The wife of a current State Representative from Clay Center has announced her intentions to run for the position he’s vacating. Susie Swanson, whose husband Vern has served as 64th District Representative in the Kansas House for seven years, plans to run in the August Republican primary.
Swanson is the third Republican candidate vying for the position, with Ben Wilson and Kathy Martin announcing their intentions recently.
Swanson describes herself as an observer of the political process for many years and especially the past few years. She stresses her belief that people in elected positions should put the people of their district above politics and have the courage to vote for the best interests of their constituents and not be pressured by outside influences.
“I believe we need to sit down and listen [to one another]. There are very bright and insightful people with ideas that aren’t always listened to. I would like to see everybody have an opportunity to share their ideas. That’s how you problem-solve.” Swanson said during an interview with KMAN’s Mikayla Gentine, “You listen to everybody and you take what’s good from each approach. You combine ideas… when you have a very narrow focus about what the solution is and who’s involved, you don’t create a solution.”
She mentions jobs and public education as top priorities if she’s elected, saying an educated work force is crucial for business, and the key to attracting business is good schools. Swanson is now retired and working part-time at the Presbyterian Manor as a social work consultant, and worked for the Twin Lakes Educational Cooperative as a social worker for 26 years.
