Campaign Phone
6204816120
Personal Biography
I grew up in Emporia. Pamela and I met at Emporia State University. We have two children and four grandchildren. I entered the ministry after a successful singing career. I served as pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Emporia followed by pastor positions in churches in Leavenworth, Prairie Village, Kansas City, Overland Park, Hutchinson, and Harveyville, Kansas. When I retired, I knew I would keep serving in some capacity.
Education
Emporia High School (1974), Emporia State University, Bachelor of Music Education (1978), Cincinatti College-Conservatory of Music Master of Music, Vocal Performance (1980) and Artist Diploma (1982), Saint Paul School of Theology, Master of Divinity (2002)
Community/Public Service
Substitute teacher, Guest Clinician/Artist in High Schools and Colleges, Founder of the Kaw Valley Community Chorus, Kiwanis Club Member, member of many ecumenical Pastor's gatherings throughout Kansas, Volunteer for raising funds for SOS, Board of Trustees for Lyon County History Center (Emporia, KS.) Throughout my ministry I offered counseling in a variety of situations.
1. I listen. I have led congregations throughout Kansas, including Emporia, which has enhanced my knowledge of the state, where I have seen how people all over the state are struggling financially with rent, utilities, taxes.
2. Though I have strong convictions on certain subjects, I believe in consensus building.
3. I was on the ground floor of establishing a food kitchen in Emporia, and a parish nursing program in Emporia for those who had no help with basic healthcare.
4. As a self-employed international opera singer, I know what it means to start a business and the dedication it takes to make that business thrive.
5. I have always been willing to think outside the box to initiate growth, in my singing career and ministry.
1 A supermajority in the Legislature limits true bipartisanship. I address this by winning as a democrat.
2. Individual Freedom for all persons, which includes the right to an abortion. I will have a bill ready to introduce guaranteeing bodily autonomy for all, including transgender youth.
3. Taxes and Medicaid Expansion: A fair and just tax system would lower taxes on the middle class, lower middle class and working poor, while raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations. We can still support education, which is the beginning of success for all. Medicaid Expansion is long overdue. We’re paying for healthcare in other states. I will vote for it when Governor Kelly introduces it to the Legislature.
I have a good working relationship with our local newspaper and would do bi-weekly articles throughout the session. I will approach the radio station owner about participating in bi-weekly conversations on the radio to keep the electorate informed.Our community also offers forums for legislators to speak with the community.
“Gut and Go,” the practice of gutting legislation and replacing it with legislation that hasn’t been vetted by all legislators or allowing time for public input is a practice that should only be used in extreme emergencies. I don’t believe a minority can make the practice go away. If we break the supermajority, we can encourage the legislature to not leave legislation until the 11th hour.
Our election laws are solid. I don’t see a need to change the laws because of a supposed voter fraud epidemic, especially when recent changes that have been suggested disenfranchise certain segments of our population.
Educating everyone about the voting system, from voter registration to the day they vote, would be a great benefit to our democracy and would make our voting system more accessible. In the 60th District in particular, we should have at least one bi-lingual person, if not more, at every voting precinct.
Allowing everyone to vote by mail should be considered. Other states have found it is safe and secure.
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