District 53 is only Topeka legislative race with contested primaries for Republicans and Democrats

Of the eight seats Topeka has in the Kansas House of Representatives, District 53 is the only one with contested primaries for both Republicans and Democrats.

District 53 became an open seat after the retirement of Rep. Jim Gartner, a Democrat, at the end of the legislative session. Running to succeed him are Democrats Joe Cheray and Kirk R. Haskins, and Republicans Connie Burns and Bruce Williamson.

The district covers portions of west Topeka, generally bounded by the Kansas River on the north, 29th Street on the south, Gage Boulevard on the east and Urish Road on the west.

If you do not know what district you live in, enter your address at openstates.org.

Voters guide: Topeka House District 55 will have new representative for first time since 1997

Voters guide: Topeka has 16 candidates running for Kansas Legislature. Here's your guide to Aug. 2 election.

The primary election is Aug. 2, but Shawnee County voters may vote early with an advance or mail ballot.

Candidate responses to our questionnaire are below, as are photos they submitted. Responses were lightly edited for style and length.

1. Tell voters about yourself:

Joe Cheray, Democrat: I am a lifelong Kansan raising my son with special needs. I grew up in Baileyville, Kansas. I moved to Topeka in 1988. I graduated from Topeka High School. I currently serve as chair of the Kansas Democratic Disability Caucus, communications secretary for Kansas Federation of Democratic Women, communications chair for Capital Area Democratic Women and the ADA council with the city of Topeka.

Kirk R. Haskins, Democrat: I am a fourth-generation Kansan, lifelong Topekan and father of three public educated children, residing in the 53rd District for more than 20 years. My Kansas roots are from farm families outside Lindsborg and Vermillion. My father is a Marine veteran and was a public school educator and my mother was a state employee. I attended Topeka public schools, hold a B.A. from Washburn University, an M.B.A. from Wichita State University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas.

For almost 30 years, I have built a career as an educational leader and business executive. Currently, I am Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Professional Studies at Baker University.

I am honored to have the endorsement of Rep. Jim Gartner, the incumbent Kansas House Representative for the 53rd District.

Connie Burns, Republican: I am a 30 year resident of the 53rd District. I haven’t aspired to be a politician, but have become concerned at what appears to be a pervasive lack of common sense and unwillingness to work toward finding consensus on practical solutions to the issues facing Kansas. Having worked almost three decades for the Kansas Legislative Services I understand how the legislative process works and where I believe it can be improved. I will be able to hit the ground running on day one to address good legislation for all Kansans, and will work tirelessly to do so in a positive and respectful manner. I believe I have the courage, conviction and common sense to find solutions to some of the critical issues confronting our state.

Bruce Williamson, Republican: Didn't respond.

2. There are many substantive issues debated on education in the Statehouse (expansion of school choice, school safety, academic performance of schools, special education funding). Which of these do you feel is the most important and how would you address it?

Cheray: Special education needs to be fully funded. Period. Not up to 92%. FULLY. I would work to find solutions to ensure it gets the funding it needs. My son thrived in school with a great special education support system.

Haskins: I believe strongly in keeping public money in public education. The right to a free public education is a founding principle of this democratic republic and it is a necessary provision for a well-informed citizenry and electorate. I find it unfortunate that this principle needs protecting, but I will do so tirelessly. That said, our public money for education must support the needs of students as expressed by our teachers and administrators. Their voice, as a collective of education professionals, knows best where we can meet need with resources in a comprehensive ecological approach with students at the center.

Burns: A quality education system focused on academic performance is the foundation for successful communities where our children can thrive and provide for their future families. Post COVID, I believe a renewed focus should be on improving academic performance to prepare our youth for their post education lives. We also cannot lose sight of providing adequate financial support for special education programs that help our children with special needs become active productive members of our communities. We provided $6.4 billion to fund our schools in fiscal 2023, which includes providing for a safe and secure environment for our students and staff.

3. What is the state of the Kansas economy and what is the biggest thing state lawmakers can do to make it better?

Cheray: Abolish the sub-minimum wage for disabled Kansans. Reduce the I/DD wait list so caregivers can go to work.

Haskins: Our unemployment rate is 2.3%, a record low, and Kansas is winning bids for manufacturing — signs our economy is strengthening despite global challenges. That said, hourly wage employees are struggling with housing costs and astronomical food prices. We must work together to immediately eliminate the state food sales tax.

Burns: The state ended the fiscal year with $1 billion in its rainy day fund and $438 million in surplus tax revenues. Those results provide the legislature opportunities to consider fiscally prudent actions that can benefit small businesses and reduce income taxes.

4. Yes or no: Do you support a ban on abortion without any exception for rape, incest or preserving the life of the mother?

Cheray: No.

Haskins: No.

Burns: No.

5. Yes or no: Do you support a ban on abortion with only an exception for saving the life of a mother?

Cheray: No

Haskins: No.

Burns: No.

6. Yes or no: Do you support a ban on abortion with an exception for rape and incest, in addition to saving the life of the mother?

Cheray: No.

Haskins: No.

Burns: Yes.

7. Yes or no: Would you support moving up the implementation of the elimination of the state sales tax on food, currently scheduled to take full effect on Jan. 1, 2025?

Cheray: Yes.

Haskins: Yes.

Burns: Yes.

8. Yes or no: Do you support a proposal to end state income taxes on retirement income?

Cheray: Yes.

Haskins: Yes.

Burns: Yes.

9. Yes or no: Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas?

Cheray: Yes.

Haskins: Yes.

Burns: No.

10. Yes or no: Do you support legalizing medical marijuana in the form of edibles, topicals or other non-smokable products?

Cheray: Yes.

Haskins: Yes.

Burns: Yes.

11. Yes or no: Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana?

Cheray: No.

Haskins: Yes.

Burns: No.

12. Are there any other legislative issues that you would like to address? You may use this space to explain any yes or no answers from above.

Cheray: I will work with Sen. Cindy Holscher to ensure the statute of limitations for collecting civil damages on sexual abuse cases is eliminated. I will work with Sen. Tom Holland to ensure that clergy are mandated reporters of sexual abuse in Kansas.

I was molested growing up. I suffered sexual abuse at the hands of my grandfather for 5 years between the ages of 10 and 15. My grandfather tried to have sex with me at age 12. Had Roe v. Wade not been in place at the time and he succeeded, I would have had to give birth to my grandfather's baby at the age of 12. I was also raped at 17 and again at 22. Had Roe v. Wade not been in place I would have had to give birth to a child from those rapes. A woman and young girl has the right to choose. Period.

Haskins: As an educator, business executive and father, I am passionate about issues that impact all Kansans. The pillars of my campaign — education, equity and the economy — are based on my personal experiences that drive my passion to serve Kansas. I strongly believe in public education and the autonomy of local educational agencies. I will work to champion affordable, quality health care, including mental health care, for all Kansans and I have the business background needed to help keep the Kansas economy strong. My experiences in business entrepreneur leadership, banking retail services, and as a manager and administrator in both the public and private sectors bring a wealth of knowledge in service to the Kansas economy.

Burns: Q 4, 5, 6 — I am Pro-Life. I personally do not approve of abortion, and believe it should never be used as birth control. I believe there are circumstances where it should be available, such as instances of rape, incest or preserving the life of the mother.

Q 8 — In light of the State’s 2022 fiscal year end position, I support exploring the issue of lowering or eliminating income taxes on retirement income.

Q 9 — I would support further vetting the Medicaid expansion issue during the next legislative session to better understand reports that conclude that Medicaid expansion would benefit the state’s economy.

13. Where can voters learn more about you?

Cheray: Website: www.cherayforkansashd53.com/; Facebook: www.facebook.com/cherayforkansashd53; Twitter: www.twitter.com/cherayforkshd53; Email: joecheray@cherayforkansashd53.com.

Haskins: Website: www.haskinsforkansas.com; Email: info@haskinsforkansas.com; Facebook: @haskinsforkansas; Twitter: @haskinsforks; Instagram: @haskinsforkansas; Phone: 785-289-8530.

Burns: Email: connieburns4ks53@gmail.com; Phone: 785-272-5321; Facebook: Connie Burns for Kansas.

Jason Tidd is a statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jtidd@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jason_Tidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka voters guide for Aug. 2 primary District 53 candidates