I want to stop tax increases, especially property taxes, which hurt everyone, most of all our senior citizens. I have taken the no new tax pledge. I have also pledged to support the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. That’s one of the reasons that I am in this race and one of the reasons that you should support me.

Our district, which includes Bonner Springs, Piper, Western Wyandotte County, Leavenworth, and Lansing, has been paying a very steep bill because of skyrocketing appraised valuations. This is a hidden tax that nobody voted for. It is taking money from those on fixed income, who have no control over their taxes or their ability to pay them. These increases must be limited by law to the rate of inflation or less than four percent each year. Long-term residents, such as our seniors, must be protected from having their homes taxed out from under them merely because their neighbors are selling at a higher price.

Small businesses and farmers need increased protection from personal property tax on items necessary for business. The change would encourage small business to buy equipment needed to be more productive and competitive. Small business is the economic engine that pulls the Kansas economy - we must protect it.