Initially I planned to petition my way onto the ballot.  I petitioned before family illnesses and health problems with other members of my family forced me to stop.  I had to put my campaign in hibernation for several weeks in April due to family illnesses, funerals, and other health burdens with other family members that unexpectedly occurred since late March.

However, in my initial discussions with voters while walking my district I discovered that there is a real desire for fiscally responsible change down at the Sedgwick County courthouse.

Local government growth is hurting many homeowners, farmers, and small businesses.  Those on fixed incomes are being especially hard hit.  A lot of taxpayers remember the role that county government played in raising the county’s mill levy 2.5 mills in 2006.  People have gotten wiser about the role the appointed county appraiser performs in raising appraisals every spring too.  Many taxpayers are unhappy that the county (as well as the city) managed to eradicate the property tax lid that did limit local tax growth.

Citizens want more protection for their homes and property.  The role of the judicial edict that expands governmental eminent domain powers raises the risk of arbitrary and capricious government confiscations as the role of “public/private partnerships” grow.

Many voters feel disconnected with their local government in general and their county government in particular.  They see their tax bills going up and look at the growth in county government without seeing the supposed “benefits” of soaring county spending.  There is also concern about government’s powers growing and expanding too.