Managing Money, Not Politics: My Night in Franklin County

Thank you to the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and the people of Franklin County for hosting the July 8 Candidate Forum. I appreciated the opportunity to share our vision for the State Treasurer’s Office, discuss the issues that matter most to Kansans, and participate alongside our opponent, Steve Johnson, and candidates in other statewide races. From college savings and KPERS to small business lending, we had an important conversation about the challenges facing Kansans across our state and the practical solutions needed to address them.

Our campaign is focused on how we make it possible for your kids and grandkids to earn a two- or four-year degree, or train for a skilled trade, without drowning in debt. I will work to ensure Kansas families know about and use tools like Quest529 to save for whichever path fits their kid best. We plan to partner with school districts to bring awareness and education classes for parents and guardians who want to participate in the program, which is an alternative to student loans. 

To our small business owners and our farmers, we are not leaving you behind. I have spent 20 years managing risk for a living, and I know Main Street runs on access to capital. I will work to put Kansas dollars to work through our community banks and credit unions so local businesses, young farmers, and the trades can grow right here at home.

To our KPERS retirees and public employees, I am one of nine fiduciaries responsible for that pension plan, and I will fight for you. I am not satisfied with KPERS 2 or KPERS 3, and I believe both need to be reworked. The lack of a cost-of-living adjustment in KPERS 2 is not good enough, and KPERS 3 is a watered-down plan. State employees deserve better. No political party should be postponing the funding of your retirement. It needs to be funded, period, and I will advocate for that.

To our seniors, you built this state. I will advocate for Kansans who have spent decades in their homes to remain in them, so a lifetime of hard work is not taxed away.

This is about managing public money, not politics. That is the job, and it is the work I have done my whole career.