Q&A House candidate Ron Witt (D)
HOUSE CANDIDATE RON WITT (D) LOOKS TO IMPROVE KANSAS ECONOMY, MassAppealNews.com
KANSAS CITY, Kan – Ron Witt has been active in the Kansas City community for over 30 years. Now a retiree, Witt has decided to throw his hat into the political arena as a Democratic candidate for the Kansas House of Representatives. “Our economic times are a challenge to say the least and new ways of solving old problems must be enacted,” said Witt.
“In some cases, old ways of solving old problems need to be revisited. I will research every piece of legislation to the best of my ability. I will work with the other legislators to accomplish positive outcomes for our state, workers and future.” Recently, Witt took time to discuss pertinent issues with Mass Appeal Editor Wayne Hodges. The Q&A interview went as follows:
HODGES: Mr. Witt, for starters, I want to thank you for granting this interview. I know you’re busy as the primaries loom in August. Can you state what office and district you’re running for?
WITT: I’m running for Kansas House of Representatives District 36. My wife Janice is running for Wyandotte County Commissioner at Large – District 1.
HODGES: I know you’ve been active in the Kansas City community the past three decades. Can you shed more light on your background, professional experience and level of education?
WITT: I served as a chiropractor for 30 years. I received my bachelors degree from UMKC (University of Missouri-Kansas City). I fell a few hours short of a Masters. I’m retired. But Janice is a business owner. And she’s also a graduate of UMKC.
HODGES: Like you, I’m also running for public office. And the one question I hear on a regular basis is “what is your motivation in politics?” So I pose the same question to you. Can you disclose your motivation? Would it include educational reform? Human Services? Tax policy perhaps?
WITT: In order for people to feel value they must feel like they are being heard and that the valid points are acted upon when appropriate. It is my belief that, especially in Wyandotte County, the true voice of the people has been stripped away and has been replaced by political & money motivations at the expense of the people of this county.
I want us to have a say, a voice and a feeling of value and control. It is my understanding that the ‘Marinovich Machine’ is coming back into power. Those years, in my opinion, were not kind to the majority of the people in this county. I have decided to run to make my best personal attempt to ensure that that does not happen.
HODGES: It’s no secret scholastic budget cuts have run rampant at both the state and local level nationwide. What’s your stance on education? Are you in support of these cuts? And what does this say about the future of public education?
WITT: I believe education should be exempt from budget cuts. Education should only be cut after the salaries of the executives and political leaders of the community. One thing is for sure. We would know who is in it for the money and who is in it for the people.
HODGES: Where do you stand on human service programs for the frail and elderly? Most people I talk to are concerned about the future of such programs as HCBS (Home Community Based Services) and Meals on Wheels. What’s your take?
WITT: I believe that our seniors and our children should be provided for at all costs. They represent where we are going and where we have been. I believe that how we treat the frail and young sets a standard for our future and shows our core values.
HODGES: Sadly, Wyandotte County has a reputation for being one of the highest taxed jurisdictions in the state of Kansas. If elected, what message do you plan to send to the taxpayers?
WITT: These taxes must go down! Where is the money? We are the most taxed, the most impoverished, the most unemployed, the most foreclosed, the most under privileged, the most brutal political atmosphere, the most misunderstood. When has being the most of anything been such a negative as it is to be a Wyandotte County resident/ property owner.
HODGES: I’m glad you mentioned foreclosures because there’s more bad news to report. In 2008, Wyandotte County led the entire state of Kansas with a mind-boggling 1,940 foreclosure filings. Mr. Witt, is this a byproduct of high property values? Bad appraisals? The recession maybe? Or does taxation play a role in this? What’s your message to homeowners?
WITT: I believe that all of these issues play a role in the large number of foreclosures. The fact that we have such a high jobless rate is in direct correlation with the high foreclosure numbers. There is also the issue that many residents in the county had sub prime contracts for various reasons that may have been entered into with bad information or misunderstanding.
Quite a few of those residents were not English speakers to understand those contracts fully and still, to date, have no idea of what happened to their home.This foreclosure madness has been a country wide issue. However, the high property values that are assessed in Wyandotte County are ridiculous. And I state that as a resident.
HODGES: Finally, if elected, what can the residents expect from you?
WITT: As a novice in the house of representatives, it is my understanding that the residents can always expect that I will hear their voice and represent their vote. When they call, I will answer. I will apply myself to this position with fervor and gratitude.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
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July 16th, 2010 at 11:49 am
anybody against marinovich got my vote — i want to ask her how is life in Johnson County?
i dont know which is worse: MARINOVICH or the STEINEGERS
damned if we do and damned if we dont
WITT FOR HOUSE REP!!!