1) Most Legislative sessions involve hard choices among state agencies competing for limited funds.  What are your spending priorities and how should budget shortfalls be addressed?

Choices for limited fund and priorities for spending. I believe we pay enough taxes and the size of government must never outgrow the economy; government must be accountable in both programs and funding. There should be an ongoing program to validate every program and delete those that are unnecessary or can be accomplished more efficiently by the private sector. Spending priority will always be taking care of the existing infrastructure first. Budget shortfalls must be avoided by good fiscal discipline and by understanding what programs need additional funds and which do not in order to stay within the revenue available.

2)  How do you balance the need for additional energy production in the state with environmental concerns, including the use of water? 

Balance the need for additional energy production with environmental and water concerns – Stewardship of natural resources and maintaining a healthy environment must be at the forefront in all decisions. Construction of energy producing facilities must be based upon sound engineering practices using the best technology not on political or ideological expedience that stymies economic growth. We have adequate resources in Kansas to produce significantly more energy in a balanced program of fossil fuels, bio fuels, nuclear, wind, and solar and conservation to become a key contributor to energy independence in the U.S. We should set a goal to maximize the economical use of renewable sources, phasing out the use of fossil fuels as practical, with the possible exception of natural gas. There is enough water if we set a standard of only using what is needed in every circumstance. Let the free market determine the most efficient sources.

3)  What is your assessment of the level of funding for education at all levels (pre-K – University) and how do you intend to address issues such as deferred maintenance and faculty salaries to keep our schools competitive on a national level? 

Education- I fully support adequate funding for excellent academic achievement with priority to the classroom and teachers salaries. I would like to see the same level of accountability in educational funds as in any successful enterprise that thrives on fiscal responsibility. We must address the deferred maintenance as a joint effort among the school system, the legislature and the citizens. The school system must prioritize the funds made available with priority to the classroom, infrastructure and teachers salaries. The legislature must be willing to forego new programs until infrastructure and student-learning facilities are adequately funded. Excellent teachers should be rewarded and those without adequate teaching skills should be encouraged to find a place where their skills are more appropriate, thus enhancing our competitiveness.

4)  What policies do you think Kansas should have regarding illegal immigrants?

Illegal Immigrants- The key here is illegal. I am well aware that in a state where 20 percent of the gross product is agriculture related that the perception is that we could not be competitive without immigrant labor. Yet we must begin to resolve the issue in the context of overall benefit to our economy. We must secure the border and provide no more than humanitarian support to illegal immigrants, no amnesty and no in-state tuition assistance. Employers must be required to verify the status when hiring. I believe there are two classes of immigrants; those who desire to assimilate as citizens and those who don’t. The challenge is to figure out how to handle both cases in a lawful and humane manner. I just read a report that more than a million illegals have departed voluntarily as states have begun to enact and enforce just laws. If Kansas will do the same, perhaps half our problem will be solved.