Running for U.S. Senate are Barbara Bollier, Democrat, left, and Roger Marshall, Republican, right. Both are retired doctors. (Candidate photos)
by Jim McLean, Kansas News Service
Western Kansas Congressman Roger Marshall is supporting President Donald Trump’s agenda pretty much down the line. Democratic state Sen. Barbara Bollier is attempting to ride anti-Trump sentiment in the state’s population centers to an upset victory.
Various polls indicate the race is close. If you’re still undecided, check out this summary of the candidates’ positions on key issues.
Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter @jmcleanks or email jim (at) kcur (dot) org. The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished by news media at no cost with proper attribution and a link to ksnewsservice.org.
Name and office sought Pat Pettey, state Senate, 6th District
Age 73
Occupation and experience
Career public school educator 36 years in the Turner school dist. #202
Education
BS and MS in Education from Kansas University and Administration certification from Emporia State University
Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong
Member of Our Lady of Unity Catholic Church, Chair WYCO library board, member TCC board, KC area Parents as Teachers Consortium advisory board, chair Stonehaven homeowners association.
Reasons for running
My parents were role models for community involvement and that led me to leadership opportunities in my community, teachers association,and then running for the Kansas House, 2 terms, Unified Government of WyCo/ KCK commissioner for 4 terms, and the Kansas Senate 2 terms.
What are the three most important issues facing this district and how would you handle them?
Three most important issues: Economic stability, Quality K-12 education and affordable higher education, and health care security and respect.
The 6th district needs a leader who will continue to focus on moving Kansas forward. I am a common sense problem solver, not a problem creator. I will continue to work with Governor Kelly to keep Kansans safe and on path forward to economic prosperity.
If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office. If you are not an incumbent, what would you change if elected?
I was part of the legislature to undo the Brownback failed tax experiment. Work on legislation to set our state on path of quality funding for K-12 education. Legislation to increase early childhood education funding. Helped to craft legislation that led to passing the Eisenhower legacy transportation program.
I have lived my entire life in Wyandotte County and have been in public service for 20 years. I am a passionate advocate for our community and will continue to use my experience and skills to improve the lives of Wyandotte County residents and give them a voice in Topeka.
What are the three most important issues facing this district and how would you handle them?
We need to continue our strong response to the COVID crisis. I believe that we should listen to the experts and proceed in a way that protects the health of our residents while rebuilding our economy. We need to get control of the virus through better testing and contract tracing and provide more PPE for frontline workers so that we can fully reopen our economy and get Kansans back to work.
Wyandotte County currently has one of the lowest health rankings in the state. We need to expand Medicaid so that more people have access to healthcare.
We need to lower the food sales tax so Wyandotte County residents have better access to healthy meals for their families. Working families pay enough as it is. They shouldn’t need to worry about paying one of the highest food sales taxes in the country.
If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office. If you are not an incumbent, what would you change if elected?
I have received a national award for my work with mental health issues and have also been recognized twice as Public Official of the Year by the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansans and recently received their Legislative Champion for Community Mental Health award. I received an award from KU Cancer Center for legislation that I helped pass, including expanding funding for cancer research and treatment. I led the effort to pass legislation to keep guns out of public hospitals, community mental health centers and state psychiatric hospitals. I received a Distinguished Service Award from Friends of Yates for my work on behalf of victims of domestic violence. In 2018, I was inducted into the Kansas Children’s Service League Hall of Fame.
Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?
I have held this office for the past 10 years. This is the only elected office that I have held.
