, I would examine opportunities to restructure and rebid the program before advertising it more widely. One of my goals as Treasurer would be to increase the interest earned by its investments and its productivity for participants. I also will explore alternative opportunities to provide every child in Kansas an education savings account.

Give your views on food sales-tax: The sales tax on food is regressive, and as a Kansas State Senator, I have voted for amendments to reduce it. As Treasurer, however, I will only have an advisory role. With that in mind, I would advise the legislature to consider the impact on municipalities, alternative income possibilities such as a tax on internet sales, and an intermediate step to restore refundability to the food-tax sales rebate program to provide financial help for at-risk, low-income Kansans.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana: As a State Senator, I have supported the availability of medical marijuana for individuals whose medical conditions warrant such treatment.

Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid: Healthful habits and healthcare are both important in maintaining and active and engaged population. As a State Senator I have voted to expand Medicaid; doing so would increase opportunities for insurance coverage, provide needed support for our hospitals, and create more jobs in healthcare. As Treasurer, I would publish information about the costs and the benefits of expanding the program in our state.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood: Federal law entitles women to direct their own healthcare in consultation with their physician. The public should be aware that no tax dollars are being used in Kansas to perform abortions. Planned Parenthood is one of many organizations that run clinics in our state to provide needed healthcare services for men and women; their services include reproductive health care for women and couples who are hoping to start a family.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Kelly Standley

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This is part of a series on the candidates for the general election November 6.

United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)

Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic

Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican

Name: Kelly Standley

Age: 49

Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives 2nd District Kansas

Place of residence: Saint Paul, Kansas

Current occupation: Business owner and job creator

Community involvement:

Homeless shelter where we help to clothe, feed, find jobs and give them a place to stay while doing all this.

Party affiliation: Libertarian

  1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it? The biggest issue I see for Kansas is we need more jobs in the rural areas. Right now if people in the rural areas of Kansas want a job they may have to move to a larger city. We need jobs available to our residents, not that farming does not employ a large number of people but as we automate there will be a need for jobs that do not involve farming. As a Federal Representative for the people in the 2nd District, I will seek out companies looking to expand and help guide them to the right areas of Kansas that need those jobs.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

Considering the fact that Kansans pay a higher sales tax on food than most other States I am for lowering the tax. Here is my problem with doing that though, will the stores take advantage of that and see an opportunity to raise prices on products so they can have a better bottom line? Some large retail stores advertise they are lowering prices on products but what they don’t say is that when they lower prices on select items they raise prices on other items to make up the difference. I know this to be true, I have worked large retail before and I never thought that was fair to the consumer.

 

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I lived in Colorado for several years and I saw the downside to legalizing it, but I can say that the downside came when they made it open for recreational use. At the same time I saw new schools being built, a larger number of law enforcement agencies having staff and supplies they needed. I saw hospitals not worrying about how patients were going to pay a bill. I would support putting this option on a national ballot for the people in each state to vote on and decide if it is what they want. The Federal Government has no place regulating this product and it should be left up to the states individually.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

Medicaid needs to be addressed and no more hospitals like Mercy in Fort Scott, Independence should have to close down because of Medicaid shortfalls. I would like to see the State of Kansas come up with a solution that works for the hospitals instead of against them. Hospitals in rural areas are very important to their communities and we have no time to play around when lives are at risk!

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I’m for women having choices to do what they want with their bodies but I am also not for abortion. What I would like to see is instead of the Federal Government pushing Planned Parenthood agencies to have specific quota numbers for abortions. It would be more beneficial to see Planned Parenthood work with adoption agencies to get children adopted and not aborted.