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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Kansas House of Representatives, District 053

The Kansas House of Representatives is the lower house of the legislature of the U.S. state of Kansas. Composed of 125 state representatives from districts with roughly equal populations of at least 19,000, its members are responsible for crafting and voting on legislation, helping to create a state budget, and legislative oversight over state agencies.

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  • Candidate picture

    Jeff Coen
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Kirk R. Haskins
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Aric Hermann
    (Lib)

Biographical Information

What makes you the best candidate for this position? What skills, expertise, or competencies qualify you?

What are Kansas's three most important issues, and how do you intend to address them?

How would you make it easier for Kansas citizens to follow bills as they flow through the legislature? What, if any, changes would you propose in the “Gut and Go” process?

Would you support changes to Kansas election laws and voting systems? Why?

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Ballot City Topeka
Campaign Web Site http://haskinsforkansas.com
Campaign Phone (785)289-8530
Campaign Address 1035 SW Ashworth Rd
Personal Biography Kansas HD 53 Representative, Dr. Kirk Haskins, was elected to the Kansas State House in 2022. He is an Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies at Baker University. Kirk has strong roots in the Topeka community, graduating from Topeka High and Washburn for his bachelor’s degree. He has lived in HD 53 for 25 years, raising three children who attended area public schools. With 30 years of experience in education and business, Kirk knows there is vital work to be done and is driven by a
Education Doctor of Education – Higher Education Administration, University of Kansas – Lawrence, KS; Master of Business Administration, Wichita State University - Wichita, KS; Bachelor of Arts – Communication Studies, Washburn University - Topeka, KS
Community/Public Service Visit Topeka – Board Member 2023 - Present; Delta Mu Delta - 2024 - Present; Kansas Council for Economic Education (KEE) – Board Member - 2010 - Present; Sigma Beta Delta - 2019 – Present; Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – Facilitator - 2018 – 2020; Upward Youth Basketball – Team coach - 2017 – 2019; Kansas Jump$tart Coalition – Board President-2011 – 2018
As the current Kansas Representative for House District 53, I bring proven leadership, a commitment to bipartisan solutions, and a focus on improving public education, available healthcare, and economic growth. My experience navigating legislative challenges, along with my background as an associate professor, equips me with strong communication and analytical skills to effectively serve Kansans. Entrepreneurs built Kansas, seeking a better life for their families and neighbors. I support that legacy by promoting investments in local ownership to sustain our economic future. I prioritize equity, opportunity, and pragmatic solutions, making me the best candidate to continue representing Kansans.
Kansas’s three most important issues are education, equity, and the economy. First, I will fight to fully fund special education, ensuring all students receive the support they need. Second, I will work to reduce the burden of property taxes, giving Kansas families and businesses more financial relief. Third, expanding Medicaid is critical to improving healthcare access and strengthening our economy by bringing federal dollars back into Kansas and supporting rural hospitals. By addressing these issues, I will help create a stronger, more equitable future for all Kansans.
To make it easier for Kansans to follow bills, I would advocate for improving the Kansas Legislature’s website with real-time updates, clearer navigation, and plain language summaries of bills. Additionally, creating a mobile app with notifications could help citizens track legislation more easily. Regarding the "Gut and Go" process, I believe it should be limited. While it allows for legislative flexibility, it can undermine transparency. I support reforms requiring a public hearing for any significant bill changes to ensure Kansans are informed and engaged in the process.
Yes, I support changes to Kansas election laws and voting systems to enhance accessibility, security, and transparency. It's crucial that every eligible voter can easily participate in our democracy, so I advocate for expanding early voting and improving mail-in ballot options. Implementing modern security measures for our voting systems is essential to protecting election integrity. Additionally, fostering transparency in the election process builds public trust. I would support initiatives that ensure voters have confidence in how their votes are counted. Overall, these changes are vital for promoting civic engagement and safeguarding our democratic values.
Ballot City Topeka
Campaign Phone 7852266797
Campaign Address 1913 SW Village Dr
Education https://www.arichermann4ks53.com/about
Community/Public Service https://www.arichermann4ks53.com/about
https://www.arichermann4ks53.com/about
On the topic of crime. Kansas needs to legalize marijuana. Kansas is behind the times on that issue and criminal prohibition has never solved sinful addiction. Kansans are experiencing a reduction in the quality of life. Government regulation of healthcare, education, and our life choices have reduced our opportunities to flourish. Kansans problems are American problems. Bloated, centralized government hurts those it is removed from. Defend the Guard legislation helps protect Kansans from DC's wars.
Keep bills short and legislatures should share the bills with the constituents through whatever means are affective. That's frankly how one should stay elected. I have no intention of voting yes on a bill that I haven't fully read and fully considered. Electing me is an opposition of the gut and go process.
Yes. I believe we need to make sure our elections are free and fair by ensuring that every American gets their opportunity to vote. I support helping get the corruption out of government, getting the bipartisan politics out of elections and allowing our electoral college to split its vote.