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.
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
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?
Give your views on the sales tax.
Give your views on legalizing marijuana.
Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid.
Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
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
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.
This is part of a series featuring candidates for the Nov. 6 election.
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: Steve Watkins
Age: 42
Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives, KS-02
Place of Residence: Topeka, Kansas
Current Occupation: Engineer
Community involvement: Member, Philip Billard VFW Post 1650
Party affiliation: Republican
Policy Questions
1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The most important and biggest issues our nation faces today are protecting Social Security and Medicare, keeping taxes low, and securing our southern border. What stands in the way of these pivotal issues for the American people is the partisan obstruction by Democrats. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, I spent years leading diverse groups of people through difficult situations. In order to work toward solutions to our most prevalent issues, we must elect leaders that are willing to work across the aisle and put aside their party labels for the betterment of the American people.
2. Give your views on a food sales tax:
While I personally oppose sales tax on food, there are currently no sales taxes on food or anything else at the federal level. Sales taxes are all levied at the state a local level, so those are the choices of state and local leaders. In Congress, I would oppose any
efforts to impose a federal sales tax. Further, while my opponent has advocated to repeal some of the recent tax cuts signed into law by President Trump. I would seek to make them permanent for hard working Kansans.
3. Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
Although I am not personally in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, I am also a strong believer in the 10th Amendment to the Constitution and I believe this is an ultimately a state’s rights issue. However, I am sympathetic to the push to legalize
marijuana strictly for medicinal purposes. As a Veteran myself, I have read many studies that suggest medical marijuana can help veterans struggling with PTSD, as well as to treat symptoms of serious illness and other conditions. I believe further research
should be done in this area.
4. Give your views on health care in our state, including Medicaid:
First and foremost, Congress must repeal and replace Obamacare and work together toward a patient-centered healthcare system that protects those with pre-existing conditions, reduces costs, promotes competition in the marketplace, and gives patients
more control over their health care. Obamacare did the opposite. Introducing crippling tax mandates and excessive regulations that were geared more toward an urban setting than a rural setting. This has unfairly targeted rural areas and has had a very negative
impact on our rural hospitals leading to a loss of access as was recently demonstrated here in Fort Scott. Lower quality of health care, fewer choices, and skyrocketing premiums is not “Affordable Care”. While Medicaid expansion is one possible short term
fix, the real solution to our healthcare system is building a new system that allows for more choices and more adaptability to the individual patient and the individual healthcare setting.
5. Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am and always have been committed to protecting the sanctity of life, at all costs. By signing the National Right To Life Pledge, I vowed to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and to never vote for pro-choice legislation in Washington. My opponent, on
the other hand, has a long record of voting against life, including votes in support of late-term abortions. Planned Parenthood, a major donor to the Democratic Party, is the largest provider of abortions in the U.S. It is unacceptable that over 500 million
taxpayer dollars is given to Planned Parenthood year after year. I have been endorsed by both Kansans for Life and the National Right to Life Committee. As your congressman, I will never vote for the pro-choice legislation.
This is part of a series introducing the candidates in the November 6 election.
Patty Love does not have a challenger in the election.
Name: Patricia (Patty) Love
Candidate for the position of Bourbon County Treasurer
Place of residence: Fort Scott, Kansas
Current occupation: Bourbon County Treasurer
Community Involvement: Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Bourbon County Republican Committee, Kansas County Treasurers Association
Party affiliation: Republican
What is the biggest issue, if elected, and do you plan to address it?
The biggest issue that Bourbon County currently faces is the high property and vehicle taxes. It is my goal as county treasurer to make sure that tax collection and vehicle registrations are carried out in an accurate, courteous and efficient manner while keeping office expense within budget and cut expenses where possible.
This is part of a series on introducing the candidates for the November 6 election.
Kansas Senate, 13th District (vote for one)
Bryan Hoffman 370 N. 250th St. Mulberry 66756 Democratic
Richard Hilderbrand 10337 SE 107th Terr. Galena 66763 Republican
Sam Habjan 300 N Cherokee St. Frontenac 66763 Libertarian
Name: Bryan Hoffman
Age: 35
Candidate for the position of Kansas Senate District 13
Place of residence: Mulberry, KS
Current occupation: Job Superintendent – Construction of Roads and Bridges
Community involvement: I have coached little league and I am a member of the producers cooperative in Girard.
Party affiliation: Democrat
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The biggest issue is expanding access to affordable healthcare with Medicaid expansion. Southeast Kansas needs a leader who will fight to provide Southeast Kansans with access to healthcare by protecting our community hospitals and clinics. We must ensure federal tax dollars paid by Kansas taxpayers are returned and invested right here at home.
2) Give your views on food sales tax:
Kansas has the highest food sales tax in the country, and that’s not okay. I am in favor of lowering the food sales tax rate in order to reduce the burden on hardworking Kansas families.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I would be willing to consider legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. I would not be in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
Providing Southeast Kansans with access to affordable healthcare means a healthier and more productive workforce. I support expanding Medicaid. In addition to providing more Kansans with access to healthcare, it creates more good-paying jobs and stimulates our economy.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am pro-life. However, abortion is a federal issue because Roe v. Wade is the law of the land.
