Legislative races in Topeka are heating up. Here's what your candidate has to say.
Topeka area voters are choosing their representatives in the Statehouse for the next two years.
Shawnee County has eight seats in the Kansas House of Representatives, though only four are contested races on the Nov. 8 election ballot. If you don't know what district you live in, enter your address at openstates.org.
The Capital-Journal reached out to all candidates. Answers to our questionnaire are below. Responses were lightly edited for length.
Kansas House District 50
Fred C. Patton: an incumbent Republican, is running unopposed.
Didn't respond to questionnaire.
Kansas House District 52
Derik Flerlage: Pronounced "Flur-log," a Democrat.
Tell voters about yourself in no more than 150 words: As a former public health official, a current senior health administrator, and a husband and dad of 3 - I am interested in solving problems. Whether that is a high stress medical situation, a meeting with a business owner, or talking with my family at the dinner table - I want to know two things: what are the problems and how can I fix them? I am tired of partisan politics. These days it seems like our legislature is only interested in attacking the other side. In my opinion, an elected official should be someone that listens and respects many different views and opinions. After all, there is often more than one solution to a problem. As a candidate for Kansas House of Representatives in District 52, I am looking to bring some Kansas kindness to produce positive change.
More:Congressional races will be on the November ballot. Here are the choices for Kansas voters.
What issue specifically facing Topeka do you believe needs attention in the Statehouse? Property tax relief. With the state sitting on a healthy pile of cash, it is important we re-implement the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund or LAVTRF. This is required by law but has been ignored through budget for nearly two decades. It’s time for property tax relief.
What do you feel is the most important education-related issue facing Kansas and its students, teachers and families? Academic performance. The effects of the COVID pandemic are still being felt and investment in our children is a must to assist them as they transition to adulthood. This includes fully funding all aspects, improving tutoring programs, including educators in state legislative discussions with full transparency, and leaving decisions as local as possible with the elected local boards of education. Our kids are not a line item.
Do you support the version of the parents’ bill of rights passed during the 2022 legislative session and vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly? No. Parental rights already exist. We do not need more government overreach. Parents must take it upon themselves to be involved in their child’s education. The educators are the experts.
Do you support a state-level ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports? No. It is targeted and hateful legislation that sows division and is looking for a problem that does not exist. Let’s focus on helping people.
Do you believe the state needs to increase special education funding to cover 92% of excess costs for school districts? Yes. Though it’s true that education funding has increased, we remain recovering from effects of the previous decade and the COVID pandemic. Now is the time to invest in our kids.
What do you feel is the most important economic issue facing Kansans? The economy continues to show growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. We must focus on retaining the talent that exists here in Kansas and attracting talent from outside. This includes incentives for young people to remain and for others to relocate to Kansas; promoting private-public partnerships that include education and employment; and investing in our trade schools to build a qualified workforce. We must think in creative ways to modernize Kansas.
More:Who is running in the Kansas 2022 general election? Search our database
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? Yes. People should not be penalized for consuming what they need. We can eliminate tax on hygiene products while we are at it – including diapers, feminine products, etc.
Should the Legislature put before voters another version of a constitutional amendment to eliminate state constitutional protections for abortion, either in the form used for the Aug. 2 primary or in a different form? No. The majority has spoken and spoken clearly.
Do you support eliminating the use of ballot drop boxes in Kansas? No. Improving access to the fundamental right of voting is crucial. We can do so in safe and secure ways.
Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Yes. Medicaid expansion not only helps Kansans, but also businesses by promoting a healthier workforce and savings on employer-based insurance offerings. Medicaid expansion saves lives and improves society.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana in the form of edibles, topicals or other non-smokable products? Yes. The regulation and taxation of legalized marijuana can make products safer and add another revenue stream to the state’s finances.
Where can voters learn more about you? (website, email, Facebook, phone, etc):Website: www.DerikForKansas.comEmail Derik4Kansas@gmail.comFacebook: www.Facebook.com/DerikForKansasTwitter: www.Twitter.com/DerikFler
Jesse Borjon: Republican incumbent.
Legislative email: jesse.borjon@house.ks.gov
Didn't respond to question.
Kansas House District 53
Kirk Haskins: Democrat
Tell voters about yourself in no more than 150 words: 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.
More:With Republicans absent, Democratic candidates for Kansas House outline priorities
What issue specifically facing Topeka do you believe needs attention in the Statehouse? In 2020, the US Census reported Topeka had slipped from the fourth largest city in Kansas to the fifth. I will make it a priority to support efforts to grow Topeka's population. This will include focusing on state programs which support Topeka’s schools, workforce development, transportation infrastructure, and healthcare industry.
What do you feel is the most important education-related issue facing Kansas and its students, teachers and families? Aside from keeping public education money in public schools, I feel that teachers and administrators are telling us repeatedly that they need support for their students who are the most at-risk in the social-emotional domain. We need to not only fully fund special education - no exception - but we also need to look at appropriate support for our state’s excellent Social Emotional & Character Development Standards, by funding recommended student to staff ratios for School Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and Behavioral Interventionists.
Do you support the version of the parents’ bill of rights passed during the 2022 legislative session and vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly? No. The concept of a parent’s bill of rights runs antithetical to public education. Those interested in this concept are looking to dictate curriculum and undermine trust in teachers.
Do you support a state-level ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports? No. Kansas legislation should not regulate or deregulate equality in school sports. Kansas State High School Activities Association and other similar athletic administration associations are tasked to govern fairness in sports.
Do you believe the state needs to increase special education funding to cover 92% of excess costs for school districts? Yes. And then some. Special education needs to be fully funded - that means 100% - in order to say we are fully funding education in our state.
What do you feel is the most important economic issue facing Kansans?
I think we need to look at the property tax problem in our state immediately. The Republican majority in the KS Legislature has denied the transfer of mandatory Local Ad Valorum Tax Reduction Fund sales tax transfers to counties and municipalities to the tune of $3.2B since 2001. These funds are meant to offset mill levies and help property owners, but the GOP has refused to release these funds. Why?
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? Yes. With the price of a gallon of milk above $3.00, Kansas must use its revenue surplus to immediately eliminate state food sales tax on groceries, benefitting Kansas families NOW.
Should the Legislature put before voters another version of a constitutional amendment to eliminate state constitutional protections for abortion, either in the form used for the Aug. 2 primary or in a different form? No. Kansans made it clear on August 2nd that the Legislature has no place either eliminating or further restricting their right to privacy in reproductive healthcare and family planning.
More:As Kansas Ethics Commission and lawmakers face off, some want changes to key campaign finance law
Do you support eliminating the use of ballot drop boxes in Kansas? No. Early voting at designated locations, mail, and ballot drop boxes have proven to be reliable voting methods in spite of false rhetoric. I support continued use of these methods.
Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Yes. Medicaid expansion will bring more equitable access to healthcare in Kansas, will support rural hospitals, will support healthcare employment in the state, and be a boost to our state economy.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana in the form of edibles, topicals or other non-smokable products? Yes. I support the legalization of these products, regulating legal purchase for those age 21+ at state registered dispensaries only. This will bring tax revenue, job growth, and business investment opportunities.
Where can voters learn more about you? (website, email, Facebook, phone, etc)
Website: www.haskinsforkansas.com
Email: info@haskinsforkansas.com
Facebook: @Kirk Haskins for Kansas House
Twitter: @haskinsforks
Instagram: @haskinsforkansas
Bruce Williamson: Republican
Didn't respond to questionnaire.
Kansas House District 54
Lyndon Johnson: Democrat
Tell voters about yourself in no more than 150 words: I'm a retired healthcare worker now with time to work to make a difference through Public Service to Kansas citizens looking for a different look in the Kansas House chamber. My wife and I have raised 3 children in SNCO and local school districts. I'm a newshound and have kept up with the workings of all levels of local and state government in NE Kansas.
What issue specifically facing Topeka do you believe needs attention in the Statehouse? Kansas citizens need to demand accountability with state and local government, otherwise we will continue to have our tax dollars wasted by special interest groups. Many of these groups are nationally based and HAVE NO TRUE INTEREST in Kansas except to take our money and use it in other states.
More:With Republicans absent, Democratic candidates for Kansas House outline priorities
What do you feel is the most important education-related issue facing Kansas and its students, teachers and families? The Kansas Legislature is to properly FUND K-12 public education and the determination of program STAYS at the local level with school boards. This is ALL in the Kansas Constitution. And, legislators need to increase funding of higher education to address tuition costs. Public education does not need any additional mandates from the Legislature.
Do you support the version of the parents’ bill of rights passed during the 2022 legislative session and vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly? No.
Do you support a state-level ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports? No
Do you believe the state needs to increase special education funding to cover 92% of excess costs for school districts? Yes
What do you feel is the most important economic issue facing Kansans?
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? Yes.
Should the Legislature put before voters another version of a constitutional amendment to eliminate state constitutional protections for abortion, either in the form used for the Aug. 2 primary or in a different form? No.
Do you support eliminating the use of ballot drop boxes in Kansas? No.
Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Yes.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana in the form of edibles, topicals or other non-smokable products? Yes.
Where can voters learn more about you? (website, email, Facebook, phone, etc): They can email me at lyndonhusker@gmail.com
Ken Corbet: Republican incumbent
Tell voters about yourself in no more than 150 words:My wife Bev and I have owned Ravenwood Lodge in rural Shawnee county for over 30 years. We both grew up in the 54th House district, attended school here, raised our family here, and built our business here. This is home. It’s an honor to represent our friends and neighbors in the statehouse. My goal as a legislator has always been to reflect the hard working rural values of our district and promote policies that that bring about growth and prosperity in ourcommunities.
What issue specifically facing Topeka do you believe needs attention in the Statehouse? I hear constantly from constituents about high property taxes. During my time in the legislature I’ve been able to help push through some property tax relief but there is still more work to be done
What do you feel is the most important education-related issue facing Kansas and its students, teachers and families? During the COVID-19 pandemic I heard from parents who were disappointed in the lack of input they had into the education of their children. Parents should make the decisions regarding the education of their children, not a bureaucracy. That’s why I supported the Parents Bill of Rights this session and will continue doing so.
Do you support the version of the parents’ bill of rights passed during the 2022 legislative session and vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly? Yes. Locking parents out of the education of their children is a travesty.
Do you support a state-level ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports? Yes. Men should not compete in girls’ sports or share locker rooms with female athletes.
Do you believe the state needs to increase special education funding to cover 92% of excess costs for school districts? Yes. This matter needs to be carefully considered and done in the right way.
What do you feel is the most important economic issue facing Kansans? The biggest economic issue facing us all is record breaking inflation caused by the policies of Joe Biden’s Democrat party. Cost of living increases are busting family budgets and killing small businesses. One way the state can help alleviate the pain is by allowing Kansans to keep more of their hard earned dollars. I will continue working to bring broad based tax relief to all Kansans.
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? Yes. I would support this as part of a broad tax relief package. We need to address sales, property, and income taxes.
Should the Legislature put before voters another version of a constitutional amendment to eliminate state constitutional protections for abortion, either in the form used for the Aug. 2 primary or in a different form? Yes. Kansans oppose late term, partial birth, and taxpayer funded abortions and we need to ensure those are not taking place.
Do you support eliminating the use of ballot drop boxes in Kansas? Yes. Ballot drop boxes allow for illegal ballot harvesting to take place.
Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? No. Kansas taxpayers should not have to pay for health coverage for able bodied adults choosing not to work. This is another government giveaway similar to paying off student loans.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana in the form of edibles, topicals or other non-smokable products? No.
Where can voters learn more about you?
https://kansascorbet54.com
Kansas House District 55
Tobias Schlingensiepen: Democrat
Tell voters about yourself in no more than 150 words: I have lived in this district for over 40 years, attended public schools in USD 501, and currently serve as the Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church in Topeka. When Sam Brownback attempted to shut down the Kansas Neurological Institute, I led the charge to defend critical services for Kansans with disabilities and save jobs. As a chaplain of the Topeka Police Department, I understand the unique challenges our community faces and will work to make Kansas a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am also proud to have the endorsement of retiring Rep. Annie Kuether in this race.
What issue specifically facing Topeka do you believe needs attention in the Statehouse? Two of the most pressing issues facing Topeka are the cost of living and accessibility to affordable healthcare. Costs continue to rise while wages are stagnant. We also need to increase access to comprehensive health coverage that keeps Kansans healthy and enhances quality of life.
What do you feel is the most important education-related issue facing Kansas and its students, teachers and families? The most important role legislators can play in education is to fully fund public schools. We are finally to that point after years of fiscal mismanagement, and it is crucial we continue to support education. Local school boards, students, parents, and teachers know what is best for their schools. We should fully fund schools while also supporting the school district’s ability to make their own decisions.
Do you support the version of the parents’ bill of rights passed during the 2022 legislative session and vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly? No. The bill passed undermines relationships between parents and teachers. It also ties teachers up in unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, therefore taking them away from valuable time with their students.
Do you support a state-level ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports? No. KSHSA already has policies in place for trans athletes. It should be the goal of the legislature to support every student in their dreams and aspirations rather than discriminate.
Do you believe the state needs to increase special education funding to cover 92% of excess costs for school districts? Yes. Special education has been chronically underfunded and the legislature has a responsibility to increase funding.
What do you feel is the most important economic issue facing Kansans? The most important economic issue facing Kansas is the increased cost of living. From gas prices to the grocery store, prices are higher while wages remain stagnant. In the Legislature, I will advocate for commonsense policies like the immediate elimination of the state food sales tax on food in 2023 to put more money in Kansans’ pockets. We should also consider other targeted, responsible tax cuts that provide relief to Kansas families and fixed-income seniors.
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? Yes. One of my top priorities is to fully eliminate the state food sales tax in 2023 so Kansans can receive this much-needed relief now rather than waiting for 2 years.
Should the Legislature put before voters another version of a constitutional amendment to eliminate state constitutional protections for abortion, either in the form used for the Aug. 2 primary or in a different form? NO. Kansans spoke loud and clear on August 2nd that they do not want politicians in Topeka infringing upon the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Do you support eliminating the use of ballot drop boxes in Kansas? No. Ballot drop boxes are a safe method for voters to ensure their absentee ballot is secured and counted. They are especially helpful to seniors and 2nd/3rd shift workers.
Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Yes. Kansas is one of 12 states left that has not expanded Medicaid. We have missed out $5.5 billion in federal funds and more than 150,000 Kansans without health insurance.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana in the form of edibles, topicals or other non-smokable products? Yes. Medical marijuana can provide treatment and relief to Kansans suffering from chronic pain and numerous disorders.
Where can voters learn more about you? (website, email, Facebook, phone, etc)
Website: tobiasforkansashouse.com
Email: tobias@tobiasforkansashouse.com
Phone: (785) 221-0215
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TobiasForKansasHouse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TobiasForKansas
Todd Staerkel: Republican
Tell voters about yourself in no more than 150 words: I am Topeka born. My family lived in Topeka until my folks moved to a small town outside of Topeka. My grandparents lived in the neighborhood we now reside. I feel a strong connection to my district since a good part of my childhood happened here and my wife and I have lived in the district for over 15 years. My wife and I also both work at Washburn University and I help lead worship at our church which is in our district.
What issue specifically facing Topeka do you believe needs attention in the Statehouse? I think we need to focus on getting people back to work after the pandemic has been winding down and we need to support local businesses. The cost of daily necessities are rising as well as the cost of fuel.
What do you feel is the most important education-related issue facing Kansas and its students, teachers and families? We need to make sure our kids are getting support in their homes as well as in the classroom. Our kids’ quality of education should be key as they will be our leaders.
Do you support the version of the parents’ bill of rights passed during the 2022 legislative session and vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly? Yes
Do you support a state-level ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports? Yes
Do you believe the state needs to increase special education funding to cover 92% of excess costs for school districts? Yes
What do you feel is the most important economic issue facing Kansans? Inflation and the price of fuel. We need to look at how we can continue to be less dependent on foreign oil and maybe alternate sources of energy. Both of which comes with challenges of their own. There is a push to create more jobs in this state (which I’m not opposed to), but I see that there are so many places now needing to hire help.
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? Yes
Should the Legislature put before voters another version of a constitutional amendment to eliminate state constitutional protections for abortion, either in the form used for the Aug. 2 primary or in a different form? Yes
Do you support eliminating the use of ballot drop boxes in Kansas? No
Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? No
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana in the form of edibles, topicals or other non-smokable products? No
Where can voters learn more about you?https://toddstaerkel.com/
Facebook-Todd Staerkel for Kansas
Instagram- toddstaerkelforkanas
Kansas House District 56
Virgil Weigel: Incumbent Democrat running unopposed.
Didn't respond to questionnaire.
Kansas House District 57
John Alcala: Incumbent Democrat running unopposed.
Didn't respond to questionnaire.
Kansas House District 58
Vic Miller: Incumbent Democrat running unopposed.
Didn't respond to questionnaire.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas state legislative races are on the ballot. Here's what to know.
