Here are the candidates running to represent Wyandotte County in the Kansas Legislature

Wyandotte County voters will have the chance to cast a ballot on Nov. 8, or earlier — in-person advanced voting starts on Oct. 24.

Below are candidates’ responses to The Star’s survey from those running for the Kansas Legislature and Kansas State Board of Education to represent districts in Wyandotte County.

And here is a link to all of the Kansas races on the ballot for voters around Kansas City.

If you’re not sure, you can look up your voter information to see which district you live in, and where your polling site is.

How the voter guide works:

Click on the race you are curious about, and you’ll go to a page with candidates’ responses. There, you can use the jump menu to get to a specific race or district.

Any candidates that do not have answers below their names did not respond to the survey. Our team at The Star contacted campaigns multiple times via both email and phone calls over the past month.

If you are a candidate and would like to get in touch with us and submit responses still, you can email us at kcq@kcstar.com. Voters will continue using this tool all the way through election day.

A note on editing and fact-checking

Some survey responses were very lightly edited for grammar, but the substance of the responses were not edited at all and are the candidates’ own words. The Star did not fact-check all of the candidates’ responses.

If you are concerned about misinformation or would like to learn more about some of the issues referenced in candidates’ responses, we wanted to include this past story about how to spot misinformation: How to tell if a politician is lying? A scholar who studies what they say has some advice.

State Board of Education District 1

Jeffrey M. Howards, Democrat

What should Kansas do about the teacher shortage?

First we need to stop the hemorrhaging of public confidence in our teachers and the constant increase in workload that is driving our teachers out of the profession. Once that is stopped we must pay teachers what they are worth and encourage the next generation of educators to take up the profession as well as encouraging retired teachers to step up and temporarily fill the gap. I do not concur with putting 18-year-old temporary teachers into classrooms.

What role should the state board play in governing school curriculum? Should the legislature impose new laws on curriculum?

The state board should have overall responsibility in establishing curriculums, with local school boards establishing graduation requirements based on the minimum requirements set by the state board. Local boards may increase the requirements but not decrease the graduation requirements. Legislature should play no part.

What is one other issue in Kansas schools that you would like the board of education to prioritize and act on?

100% funding for special education, and more if deemed necessary.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Of course the election was legitimate, and of course I condemn the insurrection and believe that everyone responsible, regardless of political position, should be held accountable if found to be responsible.

Campaign website: jeff4kansas.com

Danny Zeck, Republican

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Danny Zeck responded to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey in an email that said, “Sorry very busy.”

Campaign website: www.zeckforkansaskids.com

District 31

Louis E. Ruiz, Democrat

What should Kansas do about the teacher shortage? And what kinds of laws should the Legislature prioritize that would affect Kansas schools?

Kansas should raise salaries to be competitive with other states and private schools. Due process for teachers is paramount for fairness and equality. Do not let parents decide curriculum. If the parents want to be that involved in what their students learn then they should home school.

Do you think Kansas should expand Medicaid?

Kansas should definitely expand Medicaid. We have close to 200,000 Kansans who have little or no insurance and are not of Medicare age.

After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think the Legislature should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

Leave the status quo alone and do not make a woman’s health choice more difficult.

Do you think Kansas should legalize marijuana?

Yes and regulate it and tax it like they do alcohol.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Joe Biden is the duly elected president. The congressmen who voted to decertify the election because of Trump should be charged for treason and sedition. All elected officials swear an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

Gaming is one of the most misunderstood issues that face both sides of the aisle. I supported and voted for the expanded lottery bill which allowed the casinos and now the sports betting.

Campaign website: no website

Dennis Grindel, Republican

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Dennis Grindel did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/DennyGrindel

District 32

Pam Curtis, Democrat

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Pam Curtis did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.curtisforkck.com

District 33

Bill Hutton, Democrat

What should Kansas do about the teacher shortage? And what kinds of laws should the Legislature prioritize that would affect Kansas schools?

We need a government and a Legislature that fully supports teachers. Kansas should offer incentives to attract and retain teachers, including assistance with student loans in exchange for a commitment to teach for a certain number of years. We need to stop passing or proposing laws that undermine our trust in teachers, and allow them to do their jobs educating our children. Salaries should be competitive with surrounding states.

Legislation that should be prioritized includes: fully funding public schools, special education and initiatives that prepare students for future workforce needs.

Do you think Kansas should expand Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid should be expanded. Health care is a basic human right. The 10% match to federal dollars for expanded Medicaid would be repaid to Kansans in creating new jobs in the health care field, stabilizing and supporting rural hospitals, and providing a healthier workforce. Since 2014 Kansas has lost out on nearly $5.5 billion of federal funds that could have helped Kansans gain access to affordable, quality health care.

After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think the Legislature should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

I do not think the Legislature has a role in creating policies that affect the right to abortion or reproductive health care. The decisions on a women’s reproductive health care should be between the woman and her doctor. My focus is on making progress on other issues that would help mothers and their babies, including expanding Medicaid.

Do you think Kansas should legalize marijuana?

I support the legalization of medical cannabis. I do not think Kansas is ready for full legalization of recreational marijuana and would not support such legislation at this time. Doctors should be allowed to prescribe medical cannabis and oversee it’s use, which has far less risks than opioids.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Yes, without any question I believe and the evidence supports the election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president. The insurrection was a dark stain on our democracy and I absolutely condemn all who participated or encouraged such behavior.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

The specific issue that comes to mind is economic development tools. STAR Bonds and tax incentives are often discussed but seldom explained. I am supportive of using economic development tools that benefit all Kansans, not just a limited number of business owners. I oppose using economic development tools as weapons to raid corporations on one side of the Kansas City state line to lure them to the other.

Campaign website: huttonforkansas.com

Mike Thompson, Republican

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Mike Thompson did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.mikethompsonforkansas.com

Stephanie Barton, Libertarian

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Stephanie Barton did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: no website

District 34

Valdenia C. Winn, Democrat

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Valdenia C. Winn did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: no campaign website, but this is her legislative website www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_winn_valdenia_1

Pepe Cabrera, Republican

What should Kansas do about the teacher shortage? And what kinds of laws should the Legislature prioritize that would affect Kansas schools?

We need more legislative oversight of local school districts so the budget focus prioritizes classroom learning higher than it does school and district administrations. A byproduct of such oversight will help finance recruiting and retaining good teachers. The Legislature passed a bill that focused on a reading requirement for 3rd graders last session. I support that policy. My opponent voted against it.

Do you think Kansas should expand Medicaid?

There are far more efficient ways to ensure people have access to the health care they need without expanding a program that is not sustainable. The best approach would be to provide incentives for all employers to provide health care for their employees. This will have a multitude of 2nd and 3rd order effects. One of which is driving the cost of health care down by max participation and expanding the tax base to spread out the tax burden. We are already paying too much in taxes.

After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think the Legislature should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

The current laws have been voted on. The people have spoken.

Do you think Kansas should legalize marijuana?

I understand the benefits of medical marijuana from knowing many of my fellow military combat veterans using it to cope with PTSD. The challenge here is that it’s still viewed as an illegal schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act. I’m open to the discussion so long as it’s concurrently addressed at the federal level.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Nothing is more divisive than treating some topics as undebatable... including presidential elections 2016, 2004 and 2000. There is a history of challenging presidential elections dating all the way back to 1824. That said, President Biden was elected and inaugurated. He is our commander in chief. Full stop. As for the people who entered into the Capitol building on Jan. 6... I truly hope that they investigate all facets of that entire fiasco. From those who damaged property, to those responsible for security and anyone in between.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

I feel that once someone convicted of a felony is done serving their sentence, that their voting rights should be restored. Stripping the voting rights from convicted felons has historically been used to diminish the vote of minority populations. If someone has served their time and repaid their debt to society, they should then be given back their voice in the political process.

Campaign website: VoteForPepe.com

District 35

Marvin S. Robinson II, Democrat

What should Kansas do about the teacher shortage? And what kinds of laws should the Legislature prioritize that would affect Kansas schools?

Better pay for teachers, possibly less administrative expensive salaries: particularly with concentration on proven curriculum around core fundamentals education: Listen more to students and their parents versus consultant consensus. And fund after school intramural sports and vocational job training with pay for students: and get input from students about their unmet needs about schools and focus on addressing solutions regarding those students’ and parents’ suggestions.

Do you think Kansas should expand Medicaid?

Medicaid is too complicated to resolve or address in 100 words, or less. The state of Kansas needs more visible elevation to assist veterans in Medicaid in areas of medical care, for those who served in the defense of our nation, than the V.A. Medical Center. Brochures are one thing, but reality is the opposite. Simply, the absence of quality medical care for vets and allowing others superior access to Medicaid and only allowing vets access to the V.A. is sort of unfortunate and complicated. Like balance and inclusion for vets where the V.A. excludes quality and quantity of care. Possibly mental health care being higher priorities with so much stress from structural and economic violence.

After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think the Legislature should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

Hot button topic: complicated and very private, personal issue for decades and our U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on the topic: and the electorate in the great state of Kansas have spoken on opposite ends of the spectrum. Hopefully, somewhere in the middle those realities can find common ground. I have absolutely no idea, how the reality will unfold: it’s unclear how, but — suffice it to say, “Only God will be able to help figure out, how this situation resolves or evolves.” Heavy hitters: the rule of law on one hand, and the right of women’s decisions for their bodies, compacted with everybody’s input, is too complicated to project next steps or outcome-based results. Prayers and love to our nation.

Do you think Kansas should legalize marijuana?

Not sure it appears that Kansas is one of four states that marijuana remains fully illegal, actually I have no knowledge about what the other states are doing with their proceeds from the activity of legalization of the produce. But it is obviously, clear that the nation has an opportunity to choose to re-invest in their underserved areas rural, suburban or urban: or continue to be saturated with fentanyl, oxycontin or other just as dangerous products. Possibly place the question on the ballot for 2024.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Actually, I do not like to get involved in subjunctive history like the movie “History Boys”... I am more concerned about horrific weather dangers, secondary impacts space exploration launches and CERN and other up close hazardous disasters and lack of readiness for areas not necessarily being reported. To learn the simple cause and effect and how can regular average everyday households and families learn best practices for emergency readiness. Or what were the findings of thousand herds of cattle that died near the wind powers back earlier in the summer of 2022. Or environmental injustice that impacts daily coexistence. Our Congress and news media are conducting ample review of question above.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

American Veterans Archaeological Recovery through the US Army Corps of Engineers VETS Program to assist with the Quindaro Ruins/ UGRR-POMPEII of Kansas a national commemorative site as of 2019 to begin stabilization foundations. And have a neutral objective excellent opportunity to provide veterans to help sustain the cultural heritage of the first Kansas colored Union Army regiment; and simultaneously letting veterans know they are welcomed to have career training that could help springboard their additional career goals. That would help sensitize and improve race, class and cultural tolerance with preservation techniques and other skilled resources of LiDar, etc.

Campaign website: no campaign website

Sam Stillwell, Republican

What should Kansas do about the teacher shortage? And what kinds of laws should the Legislature prioritize that would affect Kansas schools?

Start with teacher pay. If it’s important, then pay for it. We all know what happens when something cheap is picked over a more expensive item of quality. Cap classroom sizes at 12 so the teacher:student ratio is more conducive to learning, more conducive to one-on-one support availability as needed. Provide a tax incentive to Kansas teachers similar to the child tax credits provided on a federal level. If you appreciate them, pay them. If you pay them, they will come.

Do you think Kansas should expand Medicaid?

I believe this issue should be explored more before decisions are made. Quick fixes are more destructive than not.

After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think the Legislature should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

I am pro-life.

Do you think Kansas should legalize marijuana?

Marijuana is a gateway drug. Considering the drug issues our country faces, the line is drawn at marijuana. We already know what legalizing marijuana in Colorado has done to increase their public assistance rolls. Both financial and public safety benefits didn’t come to pass, but in multiples areas of daily life the metrics have worsened. Of all the issues of importance facing Kansans, this is extremely low priority. Let’s better support education, make our communities safer, lower taxes putting more money in our pockets and better support the business community so they can provide jobs and benefits for Kansans.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

I do not like the results of the 2020 election, but I have no evidence to say it was not a fair election. President Joe Biden is the legitimate president. The Jan. 6 insurrection was inexcusable. Storming the Capitol is never justified. That’s never an acceptable way of expressing discontent. I would never support attacks on the United States government. I’m surprised more people were not shot.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

Education is that issue for me. Can we all agree that we are going to do what is best for our kids? In the homes of Kansans across the state, decisions are made to care for our children as best we can. When we don’t have the money we make hard choices, but always in the benefit of the children. That will not change for me in the Legislature.

Campaign website: stillwellforkansas.com

District 36

Lynn Melton, Democrat

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Lynn Melton did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/lynn.smithmelton

Kevin Braun, Republican

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Kevin Braun did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: kevinbraunks.com

District 37

Melissa Oropeza, Democrat

What should Kansas do about the teacher shortage? And what kinds of laws should the Legislature prioritize that would affect Kansas schools?

The teacher shortage has been shown to be multifactorial in studies. Kansas needs to prioritize the most emergent needs of our Kansas teachers. No job is ever perfect, but Kansas can do better for our teachers. The next generation of Kansans are depending on it.

Do you think Kansas should expand Medicaid?

Kansas is one of the last of 12 states to adopt Medicaid expansion. With greater Medicaid expansion, 150,000 Kansans would have access to care. 90% of Medicaid expansion is funded by the federal government. As a health care provider, I have experience with patients who would greatly benefit from Medicaid expansion. I believe this will alleviate the burden many Kansans face.

After Kansans voted to preserve the right to abortion in the state constitution, what role do you think the Legislature should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

Access to health care should never be denied or hindered by legislation. Once legislation gets involved in health care decisions, where will the line stop? There is never going to be a one-size-fits-all scenario, that is why health care is driven by data and guidelines.

Do you think Kansas should legalize marijuana?

I believe the legalization of marijuana would greatly help many sick Kansans. There are many diagnoses that marijuana is beneficial when used in the treatment plan.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Our election system worked as it was designed for the 2020 presidential election. I do condemn the violence of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

I believe that every student should have access to the opportunity to either advance their education or access to trade training for successful future employment and economic growth for Kansas. Kansas Promise Scholarship Priceless education at no cost to you

Campaign website: oropeza4kansas.com

Diana Whittington, Republican

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Diana Whittington did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.dianawhittington.com

This story was originally published October 20, 2022 at 7:00 AM.