State Senator - 15th District
Dan Goddard
I want to thank Candi Westbrook and the Coffeyville Chamber for allowing candidates a voice in lieu of a forum during the COVID pandemic. This primary election is critical to the 15th Senate District since the man you select will be your State Senator for the next 4 years given the fact there is no opponent in the general election.
I am running for re-election to the Kansas Senate as your Senator from District 15. Kansas faces many challenges, but the most important one is the budget crisis caused by the COVID pandemic. Our revenues have plummeted while our budget remains the same. However, I believe with any crisis an opportunity is created. Now is the time for all State agencies to tighten their belts and voluntarily cut spending. Since the Legislature will not be in session until January 2021, over half of the 2021 fiscal year will be behind us. That leaves less than 6 months for spending adjustments to take effect. I believe between now and January, the Governor needs to review her State agencies and make spending adjustments a priority. I am very concerned over the budget for fiscal year 2022. We will not be able to solve the entire problem in 2021 and we do not know if any federal assistance will come to the states to help budget shortfalls. You and I know this situation was not created by the people of Kansas and I will not support any effort to raise your income taxes or the sales tax. This is a problem that must be solved in Topeka, just like you would solve a family financial crisis – make adjustments, have a long term plan and stick to it. I am confident with legislators working together we will get through this and get back on the road to reducing and eventually eliminating the sales tax on food.
As a personal note, to show my dedication to solving our budget crisis, when I am elected I will not accept my $88.00 a day legislative pay during the 2021 legislative session. Since I am retired on a fixed income this will require me to make adjustments, create a plan, and stick to it.
So you might ask: What else do I stand for? I took an oath to support and defend The Constitution of The United States of America when I joined the military and that oath has no expiration date. I did the same for the State of Kansas Constitution when I was sworn into office and there is no expiration date on that oath either. I believe in and support free speech, freedom of religion, the 2nd Amendment, and the other rights of all Americans. I believe the vast majority of Kansans feel the same way I do.
Specifically:
- I will support the 2nd Amendment and oppose any legislation that would erode our right to keep and bear arms.
- I will support the right to life and the Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment.
- I will continue to support our farmers, ranchers, and the agri-business community.
- I support an education system with outstanding teachers, facilities, and a curriculum that prepares our young people to enter the work force, pursue technical training, or to enter our college and university system upon graduation from high school.
- I will continue to support our great rural hospitals and their health care networks.
- I will support a fiscally conservative budget and oppose any effort to raise your income tax or state sales tax.
- I will work with all Republican legislatures and when possible work across the aisle to make Kansas a better place for you to live and I will not be a divisive influence or practice the concept of personal destruction as opposed to collaborating with my colleagues for the benefit of all Kansans and in particular the great people of the 15th Senate District.
The bottom line is that I would not have the endorsements that I do if I had not been working for you in Topeka. I have been endorsed by the Kansas Farm Bureau of Montgomery, Neosho, and Labette counties, The National Rifle Association, Kansans for Life, the Kansas Agri-Business Council, the Kansas Livestock Association, the Kansas National Education Association, the Wichita Chamber PAC, and the Kansas Realtor PAC.
I believe I have served you well over the past 4 years and want to continue for another term as your State Senator. I ask for your support and your vote whether you vote by mail or at the polls on August 4th.
Dan Goddard
State Senator, SD15
Virgil Peck
Brief bio – 60 yrs. of age and lifelong Kansan. Born in Wichita and raised in rural SEK. In 1977, married my high school sweetheart – Tamara. We have three children and have six grandchildren. While a member of the KS House, Tamara proved valuable to me (& my constituents) as I (we) had the added benefit of her communicating things from a female perspective – few male legislators had/have that benefit.
Self-employed insurance agent since Sept. 1979, earning numerous awards – including twice being “Producer of the Year” for one of the companies I represent. Qualified for the President’s Club (top 5% of agents) of two different insurance companies 12 times.
Reason for running – I’m running for the Kansas Senate because we can do better than we’ve done for the past four years. In 2017 the Legislature passed the largest budget in state history and then passed the largest (& retroactive) tax increase in state history. Over the past four years, state spending has increased from $6 billion annually to over $8 billion – an annual increase of $500 million. I’m widely known as a fiscal conservative who understands the negative impact high taxes have on Kansas families and businesses.
Platform – “Putting Taxpayers First”. We’re facing unprecedented times which will take real leadership to get Kansas on track toward a more prosperous future. Unlike my opponent who never introduced any legislation, I’ve introduced (authored) several pieces of legislation that become law – I know how to get things done. My social media (below) answers most questions voters would ask.
Website: www.virgil4senate.com Facebook: Virgil Peck for State Senate
