The Manhattan-Riley County chapter of the League of Women Voters held a virtual candidate forum Sunday that aired on News Radio KMAN. The forum included candidates from the races for Riley County Commission seats in District 2 and 3, Kansas House seats in Districts 51, 64, 66 and 67 as well as the 22nd State Senate District.
Segment 1 – Riley County District 2 candidate Greg McKinley and District 3 candidates Katherine Focke and John Matta fielded questions from the moderator. District 2 candidate Fanny Fang was unable to attend Sunday’s forum due to a family emergency.
QUESTIONS
- In many communities, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provide preventative health care to help reduce unnecessary and costly trips to the emergency room, to connect patients with their providers, and to help the vulnerable with their unmet needs. Riley County EMS is a member of the Flint Hills Community Care Team which has already demonstrated positive outcomes. Would you support Riley County Emergency Medical Services taking the next step toward operating in a Mobile Integrated Health role? Why or why not?
- The economic impact of the pandemic is expected to be huge. With shrinking resources, what are your priorities and funding strategies for expenditures?
- Is there a problem with systemic racism in Riley County? If so, in what ways should the Commission address the effects? If not, what safeguards do we need to assure all our citizens are treated fairly?
- Riley County has one of the highest childhood poverty and food insecurity rates in the state. That impacts finding affordable housing, childcare resources, and securing a living wage for full-time workers. How should the Commission address those needs?
- As a County Commissioner, how will you work to promote a positive climate for public input, collaborative efforts, and inclusive practices so that all members of the community feel represented by you?
Segment 2 – broken up in two parts here, featured candidates in District 64, including incumbent Republican Suzi Carlson and challenger Democrat Jim Vathauer. District 67 candidates Republican Mike Dodson and Democrat Cheryl Arthur as well as two unopposed candidates, District 51 Rep. Ron Highland (R-Wamego) and District 66 Rep. Sydney Carlin (D-Manhattan).
QUESTIONS
- Does Kansas need Medicare Expansion? If no, why not? If yes, why?
- Our society is being polarized by uncivil speech. How will you model and promote constructive, inclusive politics in your work with colleagues and the public?
- With regard to the pandemic, do you agree with Governor Kelly’s decisions and/or those of the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council? Why or why not?
- As Kansas navigates the financial strains caused by the pandemic, there may be a need to address the possible shortfall. What incentives, taxes, or cuts would you favor to regain a sustainable economy?
- The Legislature will be charged with drawing new legislative districts during the second year after the Census. Would you vote in favor of an amendment creating an impartial committee to draw the new legislative districts? Why or why not?
Segment 3 – featured the two Manhattan area State Senate candidates, incumbent Democrat Tom Hawk and Republican challenger Craig Bowser.
QUESTIONS
- The pandemic has revealed difficult political, economic, racial, and social divides in Kansan. As a senator, what problem(s) will be your top priorities and how might you address them?
- In Kansas, nearly all the laws passed stem from bills whose authors are anonymous. Would you support changing the rules so the process for how proposed bills are heard, debated and voted upon is more transparent? Why or why not?
- Does Kansas need Medicare Expansion? If no, why not? If yes, why?
- Do you agree with the decisions by the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council concerning the overturning of Governor Kelly’s pandemic response? Why or why not?
- The Legislature will be charged with drawing new legislative districts during the second year after the Census. Would you vote in favor of an amendment creating an impartial committee to draw the new legislative districts? Why or why not?
- Does the Kansas Legislature have a role in addressing systemic racism in Kansas? If so, how might interventions best be legislated? If not, what systems do we need to be maintain for fair treatment under the law?
- Do you believe that current Kansas laws support the right to vote for all citizens? Do you see changes that need to be made, either broadening or restricting current laws and protocols?