Campaign Phone
620-617-1777
Personal Biography
My family has a history of business ownership. My father, Gordon Brantley purchased Cook and Weber Funeral Home in 1975. Gary Foster, my stepdad owned A-1 Truck. My mother, Greta Foster spent 28 years at BCC. Finally, my twin brother, Dr. Scott Brantley, is a local chiropractor. I raised my children; TeeJay, Cayton, and Steele here.
Education
I attended and graduated from Great Bend High School in 1984 and Barton County Community College. I moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1989. Later, I earned two Master's degrees; an M.S.E. in Elementary Education / ESOL, and an M.S. in Building Leadership. Finally, I earned my doctorate, Ed.D., in Educational Leadership for Teacher Learning. Currently, I am in my thirty-fifth year of being an educator.
Community/Public Service
Within the community, I am a member of Heartland Community Church, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, and the Barton County 4-H Holding Board. Also, I have several state and national memberships within the field of education.
I am the ideal candidate for this position due to thirty-five years of leadership experience, which includes teaching in a classroom setting, spearheading the development of a statewide mathematics program to aid teachers in math instruction, and directing a teacher education residency program at a university. Research and evidence are my fundamental skills when faced with various challenges or perspectives to substantiate ideas for solutions. When a solution fails or requires modification, I value collaboration as a means to explore new possibilities.
As a researcher, I find satisfaction in gathering evidence that supports ideas and solutions. I would remain dedicated to finding solutions in my role as your State Representative.
As a conservative Republican, I believe the three key issues for District 112 are:
Small business
Improved infrastructure
Lower taxes
A community without a thriving business sector will struggle to retain residents. We want to keep and increase 112th District residents, so we want to ensure our business sector thrives.
Since filing in November 2023, I have asked community members what some of the needs are. Many shared the need for affordable family housing in our communities. We need to collaborate with community members to make that happen.
There is no doubt that property taxes increase homeowners' burden. This makes affordable housing and high taxes a double concern. Let's prioritize tax-reducing solutions.
Following bills in the legislature is now possible through social media. During the last legislative session, I followed several people who provided daily updates on legislation. In each session, information was provided regarding the upcoming day. I would encourage the continuation of this practice. Since I have not been a representative, I have not been directly involved in Gut and Go. In the event that I am elected to the position, I would be open to exploring the details of Gut and Go with future recommendations based on my personal experience.
Kansas' existing election laws and voting systems ensure smooth operations and integrity. As a Precinct Committee woman for Eureka Township, I feel we have initiatives in place to ensure election integrity.
We all have good intentions, but life happens. This is why early voting options, such as in-person early voting can increase voter participation and alleviate Election Day congestion. Visit our beautifully renovated Barton County Courthouse during early voting and cast your vote.
Don't let anything keep you from voting.
Your vote matters!
Campaign Phone
(620)786-5336
Personal Biography
I am a lifetime resident of Great Bend and Barton County. After college & law school at Washburn and serving 4 years on active duty in the USAF, I came home to Great Bend. I came by choice. I joined Mark Calcara and Earl Watkins in 1983 and practiced law in the Watkins Calcara Chtd. law firm for 40 + years. Being a lawyer in the western half of the state gave me insight, practical experience and skills which will translate directly to serving as a legislator.
Education
GBHS, 1972; Washurn University, B.A Political Science, 1976; Washburn Law School, Juris Doctorate, 1979
Community/Public Service
I have been active in the community and my church (School Board, Lions Club, Boys Home Board, Great Bend Housing Authority, Master Gardeners, etc.). I was a member of the first Leadership Great Bend class, have served on the Chamber Board and am still active with the Downtown Development group. I believe in giving something back.
My education and more than 40 years in the general practice of law in western Kansas give me unique insights into the problems faced by people in this part of the state. My involvement in community service reflects my commitment to improving life in our region. I have served in elected positions and know how to engage with others to find common sense solutions. I am an advocate and a realist and am, at heart, a fiscal conservative but am willing to invest in our future.
1 Toxic political environment and partisanship. I will be a voice for reason, build bridges and support what's best for our state. Decisions based solely on politics serve the politicians, not the people they represent.
2 Property taxes. The burden on property owners has doubled. We can find other revenue sources. I support legalizing sale of cannabis in Kansas for medical use. Those taxes can reduce property taxes.
3. Government over-reach. Two examples: Our schools and the women of this state. The legislature wants to micro-manage classrooms. I say, "butt out" and let teachers teach.
Last year, Kansas voters recognized women's right to decide for themselves. Nevertheless, efforts to restrict that right continue. "No" means no.
By regularly reporting back to my District and our local paper.
The "gut & go" maneuver is an effective but devious way to do the state's business. For legislators to pontificate about the need for transparency and then participate in it is disingenuous to say the least. Sneaking through the back door rarely leads to positive results but then, that depends on whose "ox is getting gored". If I can manage to get a spot on the rules committee, I can advocate for a more forthright process.
I will support any measure that serves to make voting easier so long as it is secure. I will oppose any measure designed to make voting more difficult or which would disenfranchise any voters.
