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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Kansas Senate, District 17

The Kansas Senate is the upper house of the Kansas Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Kansas. It is composed of 40 senators representing an equal amount of districts, each with a population of at least 60,000 inhabitants. Members of the Senate are elected to a four-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that a senator may serve.

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  • Candidate picture

    Mike Argabright
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Lillian G. Lingenfelter
    (Dem)

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?

Ballot City Olpe
Campaign Web Site http://mikeargabright.com
Campaign Phone 6207945049
Campaign Address 1154 Road 60
Mailing Address 1154 Road 60
Olpe, KS 66865
Personal Biography A lifelong Kansan, Mike Argabright grew up on the family farm in Atwood. Mike spent 37 years working in Kansas schools as a teacher, coach and superintendent. He retired last year after 16 years as Superintendent at Southern Lyon County schools. In 2023, he was named Kansas Superintendent of the Year. Mike also operates farm ground and raises Charolais cattle. He and his wife Carla – a teacher – have three grown sons and a granddaughter.
Education Mike graduated from Atwood High School. He attended Dodge City Community College, then transferred to Wichita State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1987 and a Masters in Education in 1993. He earned Building and District Level Licensures from Emporia State University in 1996, and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Early Childhood) from Wichita State University in 2014.
Community/Public Service Mike has been actively involved in the community for many years, most notably as the founder and coordinator of the Honor Flight program at USD 252. He started the program as a school project to engage students in understanding and honoring the service and sacrifices of our active military and veterans. He has since led 13 Honor Flights for more than 260 area veterans, making the program a community-wide initiative. Mike has also been actively involved with United Way of the Flint Hills, Emporia Chamber of Commerce, Ignite Emporia, Jones Institute for Educational Excellence, Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative, Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees, Emporia Friends of the Zoo, and as an SOS (domestic violence shelter) Strong Ambassador.
I bring the energy and experience to get the work done. As an educator, farmer/rancher, and volunteer for several community organizations, I have a proven record of collaborative leadership, problem solving, and creating an atmosphere that brings people together. I also have the experience in operational budgeting and management that it takes to provide careful oversight of the state budget. It is important our Senator be approachable and connected to our communities. I have taken that approach in this campaign, listening carefully to the concerns that people want to see addressed in Topeka. I will take that open, accessible and engaged approach if elected to serve the district. I believe in working together for the betterment of Kansas.
Property taxes - Kansas needs to make sure young families can afford to establish roots in our communities, and we must make sure senior citizens and disabled veterans are able to stay in their homes while on fixed incomes. Small businesses - Rural Kansas is struggling to help local businesses and I will work hard on initiatives that create and sustain opportunities for small business owners. Public education - I will be a strong voice for our local schools and teachers. Having worked in education as a teacher, a coach and a superintendent, I believe public education is a critical economic driver. I will support academics, post-secondary, career & technical training, as well as internships & apprenticeships to keep our graduates in Kansas.
Kansans deserve transparency and accountability from their elected officials. Being able to follow bills and know how our elected officials vote on bills is a critical part of citizen engagement. I do not favor the Gut and Go process for two reasons – it makes it more difficult for citizens to follow bills as they move through the legislative process, and because it often means language has been added to a bill at the last minute or without going through the full legislative process which limits citizen input on those bills.
Yes, if those changes continue to protect the integrity of our elections and prevent voter fraud. Besides election security, I think we should prioritize ways to increase voter turnout; ensure access for our veterans and overseas military; and encourage engagement from our next generation.
Campaign Web Site http://lillianforkansas.org
Mailing Address PO Box 101
Emporia, KS 66801
Personal Biography Lillian is an educator, public servant, and Emporia resident committed to improving Kansas. She has served on the USD 253 School Board and the Emporia-Lyon County Planning Commission, advocating for rural education and community development. With degrees from Emporia State and American University, she has been recognized for her teaching and leadership. Lillian is running for the Kansas Senate to be a new voice for District 17.
Education Lillian graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education (Social Sciences), Spanish, and Political Science. She then earned a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Leadership from American University’s School of Education in Washington, D.C., where she also interned with the Kansas Department of Education. This fall, Lillian will pursue a graduate certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University, underscoring her commitment to ongoing professional development and enhancing her skills to bring to the Senate.
Community/Public Service Lillian is an active volunteer in the Emporia area, dedicated to improving her community. She has contributed her time and skills through organizations like AmeriCorps VISTA and Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as serving on multiple local boards.
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