Issue Position: Issues

Issue Position

The best part of the 41st District is its people! For the last 15 years, our district has been a great place to live and raise my family.

But like so many of us, I've noticed a shift that has taken place nationally as well as locally. It worries me and it should worry you.

Here in Leavenworth buildings that used to house businesses are sitting empty. They have either moved or closed. Others are struggling to hold things together. There are neighborhoods that have become run down with families unable to restore or repair their homes.

Tax increases place a heavy burden on an already over taxed constituency which only adds to the discouragement and frustration many people are presently feeling.Jobs are scarce and with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, many residents are losing hours and money making it even more difficult to make ends meet. Young people are leaving for places that offer them greater opportunity. Some people who have innovative ideas for starting a business are unable to do so because of capital needs or zoning regulations that inhibit their ability to get started, and so, they do not even try.

Common Core is seeping into our schools and curriculums.

Our freedoms and rights as parents and citizens are being trampled.

Veterans benefits are in danger of eroding.

These issues are causing a huge problem in our society because instead of looking within ourselves for solutions we look to government to fix our problems. Dependency on the government is not the solution. It is a path we should not take.

As I talk to citizens and business owners in our community these are some of the issues I hear about. Why am I running for Kansas State Representative? I am running because it's time for me and every citizen to stand and fight for the restoration of our nation and we need to start at the local level. I'm running because I feel as though we are raising our collective voices and are just not being heard. I want you to know that I will fight to preserve both the U.S. and Kansas Constitutions, especially their respective Bills of Rights. Your concerns are my concerns and they must be addressed.

Here's what we cannot do: we cannot ignore these problems or stick our heads in the sand pretending things will change by themselves. We cannot accept the notion that government is the answer. We cannot throw money at problems as a means to fix them. That method of problem solving is foolish and we know that it simply does not work...and eventually there will be no more money to throw. We need a reality check and we need to find solutions that truly work and make a difference in everyone's lives.

Through efforts in the Kansas Statehouse and by ensuring the concerns of the 41st District are not only voiced but addressed, I know things can and will get better. However, if Americans continue to be apathetic, We the People will have no voice, the politicians will continue to run things and we will have only ourselves to blame. I offer you a commitment of hard work and common sense coupled with my experience as a former small business owner and a Navy veteran.

We must remember this: Our Creator has endowed each person on this Earth with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We must remind all people of these truths and do everything we can to protect and pursue them. Everyone has value and the capacity to become part of community and economic growth. We do not need to compromise those things we hold dear - our values, decency, and moral standing. The foundation of our great nation must be repaired and people of courage need to step up and get into the fight for freedom and liberty.

Do you agree or disagree? Tell me your concerns! I am prepared to work for you!

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